Entertainment | Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi

ZUKU TV

Electronic media regulators, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) says only 2.9 percent of Malawians have access to pay TV like DSTV a situation officials say is worrisome. ZUKU TV

Macra director general Godfrey Itaye said this Wednesday in Blantyre when three local television stations signed to be beamed on Zuku, an east Africa pay TV. Itaye said it was more dissapointing that only 10 percent of Malawians have access to.local television stations. He said there was need to do more to ensure more Malawians are well informed. Itaye therefore welcomed the coming of Zuku TV, saying with only K2500 pay per month. Malawians can watch news and get maximum entertainment. “It is pleasing to note that Zuku TV has taken on board local television stations. This is what we would like to see. We need more content for the viewers,” said Itaye. The three TV stations that are now on Zuku v are Times, Zodiak and Luso. Zuku Country Manager Robert Wanjohi said the additional stations will provide home grown entertainment to Malawians. “We have added these stations in an effort to meet the ever growing demand for Malawian content from our local viewers. As a company, we want to provide more local content to the viewers,” he said. Wanjohi also said Zuku will soon launch a new package at a rate affordable to most Malawians. “Today, we are also launching the Zuku smart pack, whose subscription fee is only K2,500 per month. We believe this will help Malawians to be entertained in the comfort of their homes but at a reasonable fee,” he said. Zuku also operates in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Hellings Masamba

A new gospel artist has risen in Lilongwe with an announcement that his mission is to target both born again Christians and non-believers. [caption id="attachment_105359" align="alignright" width="600"]

Hellings Masamba[/caption] Twenty-eight year-old Hellings Masamba has since released his debut album titled Chisomo with many of his songs already enjoying the airplay in some of the Christian radio stations in the country. Speaking in an interview, Masamba said he was happy that he has finally realised his dream of reaching out to the people with the gospel through music. He said the main message in the album is about repentance, hope for Christians, grace, love and the goodness of God. The fourth year Mass communication student at African Bible college said he started composing in 2009 adding although the album has 10 songs only, he has in stock many more songs enough for 3 more albums. He said his effort to record the rest of the songs is being hampered by lack of sponsorship. The album among others features songs such as Amandikonda which according to Masamba, talks about the love that God has showered personally to him. Other tracks are Mwamumvetsa kuwawa, Ndalephera, You are holy, Mumtanda, Zikomo Yesu, and Ndalephera, Munaonamo chani and Thanthwe. He said the album has variety of beats including Pasada, Reggae, R and B, and tradition, to offer listeners a wider choice. According to the artist, the official launch of the album will take place towards the end of this year. “The reason we still live today is because God is gracious and merciful. He wants us to change and we must do that quickly before time runs out” he said in his message to gospel music lovers in the country.

Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga of RFP Ministries

Redeemed for A Purpose Ministries (RFP) has organised a one day marriage, courtship and singles conference that will be held at Blantyre Baptist Media Center premises on Sunday, March 13, 2016. [caption id="attachment_105409" align="alignright" width="600"]

Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga of RFP Ministries[/caption] The conference, to be led by the Ministries’ Senior Minister, Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga, is aimed at offering spiritual wisdom on developing Godly relationships and teach on how God-led companionships can be built and sustained. According to Blantyre RFP Resident Pastor, Emma Mwasinga, over the years and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Aubrey has taught and counseled thousands on this subject, helping to curb the alarming rates of divorces and relationship breakups. “The subject has also prevented singles from making wrong choices as regards future spouses. Pastor Aubrey also believes that these conferences are of national benefit as the family is the basic unity and pillar of any society,” says Pastor Emma Mwasinga ahead of the conference. She adds: “A recent internet survey reveals that 95 percent of children born in broken homes end up being robbers, murders, unruly citizens and end up in divorces. This has also prompted Pastor Aubrey to continue to teach the unadulterated and accurate knowledge of the word of God on the subject”. The Pastor believes that building healthy relationships will result into more productive families, who will in turn build a healthy and prosperous nation. The RFP Ministries leadership also observes that dating, courtship and progression to marriage topics sound unscriptural to many, especially when it comes to the teachings on dating and courtship alone. “To others, they believe it is scriptural to be in a relationship but they feel it is not an area worth learning about,” explains Pastor Mwasinga. She further notes that pressured by the society, young people go into relationships without any guidance, but yet expect to produce the right fruits out of the relationship, saying the result is the increase in premarital breakups and marriage divorces. Says her: “As a ministry we have a special grace to uncover all truths regarding love relationships. From the single, those in courtship and to the married, we are totally committed to raising responsible men and women in a spiritual way in their relationships”. Considering the fact that the area has been and remains the cause of immorality and the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the youth, the ministry conducts courtship and marriage seminars to teach the fundamentals of the purpose of relationships, and enjoying how couples can enjoyrelationship and not endure it. The event, which will run from 1pm to 4:30pm, promises to be a pillar of hope to the family structure in Malawi. Apart from the preaching of the word; the day will be spiced up with special music performances from renowned ministers from within the ministry and testimonies.

