South African group jets in Malawi for NASFEST Youth Cultural Festival

Siyathandisa Theatre Work group welcomed
at KIA by film actor 'Phwedo'
& NASFEST team

A group of young artists from South Africa, Siyathandisa Theatre Work has arrived in the country ahead of their performance at the NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival 2025 slated for Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe.

The festival, provides a vibrant platform for young performers to showcase their theatrical and artistic talents, encourage creative expression and cultural exchange, bringing together youths and students from different communities and secondary schools across Malawi and Southern Africa.

Upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport, Aaron Tywabi, leader of Siyathandisa Theatre Work expressed their excitement to be in Malawi and promised to showcase a unique production.

“We are fully prepared and we are bringing a nice piece performed only once on 29^th June 2024 in South Africa. So, this is going to be a second time to be perform this production called Mirrors, written and directed by Aaron” he said

Two ladies from Siyathandisa Theatre Work joins 
a traditional welcome perfomed by
MALIBOSS Theatre

The group from the rainbow nation, was welcomed by the Malawi’s celebrated film actor, Phwedo whose real name is Tumpe Mtaya and Likuni Boys Secondary School theatre group popularly known as MALIBOSS Theatre.

Linga Creatives Director who is the Artists Coordinator and Liaison Officer for the NASFEST, Shafiq Kalumo said the arrival of the group from South Africa is an exciting and a milestone as the event has managed to include and bring young people from South Africa to perform at the event.

‘’Some people were worried and not sure if indeed NASFEST would bring people from South Africa to perform at this years event, but now they can see for themselves that they are right here in Malawi and this means the festival has begun because beginning tomorrow we are going to start tours for schools to allow students in arts to interact with these artists as we wait for actual performances on Friday up to Sunday at Madsoc Theatre.’’ Explained Kalumo

He shared that there are other groups expected to arrive from neighboring countries like Zambia who are bringing different types of perfomances including theatrical poetry, drama, dance among others.

Siyathandisa Theatre Work, MALIBOSS Theatre, 
and NASFEST team in group photo

‘’This edition of NASFEST, people should expect something different and better. We therefore encourage people to come and see what NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival for this year will look like.’’ promised Kalumo

The NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival is annual flagship event run by Light of Youth Creative Organization (LYCO) in order to promote artistic growth, collaboration, and a love for the performing arts among schools and youth groups, while also fostering community, skill development, and an appreciation for dramatic arts.

This 17^th edition of the festival will include a variety of activities, such as training workshops, cultural interface meetings, visual arts exhibitions, visual arts, cultural and contemporary dances, storytelling, and competitions in drama, music, poetry, film screening, and literature. It will culminate into an awards presentation ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances and achievements.

In the context of Malawi and Southern Africa, the festival highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions. Also, the presence of inspirational role models, partner organizations, and high-profile officials from various sectors, including the government, adds prestige to the event and encourages young people to appreciate their artistic and cultural talents. 

Mphekesela dance performance pushes creativity boundaries

 

The cast performing at at Madsoc Theatre

A captivating theatrical dance production called Mphekesela performed by some young Malawians and a Germany dancer, Lucia Kuhn has exposed Malawi’s affluence and flair in the genre of contemporary dance.

With the dance as medium of telling visual narratives, the ten-member cast held their first premier of the dance at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe on Wednesday and signed out of the stage on Sunday afternoon.

Pushing the boundaries of creativity, they merged aesthetics and traditional dance styles from Malawi, Africa and Western cultures.

Lilongwe Motor Show, K Motors in Ambulance Repair Project

 

Lilongwe Motor Show during previous edition

Two local companies, Lilongwe Motor Show Ltd and K Motors have unveiled a social project that will repair ambulances for the Nkhatabay District Hospital.

The companies will finance the project through proceeds from Blantyre Motor Show, scheduled for to take place on 26th October at the Old National Bus Terminal.

