Entertainment
Next Level Academy Masterclasses excite Malawian artists
A visual artist Francis Kapanda has spoken in praise of the Next Level Academy Malawi, a 10 Day Masterclass describing it as enlightening having accorded him different angles of approaching and improving his art in business and technical skills.
Designed to provide intensive training in Dance, Beat-making, Mceeing, in addition to entrepreneurship and conflict transformation workshops for young Malawian creatives, the classes were facilitated by select professionals from all over America.
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Kapanda explained that the classes have changed a view of his talent as before the programme, he didn’t have much confidence but right now his perception of things has greatly improved.
Among others, he has also learned to use social media platforms as a tool to boost his branding.
“In the past I was more reluctant, shy like if I post something maybe people won’t like it; but then through this class I’ve learnt that whether people don’t like it or like it, you have a voice and you have to say what you have to say.
“It has helped me because I’m learning to be consistent with my work meaning that I can’t just post anyhow now, I have to post something that is related to my art because it’s my brand”
A traditional dancer from Music Crossroads indicated that they’ve been drilled on foot steps into Hip Hop but in a different way.
“This is gonna change a Iot because l‘m a teacher at Music Crossroads, I teach children Mozambican dances like Maraventa and Chigubu that is more different with jit. So this gonna help for me to teach them something different that has never been taught in Malawi. It’ll also help me as teacher to explore more and to break those steps that we’re learning here into something more simple”
Site Manager MeccaGodZilla from Brooklyn from Next Level USA described the Hip- Hop Cultural Exchange programme as a boost to the existing talent in Malawi to amplify and elevate what’s already there.
According to him, the magic in Africa, Lilongwe and Dzaleka Refugee Camp is exciting and their coming is to lend professional experience to elevate what’s happening and bring entrepreneurship opportunities to share to the world their talents.
MeccaGodZilla noted that 50 percent of New York radio is playing African music which is quite interesting and inspiring hence the need to bridge the divide of entrepreneurship so that the resources and the ability to earn income are elevated.
He spoke highly on the sense of community in Malawi which will help in creating a way of building the dance community to reach out to the rest of the world.
The American artist stressed that relationships are everything in the arts industry anywhere else in the world.
“We can be the most talented but if we’re coming into space with arrogance, if we’re not treating people right, we don’t succeed. So Malawi has this beautiful undercurrent of just trying to figure it out so relationships will carry these artists far.
“The biggest thing is building the community in between the elements how do the dancers work with the producers to collaborate? How do the singers and MC’s create a song for the dancers to collaborate? It’s all about trying to find the micro connections to build something in a macro scale. That in itself is gonna put the country like way up on a global scale. That unity here is gonna amplify on a global scene”
He further praised the level of talent existing in the participants from Dzaleka and those from elsewhere which he noted just needs some resources to amplify their talents and skills.
Entertainment
Tay Grin’s concert puts Malawi music on the map
Malawi’s hip hop star Tay Grin made history on Saturday, filling Civo Stadium during his “Echoes of Greatness” concert featuring Wizkid, Awilo Longomba and top local artists, a feat hailed as putting Malawi music on the map
Malawi’s hip hop star, Tay Grin, has described his “Echoes of Greatness” concert as a historic milestone after successfully filling Civo Stadium on Saturday with performances from international icons, Wizkid and Awilo Longomba, alongside top local artists.
The show, which also featured Zeze Kingston, Temwa, Tuno and several upcoming artists, drew a massive turnout that left the venue fully packed, a feat Tay Grin said demonstrated that Malawi can now host global standard events.
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“I am happy that everything went well. Though some people doubted it would work, I am glad it proved successful. The turnout was just massive, the stadium was fully packed, and this has put Malawi on the map,” Tay Grin told Malawi News Agency (MANA).
He explained that organising the event within a month came with challenges, especially convincing sponsors as well as global artists to come, but was satisfied with the outcome.
“We made history. Nothing is impossible with faith and proper preparation,” he said.
He has promised fans more international standard concerts in the future, saying: “They should expect more shows with global artists coming to Malawi. That way, even when those artists share their experiences, their fans abroad will also be attracted to Malawi.”
Tay Grin, who was celebrating 20 years in the music industry, also stressed the importance of giving a platform to emerging talent.