Flo- Dee

[caption id="attachment_105505" align="alignright" width="550"]

Flaunt it! Flo Dee[/caption] [caption id="attachment_105504" align="alignright" width="540"]

Flo- Dee[/caption] Rising female rapper/singer, Florida Chinyumba, popularly called Flo Dee, is briskly becoming a grown sexy woman. The Lilongwe-based “Veke Mphete” and “Mafumu” artist shared some really pretty swimwear photos on Instagram revealing her sexiness.

Ma Blacks

The cracks that have lately been punctuating probably Malawi’s most loved band, The Black Missionaries, following the ousting of the Chokani brothers – Paul and Takudziwani could sooner than later be impacting negatively on the former. [caption id="attachment_105584" align="alignright" width="283"]

Ma Blacks[/caption] On Sunday, the band gave out a disappointing show in Karonga as part of the PSI Chishango Music Bash. Julius Simwaka, a fan who watched the show, said the band’s performance was “shoddy.” He said the absence of Taku and Paul was “felt.” He said: “The two added flavour to their performances. Their leaving will seriously affect the band’s future performances forever.” Taku and Paul have died a natural death in the band, and have revived the Wailing Brothers which released their album Unfinished Project last month. The band also lost – to death - Thugo, a few weeks ago – a keyboardist. Nyasa Times could not get hold of band leader, Anjiru Fumulani, who was smuggled away by police immediately after the show. But both Anjiru and Taku have repeatedly said that they would be working together. Ironically, the Blacks have missed Wailing Brothers launches. But Ricky Nyaleye, PSI Communications Manager, said that the show had been “massive.” He said the campaign was being carried out to “sensitize” people on the importance of using condoms. The campaign is a national tour and it started in Mzuzu at Katoto Secondary School on Saturday.

Faith Mussa captured at the concert - Pic By Kondwani Magombo.

Multi-talented artists, Lulu, Faith “Desperate” Mussa and Afro-jazz guitarist, Ernest Ikwanga Friday night stormed Mchinji, at Grace Classic Lodge for a concert organized by Nthanda Arts Dimensions. [caption id="attachment_105588" align="alignright" width="516"]

Lulu doing what he knows best - Pic. By Kondwani Magombo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_105589" align="alignright" width="600"]

Part of the patronage dancing the night out - Pic. By Kondwani Magombo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_105587" align="alignright" width="600"]

Faith Mussa captured at the concert - Pic By Kondwani Magombo.[/caption] Although the show was a bit delayed by a prolonged blackout that went up to around 8 O'clock in the evening the patrons had a show worth the waiting as the artists did not disappoint. The artist's who took turns dishing out their best songs, mesmerized the hundreds of fun-seekers who patronized the show to dance the night away. Ikwanga held the patrons spell-bound with his Afro-jazz music before Mussa sprung onto the stage with his hits including his popular number “Desperate” that turned the patrons wild as they did more of singing along than dancing. It wasn't until around way past midnight that Lulu stormed the stage with a deafening applause and he took the show to the break of dawn when he dished out his last song at around 2:30AM. Nthanda Arts Dimensions who organized the show said was impressed with the patronage in Mchinji and that fun-seekers deserved what they got. “It was a rare combination on stage and we are very impressed with the response of the patrons because bringing music that demands more of listening than dancing like Ikwanga's jazz is not something people are used to,” explained Kelvin Gumbi, spokesperson for Nthanda Arts Dimensions. Gumbi said Nthanda planned to be holding such shows in Mchinji every month where rare combinations of artists would be brought on stage to dish out their best. “Mchinji is a fun centre and we cannot deny the people the fun they deserve: Nthanda Arts Dimensions will strive to bring artists every month,” explained Gumbi. The patrons - some from neighbouring Zambia - expressed their satisfaction and said they looked forward to similar shows in the border district. “This is what we need here in Mchinji; artists such as Lulu performing here is a great development we could ever hope for,” said one patron from Chipata. The Friday show was a compensatory show following the cancellation of another show foiled by a black out and stormy rain on 27 February at Kwidu Holiday Resort.

Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga during the conference

There was an enormous turn out of attendees to the widely publicized day-long conference on marriage, courtship and singlehood with participants coming from as far as Zomba, Thyolo, Mwanza and surrounding districts with others outside Malawi streaming the event. [caption id="attachment_105666" align="alignright" width="600"]

Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga during the conference[/caption] [caption id="attachment_105665" align="alignright" width="600"]

Marriage, Courtship and Singlehood Conference attendees[/caption] Days prior to the event, all social networks were awash with posters and audio clips no wonder the crowd pulled to Baptist Media Centre to listen to Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga’s teaching surpassed the expected 600. "The Auditorium can only accommodate a maximum of 300 people, we knew that there will be an overflow that is why we mounted a tent outside the hall to shelter them but that was also not enough,"said Head of Protocol Department at Redeemed For a Purpose (RFP) Ministries Pastor Ellen Kalumba. According to her, there was a turnout of close to 1000 people and that many returned because there was no room to accommodate them. The President of Redeemed for a Purpose Ministries, Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga during the conference said the only solution to marital problems that are on the increase is the word of God. He said divorces and break ups are on the increase because the foundation of many relationships is porous, unstable. "The solution is not in marriage counsellors. Marriage counsellors only handle the symptoms and signs of the problem in our marriages, let us address the root cause," Pastor Mwasinga said. Mwasinga said family was ordained by God and that it only God who can deal with the root of the problems. He said family is a key institution in the development of any nation and that children that are raised in broken families grow up into irresponsible citizens and law breakers. Due to the overwhelming attendance, RFP is staging another Marriage, Courtship and Singlehood seminar next week, March 20, 2016. Mwasinga: "This will be a continuation from the foundation I have laid out already, it is possible to enjoy your marriage for that is Gods purpose that you enjoy an not endure your relationship,". Apart from hosting conferences on successful relationships; Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga is also the man behind the Combining Spiritual and Academic Excellence (CSAE) Conferences. He has also authored many books including one of the bestselling Christian books CSAE.

Controversial photo of Gwamba

Gwamba’s “Better” hit song has become the first song to hit 100 thousand downloads despite the social media being awash by the “leaked photo” frenzy on Tuesday. [caption id="attachment_105730" align="alignright" width="368"]

Controversial photo of Gwamba[/caption] Fellow artists have so far congratulated the rapper for hitting the mark but wondered why people were concentrating on the ‘leaked photo” other than celebrating his success story. Ben Sam posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, “Koma zoti nyimbo ya Duncan Gwamba Zgambo ili ndi ma downloads oposa 100, 000 pa Malawi Music dot com in a very short time, bwanji sumikutchukitsa? Gwambayu atati asiye kuyimba lero, position atasiyeyo inuyo mukakwanitsa kukhalapo? Jealous ones still envy... ..J.OS.E.” He further noted, “Looking at this photo that my brother Duncan Gwamba Zgambo is in and is circulating. To me, someone took an opportunity of taking a photo with him while he was asleep. And there must have been not less than 3 people in that room... ..my observation” Speaking to this reporter in an interview, the rapper refused to comment on the photo but was quick to thank his fans for hitting 100 thousand downloads on Malawi-music.com. “I'm very grateful for the support and I'm extremely humbled. Thanks for the free promotion for my new song 'Alleluyah'. Dropping this Friday,” Gwamba stated. He further added, “But then, it's not like I have to explain myself to anybody. So anyone is free to believe what makes him/her feel better. “It's kinda sad but funny how people are trying their best to bring me down yeah. Then I have to pick up calls from Journalists,” the rapper bemoaned. He also took it to his Twitter, and questioned, “Kodi nkhani yoti Better ili ndi ma downloads 100,000 simupanga retweet?” “BETTER” is Gwamba’s first single since he turned to gospel music early this year. However, there are mixed reactions on the leaked photo with some quarters thinking it might be a publicity stunt ahead of his next release on Friday. Some of his fans have also joked on the photo, urging the rapper to stay strong because one day “zizakhala better.”

