By Moses Nyirenda Lilongwe, Mana: One of the country’s leading suppliers of electronic gadgets, Hifi Electronics, has promised to support film makers in the country by among other things, selling them film-making equipment such as cameras and other related gadgets at subsidised prices. The development came to light on Sunday evening at StaMag Café in Lilongwe during Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) end-of-the-year party which included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAMA and Hifi Electronics. Hifi Electronics Marketing Manager, Moses Makawa said they decided to start supporting the film makers after noticing their challenges. “Looking at how the film makers in the country have been struggling, especially when they are trying to make their films, it has pleased the management at Hifi Electronics to come in and support them as one way of promoting them as well as promoting the country’s film industry,” Makawa said. He added that Hifi Electronics wants to see that film makers in the country produce high quality films. “Film makers in other countries within the continent make good quality production in film making. As Hifi Electronics, we also want to see our own sons and daughters on the land to have good production through what we are going to give them,” he said. However, Makawa said the opportunity has arisen to benefit film makers who are members of FAMA, therefore, he urged all film makers who are not FAMA members to get registered as such if they are to benefit from Hifi Electronics subsidy programme. In his remarks, FAMA President, Gift Sukez Sukali commended Hifi Electronics for its gesture which he said would benefit the film makers in the country. “Film-making equipment is quite expensive and with the mission of Hifi Electronics to subsidise the equipment and also allowing film makers to buy the equipment at a lay-by system, it will enable them to access the equipment which was hard for them to purchase. “As FAMA, we thank Hifi Electronics for coming in as a helping hand to the film industry which is booming now. We look forward to seeing a lot of movies coming out next year,” Sukali said. Hifi Electronics will be giving a 10 per cent discount to film makers who are members of FAMA when they want to buy film-making equipment at any Hifi Electronics shop in the country. The company will also be assisting FAMA with equipment when it organises a movie night. This year’s FAMA end-of-the-year party was spiced up by live performance by Lulu and Mathumela Band as well as traditional dances among other activities.
Category: Entertainment
The Film Association of Malawi beckons youth participation
By Moses Nyirenda Lilongwe, Mana: The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) President, Gift Sukez Sukali, says his association is geared to build up film production and acting skills among the youth as one way of increasing youth participation in film production and acting in the country. Sukali was speaking in Lilongwe after the signing of a one year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAMA and Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute on the introduction of film production and acting short courses by FAMA at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute in Lilongwe. Sukali said FAMA decided to partner with Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute after noticing lack of schools in the country where people, particularly youths, can acquire film production and acting skills. He said: “In Malawi we do not have places where people especially youth can be able to learn technical skills regarding film production and acting, in an addition to that, we have also noted lack of professionalism among people who are doing video production for events such as weddings. For this reason, as an association, we thought it wise to partner with Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute to produce trained people, including the youth, who are skilled in film production and acting.” Sukali said the trainings for the program will start on December 20 at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute campus in Lilongwe and it will run for one week. The FAMA President has since urged the youth, including girls, who have interest in film production and acting, to participate in their large numbers. He further said facilitators of the trainings will be people who have been in film and acting industry for quite some time and they are doing great things in the industry. The fees for the training have been broken down in three categories according to Sukali. “Non-members of FAMA and those who are not students at Don Bosco Technical Institute will have to pay K30, 000, while those who are students and alumni at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute will have to pay K20, 000,” he explained, and continued, “FAMA members will have to pay K10, 000.” On the other hand, girls in all categories will pay their fees with 50 percent discount, as one way of encouraging them to participate in the trainings. Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute Vice Principal, Precious Chilupsya, has since applauded the introduction of film production and acting classes at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute. “The introduction of film production and acting classes at our campus is very important initiative and great ambition to our mission. “With this new development we will be able to reach out many other young people who were left out because at our school we did not concentrate much on this other area of art,” Chilupsya said.