“We invited a number of upcoming artists like Joe Icon, Kineo Madness, Aidfeist just to mention a few, and those helped make the show enjoyable,” he added.
One of the young performers, Kineo Madness, described the opportunity as life-changing.
“I really felt happy. It’s not easy for upcoming artists to share the same stage with stars like Wizkid and Awilo Longomba. Through the event, I had the chance, and many people who did not know me before have now seen my talent. Even some promoters who had little knowledge about me can now work with me,” he said.
Fans also praised the event as one of the best ever staged in Malawi.
Bliggle de Massa, who attended the show, said the lineup exceeded his expectations.
“The show was amazing; the greatest experience I have ever had as a music fan. Wizkid is my favourite, Awilo is a legend, and Tay Grin himself showcased our culture with pride. The Nyau performance on stage was a statement that Malawi can host world class shows while staying true to our identity,” he said.
Although he noted minor security issues, Bliggle described the night as “the best experience” of his life.
Entertainment
Fans Applaud Namadingo’s Soulful New Kufa Nkugona Hit
Fans are hailing Patience Namadingo’s latest release Kufa Nkugona as a soulful masterpiece, offering comfort, hope, and healing — and racking up 170,000 YouTube views in under a day.
Afro-gospel fusion maestro Patience Namadingo has once again stirred the nation’s emotions with ‘Kufa Nkugona’, a soul-stirring music video whose title translates to “Death is Like Sleeping.” The track blends heartfelt lyricism with Namadingo’s unmistakable vocal signature, offering comfort to the grieving and reflection for the faithful.
“Ndani wina wachikondi choposa Messiah, Ndani wina chifundo choposa Messiah, Adzatipatsa moyo wina tikafa, Kufa nkugona, Msamachite mantha abale, Tidzaukanso moyo wina,” reads part of the lyrics in Chichewa, underscoring the song’s central message of hope, faith, and eternal life.
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In his comment posted under the video, Evans Kandaya Nkhoma reflects how deeply the song resonates with listeners who see it as more than just music, but rather a spiritual reminder.
“The song tells us to hold on to the Lord and keep trusting Him, for He has good things in store for us. It underscores the belief in life after death. Namadingo will never disappoint when it comes to song composition and singing,” commented Nkhoma.
Another fan, George Ndlovu, also expressed how Kufa Nkugona has become a source of personal healing for those grappling with loss.
“I lost my beloved wife last year, and life has never been the same ever since, but this song gives me hope that one day we will meet,” said Ndhlovu.
Kainos Grey, comments in a playful yet powerful statement that captures the mood sweeping across Malawi following the release, saying, “When Doc songs drop, I swear even the hippos in Lake Malawi stop splashing to listen. Boats can wait, fishing nets can wait, only Doc matters.”
In just 17 hours after its debut, the music video had already amassed 170,000 views on YouTube, a clear sign that it struck a chord far beyond Namadingo’s core fan base.
Shot with cinematic precision, the visuals are rich, symbolic, and deeply connected to the song’s message. Every frame reinforces the idea that grief can be met with the light of hope.
With praise flooding social media, Kufa Nkugona is already being hailed as another timeless masterpiece.
Entertainment
Black Missionaries Band to launch Kuimba 13 album
After years of soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, the legendary Black Missionaries Band is back with a powerful offering — their 13th studio album, Kuimba 13. True to their roots, the new release delivers a rich blend of inspiring love messages and reflections on real-life experiences, continuing the band’s legacy of music with meaning.
Black Missionaries Band is set to launch their 13th album dubbed Kuimba 13, which conveys inspiring, educative love messages and real-life situations.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) band lead vocalist, Anjiru Fumulani, said the launch will be held on August 1 at Comesa Hall in Blantyre and Aero Lounge in Lilongwe on August 2.
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“The album has been well-prepared and is one of the best of our Kuimba albums. It represents our best work, and we are excited to share it with our fans with an extraordinary performance that will make history in reggae music,” said Fumulani.
The launch will feature notable artists, including Patience Namadingo, Lulu, Lambani Dube, Lenzo Mshanga, and Anthony Makondetsa.
In a separate interview, Namadingo expressed excitement over the launch, citing his close friendship with the band.
“I love the Black Missionaries, and I am excited about their event. I am looking forward to having fun,” said Namadingo.
The album comprises 10 tracks.
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