Years after being one of the founding members of poetry sessions that kept Lilongwe buzzing poet, Q Malewezi is back with a new concept.
He is launching a series of artistic events whiich will see specially curated artists being featured.
In an interview this week, Malewezi said one artist will be featured through a performance in a series dubbed Stripped.
“Stripped is a weekly live performance platform I will produce and curate. The mission of the platform is to create a deeper connection between artists and society with the objective of generating more appreciation, value and support for the arts,” he said.
To achieve this, the artists will have the opportunity to tell stories about their journey, craft and creative process.
He said: “One artist, from music or poetry, will be featured. Stripped will go beyond the performances to exploring the backstory of each of the performances. The session will have a moderator who will engage the artist in a Q and A before each performance.
“The platform is for seasoned artists who have a story to tell and can perform in an unplugged minimalistic set up. It is curated and not applied for. By curated, I mean carefully chosen or selected.”
Starting on April 22 and to be held at Four Seasons, Q is currently negotiating with the first four artists for May.
“For the April sessions, we will communicate. The target audience are sector influencers, thought and opinion leaders from both the local and international communities,” he said.
In a separate interview, poet Phindu Zaie Banda said besides promoting featured artists, the series will go a long way towards unmasking artists and adding layers to how they’re perceived by fans.
She said: “Stripped is a fresh and interesting take on the arts in Malawi, something that hasn’t been done before yet is very much needed in order to animate our creative sector.
“I am very excited about seeing it come to life and seeing how it will transform how we not only see artists but also interact with them and their work.”
Banda believes such spaces are important to artists as they validate the artistic process and are proof that one is seen and heard.
“They are an opportunity to learn and grow, as well as build on existing experiences and skills. Such spaces also open doors to collaboration, which is very important for growing our creative sector,” she says.
