Six years after Standard Bank Malawi hosted its first ever musical concert, the Joy of Jazz, the curtain has been closed on the event.
Featured as one of the big entertainment events on the Malawi calendar, the Joy of Jazz, which three years ago rebranded to Blue Mingoli, saw local fans enjoying music by some of the biggest names globally.
Some of the musicians that graced the stage included American jazz guitarist and composer, Earl Klugh as well as South Africans Zahara, Zonke and Lira.
However, Standard Bank Malawi says the event is no longer happening, two years after the last edition was held under the Blue Mingoli name.
“As you have rightly observed, in Malawi the event evolved to become Blue Mingoli. However, we are taking a break from Blue Mingoli and related music sponsorships due to changing priorities within constrained resources,” says the bank’s head of marketing and communications Thoko Unyolo.
She says the bank is focusing on other equally important and pressing national causes after taking a break from music sponsorship.
“In the area of health, Standard Bank sponsors the Be More Race which is a 4 in 1 event that aims at promoting a culture of wellness through running, regular exercise and diet management. The funds raised during the event are channelled towards the support of the girl child,” she said.
The news has not gone down well with some of the event’s fans who have described the development as sad for the entertainment fraternity.
“I hope this is being reconsidered by decision-makers at the bank. We had developed that annual expectation to attend one of the most organised events in the land. Carefully selected and reputable international artists performances,” said Buxton Kayuni who attended all the four shows organised by Standard Bank.
