Although he failed to clinch an Africa Music Award (Afrima) last year, Afro-soul singer Lawi’s status and reputation continues to rise on the continent.
And to cement this reputation, the Lilongwe-based singer has been featured in the latest issue of Forbes Africa magazine, Africa’s most influential business magazine.
The article chronicles the award-winning’s initial struggles and eventual success.
And in an interview yesterday, the musician says he finds the recognition humbling.
“This is a huge platform that many hope to get to. There so much happening on the continent, but for them to focus on telling a humble Malawian story for me is a great honour,” he said.
Lawi, who is currently working on his sophomore album titled Sunset in the Sky, said Forbes Africa contacted him through his UK-based management team.
“I believe they are looking at telling true and positive stories from the African continent,” he said, adding that the article has spurred an interest in Malawi and its cultures.
“I have had a number of e-mails from across the world. Most of them have one thing in common, they would like to know more about Malawi and its cultures,” he said.
Lawi views the new attention to his music as a mileage.
“This means much work to do on my end so as to meet the wide demand and great expectations. This is just the beginning and I can say we are off to a great start.
“And I hope this inspires young Malawian people to do more. The world is looking to share positive stories and we have so much to share. Let us embrace the opportunity and shine,” he said.
New poetry president for financial stability
Newly-elected Poetry Association of Malawi (PAM) president Chisomo Mdala, popularly known as Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa, says his major task will be creating a vibrant financial stability of the body.
Speaking after ascending to power with a landslide victory which saw him amassing 30 votes against four for his contender Sylvester Kalizang’oma, Nyamalikiti said time has come for to PAM stand on its own.
The common task among the arts associations is to stand on their own following the phasing out of the Norwegian Embassy’s aid under its Cultural Support Scheme programme, which is administered by the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma).
Nyamalikiti said: “As a new president, I am aware that I have a huge task ahead to ensure that PAM achieves its economic feet and stability. This is a result of the phasing out of the Cultural Support Scheme’s programme this December. We really don’t know what the future holds in terms of funding next after the programme goes. Therefore, I have a huge task to wow support towards poetry.”
He, however, said most of the country’s poets do not understand issues that are contained in the Copyright Act and the Cultural Policy; hence, his other duty to orient them.
“Since poets have started releasing albums and DVDs, I will ensure that they are conversant with the Copyright Act and the Cultural Policy so that they are fully aware of their roles,” he said.
On the standard on poetry, Nyamalikiti said he will work towards broadening the skills of poets so that they understand the technicalities of the art.