Illusionz Beach Festival 2024 Set for August 30-Sept 1

The Illusionz Club has announced its inaugural Illusionz Beach Festival, promising to be Malawi’s vibrant celebration of music, culture, and tourism.

Martin Nyirenda, Managing Director of Illusionz, disclosed that the three-day extravaganza is scheduled to take place in Salima, from August 30th to September 1^st and where an electrifying atmosphere filled with music, dance, and beachside fun will be the key feature of the event.

Blind Date Malawi reality show brings love, entertainment

 

Blessed Chimombo (L) & Cynthia Zondie (R)
the hosts for the show captured on during 
production of promo for the show

A television show called Blind Date Malawi is set to beam in local television channels and promises to be an exciting lovers’ reality show that will bringing a unique and captivating twist to the reality TV genre.

Producer for the show, Ezaius Mkandawire shared that Blind Date Malawi will follow the journey of couples from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, as they navigate challenges, adventures, and emotional moments together.

LYCO performance at Jacaranda Fest in Zambia today

LYCO team and
Margaret Constance Kamoto
Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia
stands between Gule Wamkulu dancers

Young Malawians from Light of Youth Creative Organization (LYCO) who traveled to Zambia on Thursday for the 2023 Jacaranda Children and Youth Arts Festival, are expected to perform this evening at Lusaka Playhouse in the capitol of Lusaka.

It is expected that the Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia, Margaret Constance Kamoto will be present to watch the drama and dances prepared by the Malawi troupe.

“We are set to perform this evening at 18:30, and we are excited with the presence of Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia at this event.” Confirmed James Kitchen, Executive Director of LYCO.

He said LYCO is going to showcase drama titled Nyangu and two dances – Gule Wamkulu and M’bwiza. He said Nyangu was written by Fumbani Phiri and was directed by Joyce Mhango Chavula.

MultiChoice Malawi in Antipiracy Drive

Emma Gichonge

The MultiChoice Malawi has propped up its antipiracy campaign through initiative called Partners Against Piracy (PAP) which seeks to help fight piracy which currently presents a threat to the sustainability of the creative industry including broadcasting industry within Malawi.

On Friday night the company hosted a PAP symposium in the capital city, Lilongwe, which attracted various stakeholder to discuss ways to fight piracy and popularize awareness of domestic laws that criminalize the practice.

Emma Gichonge, Managing Director of MultiChoice Malawi emphasized that piracy is remains a serious crime that has a negative effect on economy hence engaging key industry stakeholders to collectively clamp down on content piracy and create awareness against content theft.

“Piracy harms investor confidence and tax revenue, and may also affect trade opportunities if Malawi is seen as a country where intellectual property is not respected and protected.” She said

Christian Rapper Faith DJ Releases Matamando Music Video

Malawi’s gospel rapper, Faith DJ has given fans something to look at this year, as she has dropped a cool music video from audio track Matamando which is infused with message of praise. 

In the song, Faith DJ features an incredible vocalist Paul Kachala, making the collaboration a whole vibe that delivers beautiful and powerful message of praises for King Jesus Christ.

Born Afrikan Lockdown EP Resurrects Makasu’s Matenda Hit

Born Afrikan

The classical “Matenda” hit by Makasu Band returns in the sound systems and airwaves in reggae style.

The South Africa-based Malawian reggae singer and producer, Born Afrikan, real name Nelson Shaba, remade the reggae cover of the song to reinforce its message about the importance of taking care of the elderly and to promote the Malawian classics. 

Adrian Kwelepeta Props-Up Music Journey With Two Singles

Adrian Kwelepeta

Afro-Pop and RnB star, Adrian Kwelepeta continues scaling up curve of his musical career with the release of two singles bordering on love themes. 

“I have released NaNaNa and Kuposa Dzuwa recorded at Zefis Studio in Mzuzu and Audio Impute Studios respectively” He disclosed in an interview

Brothaz Kornah In EP Project

Brothaz Kornah

Newly formed musical group, Brothaz Kornah, has promised fans to expect more “Malawian music for international ears” in their upcoming untitled EP set to release in July this year.