Tereza Ndanga: Zodiak and Nation to run the beauty contest

Finally, aspiring models have something to smile about following revelations that two local media giants, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and the Nation Publications Limited (NPL), have taken over the management of Miss Malawi beauty pageant. [caption id="attachment_46761" align="alignright" width="454"]

Tereza Ndanga: Zodiak and Nation to run the beauty contest[/caption] The competition has not been held for the three years and the coming in of ZBS and NPL will surely breathe in a new life into the event. Teresa Temweka Ndanga of ZBS disclosed on Thursday that the two media giants have taken over the management of the beauty contest. ZBS and NPL have taken over the Miss Malawi operating licence from Events Management Limited (EML) title holders of the pageant. ''The official launch of the Miss Malawi Project is next Wednesday 23 March in Lilongwe where the licence will be handed over to the new management,'' disclosed Ndanga. Ndanga said unlike previous events, this time around the organizers will hold auditions in all districts to ensure every aspiring model is given chance to participate. ''Once launched, we will outline several activities that will culminate into national event. Our judges will go into district to audition those aspiring to become Miss Malawi,'' said Ndanga. EML are the pioneers of Miss Malawi under the celebrated organiser, Carver Bhima. There have been inconsistencies in having the annual Miss Malawi beauty contests in recent years due to lack of sponsorship and continued change of organizers. Malawi made headlines in 2012 after its representative at Miss World, Susan Mtegha shoved a fellow contestant.

Chinga: No More

Malawians flocked to social media from Wednesday night after news broke that sensational gospel musician Grace Chinga has died. [caption id="attachment_55081" align="alignright" width="332"]

Chinga: No More[/caption] Family friend Pastor Chris Suya of Malawi Assemblies of God, confirmed the death on Thursday, saying she died at Queens Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre where she was taken to after complaining of headache. "We received a call that she was down with headache and we rushed there around seven in the evening. We took her to Queens Elizabeth Hospital where she, sadly passed away," said Pastor Suya, husband to Thoko Suya, another sensetional gospel singer. He said family members are yet to.make burial arrangements for the fallen heroine. Chinga recenty released a single Ndizaulura which announced her comeback into music frame after along silence. Grace Chinga is a renowned gospel artist with several albums to her credit. She has been labelled as Malawi's Rebecca Malope. Chinga hit headlines during her divorce proceedings some years back when she told the Blantyre magistrates Court that her husband - photographer Roger Moffati -forced to sleep with her when she was having monthly periods. Chinga is survived by three children. Many Malawians continue to mourn and pay tributes to the late singer on the social networking site.

Q Malewezi

Celebrated poet, educator cum music producer and event manager, Qabaniso Malewezi has announced his poetry album 'People' will be pre-released on online platforms iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Tidal, Groove Deezer, Apple Music, Spotify and Shazam. [caption id="attachment_58935" align="alignright" width="594"]

Q Malewezi[/caption] According to the artist, who recently released the albums track list on social media platforms Facebook and Twitter; People will be available on several online platforms for fans to stream, download and purchase and the chance to appreciate the album leading up to the official launch event on 2nd April. The artistically rich album features Faith Mussa and Marlen Chimombo, and 29 year old Malawian Traveling Visual Artist called Corey — Glass Smith who illustrated the albums hard-hitting cover art. In addition to the diverse calibre of poets performing at the album launch at BICC; Okoma atani Malunga,, Menes La Plume, Robert Chiwamba, Emmanuel Banda, Sabrina Tambala, Julius Banda and Special Guest Vangile Gantsho from South Africa. "Autographed copies of the People album and other merchandise will also be available for sale at the venue," Q explained. The People spoken word album will be launched on Saturday 2nd April at the BICC auditorium in Lilongwe. Tickets are available at MK 5,000 Standard and MK 10,000 VIP at Ulendo, Foodworths, Crossroads Hotel Business Centre, Papaya, Flavours Café in Lilongwe. Malewezi said Corporate Bulk Tickets are also available via the hotline: +265 11 155 0150 or email sales@qonceptcreative.com. A pioneer in the spoken word poetry scene, the award winning poet and educator already has two published poetry anthologies; "The Road Taken" and "Little Discoveries" to his artistic repertoire. Over the past year, Qabaniso Malewezi was also featured on CNNs African Voices, BBC World, NME Magazine and The Travel Channel and was consequently awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to the creative arts by Mzuzu University Q Malewezi has recited original works at events such as Poetry Africa, AfrWeka Poetry Festival, Harare International Festival of Arts, Word N Sound Poetry Festival and Lake of Stars Arts Festival. Q is a founding member of the Living room Poetry Club in Lilongwe and mentors young poets through his spoken word program “Project-Project”.

