Malawian girls rock in Covid-19 cause

Women in the arts and entertainment industry, under the banner of Malawian Girls Rock, are championing a campaign to amplify young female voices as the world grapples with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

As part of its campaign, the group says it is still important at this point for arts players to bring their voices together in urging people to follow the precautionary measures  prescribed by government and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Their stance is a deviation from the suggestions made by other local players in the industry who feel government should allow them to start having public events as other sectors in the country. 

Malawian Girls Rock is a platform founded by female musician Hazel Mak and focuses on empowering young women by providing safe space to take part in discussions of issues that affect them and help shape correct narratives.

In an interview, she said in times like these, the world looks up to artists to share the correct messages and provide the right direction.

“The safety of our fans remains paramount to us more so in the long run. It would be careless if we were to go against any agreed norms,” Hazel said.

She said they will, therefore, be using their already established social media platforms, especially during ‘live’ sessions to create awareness on the pandemic among their fans.

The campaign has attracted a number of well-known personalities from the art and media industries such as musicians Beanca, Sangie, Kim of Diamonds, Rina, Temwa, Influencers Tsehayi Ngwira, Thokozani Phiri and Wezzie Mzumara. Others are media personalities Ruth Kulaisi, Priscilla Kayira, Sharon Chirwa and Nicole Kamwendo.

Hazel said in the coming weeks their intervention will include broadcasting of a series of motivational messages from all the personalities that are taking part.

A number of artists taking part in the campaign, admit that the pandemic has hit them hard.

Hazel said the campaign will also involve a series of motivational messages from the women involved over the next few weeks.

Urban dancehall artist Beanca said: “We are used to making a living through our talent and right now we have nowhere to fall on. There is nothing we can do to sustain our daily lives.”

Rapper Rina said minus the negative impact, the coronavirus has given an opportunity for creatives to take stock of their art and engage other means to achieve growth.

In a separate interview, Zodiak  Broadcasting Station television personality Kulaisi said she decided to join the campaign as it is important and cost-effective.

Musician Kim of Diamonds said: “As we try to make money, it is also important for us to be reminding each other that Covid-19 is real.”