COVID-19 Threat Forces FAMA To Shift AGM To June 5

Horace Boti: FAMA vice secretary

The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) has postponed it's Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 10th April and shifted to June 5, 2020 following Friday declaration of State of Disaster by state President Peter Mutharika due to COVID-19 threat.

Malawi has not registered any confirmed case of Coronavirus but it's neighboring countries of Zambia and Tanzania have registered cases of the pandemic.

Selector Radio To Strengthen Cultural Relations Between Malawi, UK

Katie Weatherall

The British Council, has assured Malawians that the Selector Radio program set to hit airwaves on Capital FM will strengthen cultural relations between Malawi and the UK.

“People in Malawi can expect from Selector that there will be ways of finding connections between UK music and Malawi music.” Disclosed Katie Weatherall, Selector Radio Programme Manager and British Council Music Programme Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa

BBC Radio 1Xtra Presenter Jamz Supernova In Malawi to Launch Selector

Jamz Supernova
Arrives in Lilongwe

One of UK’s leading next generation DJ, Jamz Supernova, who hosts a weekly show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, is in the country to launch the Selector Radio program.

Through Selector show, Jamz shares the best new UK music with the world and the program is syndicated to over 30 countries around the world and it boasts of a global youthful audience of over 4million listeners. 

British Council To Launch Selector Radio Program In Malawi

Jamz Supernova to
partner local DJs

The British Council in Malawi has announced that it will launch Selector Radio program in the country this week.

Selector Radio shares the best new UK music with the world and the program is syndicated to over 30 countries around the world including Cuba, China, Zimbabwe, Spain and Mexico and has a global youthful audience of over 4 million listeners.

Azizi Set to Premier ‘Can’t Have It All Movie’ In Lilongwe, Blantyre

Malawi’s Lilian Azizi movie ‘Can’t Have It All’ which was shot and produced in Gambian Republic is set to premier in two local cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe in March this year.

‘Can’t Have It All’ was launched in Gambia, a development that led to its screening on major stations such as Africa Magic and Iroko TV.

Lilongwe Jazz Festival Kick-start On Friday 31stAugust-1st September

Beginning this Friday, Malawi music lovers will welcome a new music concert, the Lilongwe Jazz Festival (LJF) which promises to become ana annualevent that will be offering finest local jazz music experience.

Local Artists Excited With Lilongwe Jazz Festival Set For August 31st - 1st September

From front left: Allan Chidzanja, Eric Paliani,
Dan Sibale & Owen Mbilizi

For the very first time in Malawi music industry, the country will host Jazz music concert dubbed Lilongwe Jazz Music Festival from 31st August to 1st September 2018 in Lilongwe which will be headlined by the finest local jazz artists who have made huge success in the industry both at local and international scene.

Adrian Kwelepeta Launching “Live Or Die Story” Album June 30

Adrian Kwelepeta

The rising Malawi star, Adrian Kwepeta is set to launch his “Live or Die Story” musical album on Friday, June 30, this year at Grittah’s Camp in the capital city, Lilongwe.

The Sun Bird Search for a Star 2013 winner, Adrian confirmed in an interview on Thursday, that his second album is now out ready to share with the world.

M1 Centre Point Hosts Kutsendera 2016 Poetry Festival This Sunday

Poetry loving fans in Lilongwe will have an early Christmas treat this Sunday as Chia Productions brings Kutsendera 2016 Msangulutso Wa Alakatuli at M1 Centre Point.

Chia Productions Public Relations Manager Nafe Misasa said Kutsendera 2016 festival this Sunday, December 11, 2016 is both pre-Christmas entertainment and an end of year poetry festival by Chia Productions aimed at thanking poetry loving fans for the support they have given to the poet industry and all poet events organised by their company in 2016.