Chinga: Tributes pour in

Rodger Moffat an ex-husband to gospel diva, Grace Chinga has expressed shock at her sudden death on Wednesday. [caption id="attachment_105812" align="alignright" width="504"]

Chinga: Tributes pour in[/caption] Grace reportedly had complained of a headache and collapsed at her residence in Blantyre. She was taken to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in the city, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Moffat, a freelance photographer who was married to Grace for 10 years before a Blantyre Magistrate Court dissolved the marriage in 2007 following matrimonial differences, said he learnt of her death Wednesday night. He said the demise of his ex-wife and mother of his two children was a great loss to him and his family. “We heard from Maggie Mangani that she complained of headache and later collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. “We never heard of any illness,” a grief-stricken Moffat said at parliament building in Lilongwe on Thursday morning. Legendary Afro-jazz saxophonist, Wyndham Chechamba, gospel and circular musicians alike have also expressed shock over the death of gospel songbird, Grace Chinga, describing it as irreparable loss in the industry. The 82-year-old musician, Chechamba, said death had again robbed the industry and the nation “one of the finest female artists who raised the country's profile.” Chechamba said he had seen Grace from the start to her epic level and that it was heart-breaking to think of her as late. “She raised our profile together with the likes of Ethel Kamwendo and many others but it is her total commitment and the passion she put into her music that will never be equaled,” said Chechamba. He added that as an ageing artist he took pride in the talented upcoming artists and hoped that they would carry the baton and run with it. Meanwhile, President for Music Association of Malawi, Rev. Chimwemwe Mhango, has said musicians in the country are mourning Grace and he described her demise as painful. “She is gone but her music will still live,” wrote Rev. Mhango on his Facebook page. “Death is so painful but in Christ we have our strength and hope of meeting again in His glory ... Rev.14:13. To God be the glory. Amen.” Another veteran musician and producer, Joseph Tembo, described Grace as a one great artist and performer the nation ever had. “We have lost amazing talent,” responded Tembo via social media. “She was a great composer, song writer stage performer and she had sweet voice. She inspired many young upcoming singers and she was hard working.” Tembo said as a producer, he enjoyed working on Grace's production in the studio. Grace was yet to launch her new album Ndzaulura. Born on June 28, 1978, Grace is survived by three children. Burial is on Saturday at Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) in Blantyre.-- Additional reporting by Jabulani Kamngoya, Mana

Top Malaiw singers Maskal producer Twin Beatz and Piksy

Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) says the emergence of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Whatsup in the communication world, has negatively affected operations of Malawi's artistic work in various ways. [caption id="attachment_90246" align="alignright" width="405"]

Top Malaiw singers Maskal producer Twin Beatz and Piksy[/caption] COSOMA Licensing Manager, Mutty Munkhondia, made the observation and expressed concern in Mzuzu Thursday after delivering a public lecture at Malawi Institute of Journalism-MIJ (Mzuzu campus) on Copyright Law. Munkhondia said since internet came into limelight, people started sharing artistic work such as books, songs and videos anyhow; a development which he said is against the Copyright Law of the land. “What used to be difficult in terms of piracy in the past has now become extremely simple to commit,” observed Munkhondia, observing that currently, almost each and every citizen has become a culprit of this offence. Commenting on the matter, Chairperson for Musicians Association of Malawi- Northern Region Chapter Dytone Mbewe, who is also one of the musicians in the country, concurred with Munkhondia, saying social media has badly affected the music industry in the country as songs are shared among the people even before they go on the market. “As musicians, we are losing a lot of money through social media because by the time our songs go on the market, you find that the songs have already been distributed among the people,” said Mbewe. Giving an example of Kenya, Mbewe said in that country, musicians do not lose money through social media as is the case in Malawi because people access songs through purchase of musical cards as we do with airtime for mobile phones. “I would love if COSOMA and MAM introduced this in Malawi because the money will be going straight into our (bank) accounts as musicians,” said Mbewe. However, Munkhondia said the problem that artistic work faces now emanates from inadequacies in the country's Copyright Law which was enacted in 1989. He observed that a number of things need to be amended in order for the law to suit the current technology. “Our law lacks in many areas because what it was focusing on then was physical distribution or problems, but now with the coming in of fibre space, our law lacks a lot in such areas,” added Munkhondia. He then disclosed the Copyright Law went under review recently by considering all internet treaties across the globe in preparation for its submission to Parliament for approval. Among other things, the Copyright Law prohibits the reproduction, broadcasting, public performance, distribution and translation of somebody`s work without permission.

