Nanzikambe, artists in a training pact

Entertainment without a mention of computer gadgets, galaxies or laptops is not complete.

Such gadgets indeed drive the world, and without that you are disconnected. What we read, watch and use has a background of computer related software.

For any literature, movies and videos to be marketable people use internet.

However, some artists in Malawi do not know how to use computers and social media for their benefit.

Due to this, artistic associations agreed with Nanzikambe Arts Café to train them, the use of computer, social media, e-mails, editing and script writing.

Beneficiaries of the training will be drawn from poetry, musicians Associations, photographers, national theatre and visual arts associations.

The deal comes after complaints from artists themselves that they need to be in the know of computer related programmes in order to provide quality products to their followers.

Ntam publicity secretary Frank Yalu confirmed in an interview that the training was one of the issues discussed during a meeting with Nanzikambe Arts on Friday. 

The meeting was convened to brainstorm leadership issues and the need for artists to have computer skills in line with modern technologies.

“The training requires members to pay K500 only as registration. Artists will acquire skills that would enable them use computers for script writing and editing,” he said.

He added that in this era of information technology, artists should understand that having computer skills, being connected on Facebook is a must for easy marketing of one’s work.

“We have come to a point where we believe we have to reach levels of Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. In these countries most artists know how to use all kinds of computer programmes and they use social media to promote themselves,” said Yalu.

Assistant café manager Nkhwachi Mhango alluded that the training would begin in two weeks time to give chance to the associations and their members to prepare.

“The issue came out after we observed that not all artists use the café where they can gather computer skills and be exposed. We want to ensure that artists also become members of the café,” said Mhango.