‘I would love to come back soon’

Zonke Dikana (ZD) was in the country last weekend for the Standard Bank Malawi’s Blue Mingoli Concert at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) where she shared the stage with Malawi’s Patience Namadingo. The South African award-winning songwriter, musician and producer, has been in the industry for 15 years, releasing hit after hit as well as performing at sold-out shows across the world. She chats with Yvonnie Sundu (YS) on her visit to Malawi:

YS: How do you feel to perform in Malawi for the first time?

ZD: It feels great; feels like hard work really does pay off for me to find myself in such a warm welcoming country such as Malawi.

YS: What was your initial thought about Malawi when it was confirmed you were coming for the Blue Mingoli Concert?

ZD: I felt honoured that I was even considered for the Blue Mingoli performance. It was a great feeling that people in Malawi know my music enough to invite me.

YS: What is your take on the response you got from the audience or just a general assessment of the audience?

ZD: I generally love a seated audience; it means people are listening and soaking it all in. So, I was happy to see that the venue was for a seated audience. People thoroughly enjoyed every part of my performance.

YS: As a producer, do you think Malawi music has got what it takes to go international? Where are we doing well? Where are we lacking?

ZD: Definitely, the world has always taken elements of our music and right now all eyes are on Africa as a whole. We just need to strike while the iron is hot; go all out to put African music on the global map.

YS: Any possibility of doing collaboration with local artists like Patience?

ZD: Yes, there is a great possibility of me collaborating with Patience. I had already initiated the process. I am waiting for his response.

YS: As part of Standard Bank’s corporate social responsibility, you had a mentoring session with primary school girls from rural Malawi. What do you think of the idea and the girls that turned up?

ZD: The idea is amazing. More needs to be done to empower young girls to know their worth and strengths and that their dreams are valid. Most African women have similar stories as the girls that turned up at the breakfast. I was happy to share my story for them to know that hard work does get rewarded in the end. It is not where you come from, but where you are going that counts the most.

YS: How would you describe your stay in Malawi?

ZD: I had a wonderful time in Malawi. I had the honour of meeting beautiful and peaceful people. I would love to come back soon.

YS: What is it that you will take back home with fond memories of a trip to the warm heart of Africa?

ZD: Every country I visit I look to feel welcome and I definitely felt that in Malawi. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit.

YS: What local delicacies did you enjoy?

ZD: Unfortunately, my schedule was full of activities and we did not get a chance to try any, but I was advised to try mpasa. n