Chinga: Haters want to use her death for character assassination of others

Malawi’s top gospel artists have denied reports circulation in some Whatsapp group that they had released a song for departed celebrated gospel musician Grace Chinga. [caption id="attachment_105812" align="alignright" width="504"]

Chinga: Haters want to use her death for character assassination of others[/caption] Since Chinga’s death, there have been wild speculations about the award winning songstress. Gwamba and Onesimus have denied as “false” reports that they had produced a song about Chinga. “I never did any song about Grace Chinga. She was a great talent and it with heavy heart that I mourn her untimely death,” said. Onesimus also paid tribute to Chinga and described her death as a shock. “A big loss for gospel music and a cruel blow to us all,” he said. Proudly labelled as Malawi’s Rebecca Malope, Chinga was pronounced dead upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre on Wednesday after a short illness. Meanwhile, controversial Pastor Hastings Salanje has sent a strong warning to people to “stop the hate” by associating the death of Grace Chinga with any other person. Some people have been posting several comments via social media describing Chinga's death as not being a "natural" death. Salanje said it is unacceptable to tarnish some people as being responsible in Chinga's sudden death, saying death is a reality to all. "God will surely punish such people," said Salanje. A hate campaign has been launched to attack some religious leaders and accused them of death of the artist. But Salanje said people peddling such lies are “full of jealous.” The body of the gospel queen will be buried on Saturday at HHI Cemetery in Blantyre.

Jaxstar (in yellow jacket

Rejuvenated rapper Jaxstar on Saturday 19th March released new song “Ndalama” in which he discusses money, the good, the bad and the ugly. [caption id="attachment_105931" align="alignright" width="600"]

Jaxstar leads with Ndalama[/caption] Done in both English and Chichewa, the song is quite captivating with a catchy hook and a heavy beat that leaves one jiggle throughout the Black Eye produced song which also features Stich Fray. The rapper said the song was inspired by true events, from having money to being broke hence the public will easily relate to the concept. In the song, Jaxstar raps, “Look what money brings, enemies and better things/Fake friends they always claim, skinny girls in miniskirts, everyday they wanna flirt/Look what money does, they claim they got the buzz/Money brings happiness/…it brings holiness/Money never went to those that really need it/Money pays all the bills, look how money kills.” “I talking about something that everybody knows. We know what money has done to all of us, good or bad, it’s just about money. “I just want to do good music; I’m not trying to be the baddest. We all get moved by music, music is a universal language that we all speak when we want to express ourselves and the events around us hence we call it art, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world,” he stated in an interview. Born Chimwemwe Ayanja Jamali in a family of six on 5 April 1991 in Lilongwe, Malawi, he attended Walani Primary School, Michiru Secondary School and went on to pursue a degree in Law and Shariah at Zanzibar University, Tanzania. Jaxstar started rapping in 2006, he has one mixtape under his belt “2000 and shine” which featured Young Kay, Dare Devils, Revolver and Hypa. The mixtape was released in 2009 under Baseline Studios which was owned by Pempho Kafoteka and Sonyezo Kandoje. In 2010, Jaxstar put his music on hold and left Malawi for Tanzania to further his studies. After graduating in 2015, he came back to Malawi and he is currently reviving his music career. In 2015, he teamed with Blantyre based producer Black Eye, Classick and Africa to record his comeback single “No Stress”. In 2016, he has released another single “Ndalama” featuring Stick Fray in preparation for the release of his new EP titled “Not For Your Ears” scheduled for July release.