Tamika Mkandawire releases new poem
By Natasha Muthete Lilongwe, Mana: A Lilongwe based female writer, Tamika Mkandawire, has released a poem titled Dying in silent. In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), the female poet said she has released the poem following pressure from her fans. Mkandawire who early this year won Hill and Valleys competition which was organised by musician cum politician Billy Kaunda said the poem follows another one she released early this year. “This year I have released only 2 poems, the first one being motherland which talked about Covid 19 and how it has affected the country. This time around, I did not work alone, I have worked with one of the talented poet, Mtumwi who brought and idea of us producing a poem. I did not hesitate because I knew I will be working with the best poet and it has been proved with the project we have released”. She said Mkandawire further explained that Dying in silent is focusing on the abuses people especially women and children are going through every day. Most of these issues are kept in silence as people do not speak them out for fear of being against our culture. She revealed that she is planning to release more poems next year and people will be able to see them on videos. “Next year am planning to release a lot of poetry videos and am planning to reach out to many people who do not know Tamika the poet in short I can say next year is my year to shine and reach out to great masses of people. “Among all the poems my favoriteis the woman she used to be which talked Dr Joyce Banda,” she added. Meanwhile, Mkandawire has advised her fellow poets that they should put their soul in poetry and encouraged them to also work hard adding that the rest will follow. Fatsani Chione who is also known as Mtumwi said that the poem talks about gender bias saying most married people especially men they do not speak out are dying in silent. Chione urged poetic fanatic to listen to the poem with keen interest because it offers more entertainment and educative to people. One of her fans, Patricia Semu told Malawi news agency that she likes the narration of the poem, the message in it and rhyming words, background sounds. “The action of the poet has really spoken well and whatever is narrated in the poem is really a true reflection of what is happening on the ground,” she added. Dying in silent was produced by viun records owned by Frank Msowoya who is known Fray more.
Ty Godwa back with therapist video
By Blessings Kapina Lilongwe, Mana: Lilongwe-based upcoming rapper who goes by the stage name, Ty Godwa is set to release a video of the song ‘Therapist’ on December 1, 2021. Ty Godwa disclosed the project to Malawi News Agency (MANA) saying the song will be more impactful with the coming of the video. “Videos play a big role in passing on messages to the masses and I am certain that the lessons in this song will greatly help the listeners,” Godwa said. He said the video will continue to preach, teach and educate people on the word of God as they will be watching, He added that the song emphasizes that people should depend, stick, and meditate on the word of God. He pointed out that God is the alpha and Omega who is able to deal with all human problems therefore people should trust his words. The artist further said that the video will be uploaded on different sites in the country once released. He explained that the music industry should not only focus on audios but it must also aim to produce the best videos which can easily be connected to the message of the audio song. One of his fans, Madalitso Banda said the song ‘therapist’ was supposed to have a video therefore with the video produced it will be impactful and interesting. “I feel there is more we need to do to in the music industry when it comes to videos, we need to start producing good videos that will be massive at the international level,” Banda said. He urged other Malawian artists to also concentrate on videos so that music should reach a wide range of audience and also give a visual narration of the story. The video will be released and available on all social media platforms.
Dan Chazama revamps with ‘Age and Season’ gospel album
By Esnath Kalawe Lilongwe, Mana: Gospel Musician, popularly known as Dan Chazama says he is back with his sixth gospel album titled Age and Season set to be launched on November 26 at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe. Chazama came into music industry 21 years ago with his debut album Mudziyimbayimbabe which brought him into lime light. He later joined Armageddon Band which was owned by Billy Kaunda in 2000. His music career journey has not been all smooth as in 2003 he released a second album titled Mundiperekeze which was floppy as it did not do well on the market. The Musician however went on to produce further albums including Black against black in 2005, Nzeru in 2006 and Chinsinsi cha Moyo in 2018. Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Chazama said the new album, Age and Season comprises 15 tracks carrying a combination of messages on what is happening these days. “I choose the title track to be Age and Season looking at the instances that we are going through as a country as well as an individual. We are confronted with diverse challenges like COVID 19 which has caused havoc in our society as well as our country. “Many people have lost their lives, so the album a summation of what people are going through and has a strong inclination to insights from the bible so that people should stand firm as everything has got it’s time.” Chazama explained. Chazama further revealed that his songs portray messages of Love, peace, unity and perseverance among others saying people are expected to receive the best from the songs. “Preparations for the launch are going on well and we are expecting to dish out the best performance ever. It will be something that they never watched before. Our audience will never regret sparing their precious moments and money,” he said. The album has songs like Mtendere weniweni, Mama, Malonjezano, Give thanks &praise, Prodigal son, Nzeru, heroes and reggae, as well as Age and Season which is the title track among other songs. Other acts billed to spice up the launch include Piksy, Lulu, Ben Michael as well as Leslie just to mention a few. In a separate interview, musician Lulu of Mathumera band said it will be a great moment to perform during Chazama’s Album launch. The 15 songs album were produced by CL Studios, Lobodo records as well as Ralph records.
