MAM fundraiser poorly patronised, raises K1m
Despite a low turnout at the fundraising dinner and dance corganised by the Women’s Desk of the Musicians Association of Malawi (MAM), that saw the grouping realising close to 10 percent of the target, organisers are unfazed with the development.
Apart from honouring five female musicians that have stood the test of time, the desk organised the event to fundraise for its activities in all its four chapters in the country. With a set target of K8.5 million (about $21 500), the event only raised about K1 million (about $2 500) as a result of low patronage.
“We are not worried that we did not raise what we anticipated let alone beat the target. We are satisfied with the fact that we managed to hold the event successfully. Our focus now is to hold a gospel show in November at Shaeffer with the aim of fundraising more towards our cause.
“We also believe that all those companies and organisations that pledge towards the initiative will honour their promise for the good of development and growth of Malawi music,” said chairperson of the Women’s Desk, Martha Mituka.
In her remarks, the chairperson also asked the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to consider buying equipment which would be used by musicians, especially women.
“The equipment that was bought a long time ago during the Dr Bakili Muluzi regime is all but in tatters. We need a new set of equipment which we can be hiring amongst ourselves. Most of the times, female musicians fail to hold shows because of lack of money to hire equipment while our male counterparts have the muscle,” said Mituka.
The event saw Ethel Kamwendo Banda, Maria Chidzanja Nkhoma, Catherine Kayange, Eliza Kachali Kaunda and Chimwemwe Mizaya being honoured for their role in the development of Malawi music.
Chidzanja Nkhoma who could not make it as she was recuperating from malaria was represented by her daughter, Geraldine, who said her mum was honoured to be respected in such a way.
The five all walked away with 42 inch flat screen televisions courtesy of Luso Television, Multichoice Malawi donated a GOtv set that was auctioned at K65 000 (about $162) while Sunbird Capital offered the venue for free.
Apart from winning the GOtv set bid, Minister of Tourism and Culture Rachel Mazombwe Zulu hailed the female musicians for the event and pledged K100 000 (about $250) towards the women’s desk.