Listen and Download “Ndalama” on http://mdubvibe.com/song-details/?sid=10896

Grace Chinga's children Steve and Miracle sing at the funeral ceremony of their mother -Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Chief Zingwangwa lost cool during Grace Chinga's funeral ceremony at Robins Park when he lashed out at gospel musicians for their failure to involve chiefs in making the funeral programme. [caption id="attachment_105961" align="alignright" width="600"]

Grace Chinga's children Steve and Miracle sing at the funeral ceremony of their mother -Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption] [caption id="attachment_105960" align="alignright" width="600"]

Chief Zingwangwa lashes at gospel musicians at Grace Chinga’s funeral[/caption] Speaking before a crowd of over 25,000, the chief said it was unfortunate the musicians that they did not consult chiefs on the venue of the funeral ceremony regarding the fact that Robins Park failed to accommodate thousands of people that came to mourn the Rebecca Malope’s moniker. "Ethel [Kamwendo Banda] where are you? Thoko Katimba where are you? Why dint you consult [Allan] Ngumuya MP who is also a musician himself? Grace's body deserved to be taken at Kamuzu Stadium because she was a public figure and you have witnessed yourself here that Robins Park is too small for this funeral ceremony," said the chief before receiving a loud of applause. The chief said due to overcrowding at Robins park she nearly fainted because of the heat. "Next time do it better and for today as chiefs we have forgiven you,"she said. Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia described Chinga's death as a big blow to the nation. She said even President Peter Mutharika was shocked and saddened with the death of Grace. Chiumia said it is sad to be losing talented musician like Grace who preach the word of God through music. Musician Association of Malawi President Willy Chatepa said Grace was a talented musician and that it will be difficult to replace her. Chimwemwe Mizaya, a veteran gospel artist said Grace will remain in Malawian hearts because of her role she played in promoting gospel music.

Jalasi: I will bankroll Akitivi

Upcoming Afro R&B singer, song writer Mike Akitivi has been assured of maximum financial support from a Malawian based in Ireland Lorrein Jalasi after seeing his potential. [caption id="attachment_106007" align="alignright" width="477"]

Jalasi: There is potential in Akitivi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_83485" align="alignright" width="526"]

Mike Akitivi[/caption] Akitivi had been studying in Ireland before he returned home and started pursuing his music career. Jalasi , working as a Health Care Assistant, said she is convinced Akiti will do well in music career and pledged financial support for his forthcoming album. "I am sponsoring him and I will do that all the way" she said. For a starter, Jalasi is providing financial support for the forth coming Akitivi's first audio album as well as video shooting. On his part, Akitivi who has recently been signed by Afro R & B Lawrence 'Lulu' Khwisa's Mathumela Production could not hide his joy. "I am very delighted with the initiative and I will try my level best not to disappoint my sponsor and fans," said Akitivi. Akitivi previously released a number of singles including Christina and Ndimathokoza. He has since released two more singles from his yet to be titled first ever album to be released in May 2016. According to Akitivi, he has decided to release the album in May to pave way for Lulu who is also working on his new album likely to be out by April. He is expected to start shooting his music videos of his new songs soon.

magigi

Zambia's man of the moment Mr. Magigi a brain behind the hit song 'Nilibe Pulobulemu' is expected to headline easter music live perfomances organized by Impakt Events throughout the Easter holiday. The artist alongside Zambian counterparts Organized Family will perform face to face with Malawi's father of music Lucius Banda and his entire Zembani Band featuring Nepman, Sa magigi

m Smakweli and Limbani Dube formerly called Limbani Banda. The first show will be held on 25th March, 2016 at the new magnificent Ngomz Park in Liwonde. The show is expected to start at 6pm to 6am the following morning and is pegged at K2,500.00 only. On 26th March, the Malawi versus Zambia team storms Chez Ntemba international in Blantyre before invading Wakawaka in the central region on 27th March. Both at Chez Ntemba and Wakawaka patrons are expected to cough K3,000.00 to enjoy the maximum entertainment and shows starts at 6pm and 3pm respectively. People from the northern region have not been spared as they will also have a chance to see and sample out Mr. Magigi's live performances at the Mzuzu Tourist Lodge on 28th March, 2016. The show is pegged at K2,500 and will start at 3pm till late. Meanwhile, the Zambian team through Orga Kent of the Organized family has confirmed their coming to Malawi. "The music teacher will be in Malawi this easter get organized be there. Organized we stand, disorganized we fall" Commented Orga Kent on Malawi's ragga queen Wendy Harawa's post Facebook.