Springs of water set to premiere Atsikana movie
By Tinashe Mazombwe Lilongwe, mana: Lilongwe based audio visual production company, springs of water production is set to premiere a new movies titled ‘Atsikana’, on November 26, 2021 at Bingu International Convention center (BICC) in Lilongwe. The movie is about a girl child and a number of disadvantages she faces. In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), movie producer, Daina Zakochera, said that the movie is also addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among other things. “The movie has tackled issues such as gender based violence, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, some harmful cultural practices that deter the girl child and myths that talk about acquiring wealth when you sleep with a virgin,” Zakochera said. She added that the movie was inspired by true life stories of young girls who survived GBV saying it has been produced to empower girls to be able to fight GBV on their own. “Having the chance to talk with a number of girl, I found out that there are more girls who go through a lot and they fail to open up because they are scared or rather they protect their loved ones who are part of the malpractice. “The movie will bring a huge impact to girls to stand and fight against whatever they may encounter in life as it is a movie that is not only fighting malpractices but it gives hope,” she said. She urged the general public to join hands with organizations, companies, individuals and the government to fight against GBV in the country. One of Lilongwe based movie lovers, Gilbert Moyo said that he is ready to attend the forthcoming movie premier. “I am so hyped to see the movie because I am a fan of movies and I am also excited for female filmmakers who are doing great things in the film industry. “I also know there are great actors in the movie, so I am excited to see how they interpreted their roles, plus I watch every movie as a student so it is an opportunity to learn something new,” he said. The tickets will be sold in four categories, standard ticket at K15, 000, couple Ticket K25, 000, VIP ticket at K50, 000 and Anzanga tiyeni ticket of four people at K40, 000.
Rumphi Stadium Task Force on councils’ neck for stadium project delays
By Bridget Mwale Rumphi, Mana: Rumphi Stadium Task Force has presented a petition to Rumphi District Council demanding the resignation of councillors and transfers of some council officials Some of the council officials to be on transfer include the District Commissioner (DC), Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Director of Public Works (DPW) and Director of Administration (DOA) for failing to improve Rumphi stadium for the Super League games. Chairperson for the Task Force, Happy Chirambo Thursday said they want the council to address the challenges before the commencement of the Super League. He said Rumphi United Football Club should be able to use the stadium as their home ground and not play the games away from Rumphi transferring the revenues meant for the district to another district. “As a task force, we are not happy with the speed the project was progressing. Very soon Super League is expected to start and if we are not getting any response from the council, on November 26, 2021 we shall protest,” Chirambo said. DOA for Rumphi Council, Thomas Mwafongo explained to Malawi News Agency (Mana) that there are a number of projects the council was working on among which is the stadium project. “As a council, we have many projects at hand which cannot be done at once, there is need to give space to each project for a successful completion. We know how important the stadium is to the council and the people of Rumphi, we are working on that for the better of the council and the community at large,” he said. Mwafongo said that as a council they are not sleeping, but they are waiting for bills of quantity from Super League of Malawi (Sulom) which the council cannot work without. He said after a communication from Sulom, we surely are to give the project a new face, the bills of quantity will guide the council on areas that need attention and a Full Council is meeting this month to approve the budget. Over K 10 million was allocated for the project but the money is not enough depending on the resources required for the completion of the project as prices might have gone up, and there is need for enough time when working on projects to avoid substandard work to again raise questions. The project commenced in 2017 and this was not the first petition as they received one from Rumphi Youth Hub, the second one from Rumphi United Football Club and the recent one is from Rumphi Stadium Task Force, demanding the council to work at a speed on the project completion.
Em Jay rolls pencil drawing into full time job
By Esnath Kalawe Lilongwe, Mana: A Ntchisi based visual artist, Gerald Prosper who goes by his artistic name ‘Em Jay’ has rolled out pencil art drawing into a self-employed full time job that is helping him earn money. Speaking in an interview with Mana, Em Jay said his artistic dream was developed from his primary days when he vowed to his turn of establishing Pencil Arts drawing company in Malawi into reality. He disclosed that his career journey wasn’t easy to get to where he is today saying in the early day of his career he find it difficult to draw an exact face that would resemble a face of a human being. But with effort, he proudly said he mastered pencil drawings with faces similar to the real person. “I got inspired by someone from Kasungu, after seeing his work posted on his face book page, I started putting some extra effort on my work, till I reached the level that I am today as customers constantly press orders,” Em Jay said. The visual artist added that he envisions owning a personal Pencil drawing Arts company in the future that would help to create employment opportunities to young people hence reducing unemployment levels in Malawi. Em Jay disclosed that he is teaching other youths to venture into pencil art career through online lessons. He added that currently 10 art drawer beginners have registered with him. Andrea Thonyiwa popularly known as ‘Mr Jokes’ acknowledged the young man’s talent saying he got impressed with his drawing the time when he came across Onesimus picture that was also done by him which looked exactly like the original person. “This is remarkable and incomparable, the guy needs our support to enhance his talents, in Malawi we have a lot of talented young people but they lack our support,” Thonyiwa explained. It takes a maximum of 12 hours for Josiah to finish a tremendous pencil Art drawing which goes at different price list and frames with prices varying from K10, 000 to K50,000 or more depending on the portrait, according to the art drawer.
