Barley weeks after the Musicians Association of Malawi (MAM) recognised musicians in the country, MAM Women’s Desk has partnered with organisers of the annual Superwoman festival to celebrate women’s role in music. In an interview both Martha Mituka and Superwoman director Zilanie Nyundo confirmed the partnership saying the event will take place in Lilongwe next month. Flanking Malawi’s 50 years anniversary celebrations, the event, dubbed ‘Women in Music after 50 years of Independence’ seeks to celebrate and recognise some of the best talent that has contributed to the development of music. Malawi music, including the hymns, has never been short of women’s contribution.
Some musicians such as Ethel Kamwendo-Banda have contributed 17 albums to the music shelves, hymns composer Gogo Nyasulu has composed over 300 hymns which are being used in various churches. And, during political functions, women such as the Mitundu-based women dancers and Mai Margaret Chiponda have creatively utilised their skills to decorate the functions and praise politicians, talent which the music body says deserve recognition. According to MAM Women’s Desk president Mituka, it is time to recognise talent such as that in Chiponda’sSendera, which was initially composed for Bingu wa Mutharika’s 2014 campaign. “There is a lot to celebrate about this year and MAM and Superwoman will celebrate various talents that have added value to the development of music, dancing, choir activities and hymns among others.
We want to celebrate with women who have been in music in the 50 years and not only those that achieved success, but also those that have been patriotic to their careers. We are approaching companies to help us so we can give cash prizes to the selected,” said Mituka. Coming under the theme ‘The past, present and moving into the future together’ the event will tackle several issues including the impact of HIV and Aids to arts and will be decorated with several elements of arts.