Sangwani Munthali performing during a media launch in Blantyre on Saturday

Musician Sangwani Munthali had a spectacular weekend performing in front of the country’s media personalities and music experts who Saturday night left Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre satisfied with his new music. [caption id="attachment_106026" align="alignright" width="600"]

Sangwani Munthali performing during a media launch in Blantyre on Saturday[/caption] [caption id="attachment_106025" align="alignright" width="600"]

Chigo (centre) and the other two saxophonists at work[/caption] [caption id="attachment_106027" align="alignright" width="600"]

Sangwani Munthali and some of the band members[/caption] The artist, who terms his music as advanced afro contemporary (Adfroc), is gearing up for the release of a third album titled “Ndipulumutseni”, scheduled for release in winter. Some music reporters, DJs and broadcasters from Blantyre and others from Mzuzu were invited to have a taste of what to be expected off the Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire-mentored musician’s latest project. The husky-voiced singer dished out four new tracks including the title track, “Waweme”, “Yehova Mtima Wane” and “Ndilowala”. He also performed the title track to his previous album “Themba”. The musician assembled the best arsenal for a band that backed him. It included the cream of Malawian instrumentalists among them guitarists Ernest Ikwenga and Goma Nyondo, drummer-cum-producer Amos Mlolowah, keyboardist-cum-producer Gresham Mokoena and percussionist Daniel Thom aka Super DT.Most of these artists have worked with Mtebeti Wambali. Excitingly, the band also included three young saxophonists who are new on the scene, and in particular one saxophone player who left the audience awe-inspired with his skillon the woodwind instrument was Chigomezgo Nyasulu from Karonga. In spite ofhis performancebeing a mini display, Sangwani left everyone who attended the event enthralled. “It was a short but sweet performance,” commented MBC Radio’s Chipiliro Mtumodzi. “His body of work is well crafted and exudes lots of maturity and uniqueness.” Ethnomusicologist Waliko Makhala, who is also an MBC Radio and TV producer, was also all praises for Sangwani, both for his compositions and the standout performance he put up ahead of the main shows coming. Sangwani Munthali’s new album, a 13-track project, was producedin Windhoek where he worked with professionals from Zimbabwe and Namibia, the project has 13 tracks. Doing afro contemporary music, different from what most gospel musicians are producing in Malawi, the artist revealed “Ndipulumutseni” is an album that he is releasing with his eyes set on the international market. He however said: “Even if I’m thinking globally, I strongly believe Malawians will also accept this type of music the way they did with Wambali who inspired me to be doing what am doing now.” Added the 40-year-old: “Malawian music is changing, I have seen people accepting Lawi, I have seen people accepting [Patience] Namadingo and I know for sure they will accept me.” “Ndipulumutseni” album is scheduled to be officially released on 27 May 2016 and will be launched at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, then at Robins Park in Blantyre on 28 May and finally in Mzuzu at Boma Park on 4 June.

Zani Challe and Dbanj

South Africa-based Malawian artist Zani Challe - born Zani Michelle Chiumia - seems she has found a new base in Nigeria where she is rumoured to have found love in Lagos. [caption id="attachment_106070" align="alignright" width="400"]

Zani Challe and Patoranking[/caption] [caption id="attachment_106069" align="alignright" width="400"]

Zani Challe and Dbanj[/caption] Of late, the “Gwada” star has been spotted with top Nigerian artists. The multifaceted Malawian diva recently shared pictures of her and Patoranking, D’banj, Tiwa Savage and Waje on social media. The pictures, especially with the “My Woman, My Everything” and “Fall In Love” stars have brought about some speculations on which one of the Nigerian mega stars Zani could be seeing. “I’m still tryna decide if he is that tall or if I’m that short @patorankingfire #malawimeetsnigeria#nigerianbrotherisfinetho#gwadawhenyouseeme#malawisown#whenjesussaysyesnobodycansayno”, Zani captioned the picture with Patoranking. [caption id="attachment_106071" align="alignright" width="400"]

Zani Challe with Tiwa Savage (right) and Waje (left)[/caption] While the picture with D’banj is captioned: “Recapping the wknd. Getting turnt with @iambangalee #kokomaster #turnupgang #malawianbeauty #nigeriameetsmalawi #gwadawhenyouseeme”. The two pictures plus the captions have led to some suppositions and leave us asking a billion questions. If we look closely at the Zani-Patoranking photo, there isn’t much emotion as compared to D’banj’s where they are embracing each other with so much ecstasy. We don’t know if it’s the alcohol as it is stated in the caption that they were turning up. Is it D’banj she is seeing then? On the other hand, we notice that she compliments Patoranking’s looks suggesting a degree of attraction and also her caption goes on to say “…still decide if…” and the “still” implies that they have met on several occasions or they could be seeing each other on the regular. Hey people, it’s all speculation, let’s wait and see how it will unfold…#MALAWIMEETSNIGERIA.

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