Eva Demaya clocks 20 years
By Manasse Nyirenda Rumphi, Mana: Eva Demaya Centre an organization founded by former Member of Parliament for Rumphi West, Jacqueline Kouwenhoven at Luviri in Rumphi on Saturday celebrated its twentieth anniversary at the centre which was punctuated with traditional dances and other performances. In an interview, Kouwenhoven on Monday described the twenty years the organization has been in existence as a period of being there for the people of Rumphi. “It has been twenty years of healthcare provision, orphan care providing school fees for needy students and being there for the people of the area. Over 400,000 patients have been attended to at the centre. At least 20, 000 people tested for HIV and 5000 orphans have acquired vocational skills at the centre during the period. “I had decided to be with the people in this area and that is the reason I renounced my Dutch citizenship to become a citizen of Malawi,” she said. She also disclosed that the organization has now partnered with The Seed foundation which has also roped in Wezi Medical Centre based in Mzuzu to improve healthcare provision in the area. She said the new partnership will result in the construction of a new girl’s high school at Jalira under traditional authority Chikulamayembe. On his part Wezi Medical Centre Executive Director, Douglas Lungu said the partnership is there to improve the wellbeing of people in the area. He added that Wezi Medical Centre will complement the services provided at the health facility. He disclosed that the medical centre has also plans to run outreach clinics which would make sure people in the area access quality medical care at a small fee. Group Village Mwadandambi who is also board chairperson for Eva Demaya Centre said Kouwenhoven has fulfilled all the promises she made to the area. He said the center has improved the road network as it has constructed a bridge adding: “The education in the area has also been improved through the construction of Luviri Girls Boarding Secondary School which is already operation.” Director of Administration at Rumphi District Council, Thomas Mwafongo advised other organizations to emulate the good example shown by the center. The centre which was founded in 2001, among other, provides free antenatal services and post-natal care, HIV testing while charges K1400 for maternity (delivery) among others. Kouwenhoven was Member of Parliament for Rumphi West from 2014 to 2019 when she lost current Member of Parliament, Yona Mkandawire. Most of the activities at the centre are funded by donors although recently due to covid-19 economic effects the centre is now running on savings.
Women of Faith choir set to launch its 1st Album
By Esnath Kalawe Lilongwe, Mana: A Lilongwe-based female gospel singers popularly known as Women of Faith will on Sunday October 31 premier their first ever ‘Zizakhala bwino ‘CD album scheduled to take place in Area 25 Assemblies of God in Lilongwe. The group of Women of faith is comprised of five female members, from Malawi Assemblies of God Church who are ministering word of God through Music. The group was incepted in 2019 and their slogan is Women of Faith saved to save which articulates one similar purpose of saving peoples souls. Speaking in an interview, Chairlady of the group Mayankho Kadyamo Ngwira said they have delayed to coming up with an album because they wanted to produce well-articulated music. “For the three years that we have been singing together, we have been struggling financially and that delayed us to come up with the album. “Due to those hiccups, we title our album Zizakhala Bwino to show that all will be well with us.” Ngwira explains. Ngwira said that the messages in the songs as encouraging and that peoples will be blessed. “Most of our songs convey messages of praising God for what he has been doing to us; we are also singing about salvation, all songs are in Chichewa sung in calypso,” she said. Apart from Women of faith choir, Henry Masamba, Ethel Maganga, as well as Farai Chazama will be among other artists spicing the event with their perfomance. Artist Farai Chazama confirmed to our reporter that she is more than ready to perform during the launch saying she will give the best. “People should expect to receive the messages that God has invested in me through songs, Iam ready to dish out songs like fulumirani , ndinu nokha, yesu ndi controller as well as kubooleza just to mention a few,” she confirmed. She further encouraged women to put much effort in supporting others until God fulfils their dreams. The choir is expecting more people to come and witness the launch; in return they will receive supernatural empowerment as all covid 19 measures will be followed.