A Unicef-funded music initiative called Action for Adolescents and Youth Programme (A4AY) is set to support talented young Malawians in music as one way of empowering them.
This was revealed on Monday by the initiative’s implementing partner Active Youth Initiative for Social Enhancement (Ayise) during auditions at Chimwankhunda Primary School in Blantyre.
The auditions were carried out by Mibawa Studios and saw young people undergoing voice and instrument tests on drums, guitars and keyboards.
“Basically, this initiative seeks to support young people in the area of music to enable them record their music. The programme is part of the employment creation and livelihood promotion among vulnerable youth who wish to establish career in music. Mibawa has been engaged to support up-and-coming talented musicians in training and recording their music,” said Ayise’s project coordinator Monica Makheya Dzonzi.
She said the initiative is an outreach programme of Ayise’s Multipurpose Youth Centres currently focusing on Bangwe in Blantyre and Thyolo.
Those who are eligible for the programme are young people aged between 14 and 30, are pursuing music and have already finalised preparing their songs and seek support to record.
“The programme focuses on the up-and-coming music bands, groups and choirs with a drive to support them by way of provision of music recording services in various music categories, ranging from local music groups using traditional instruments, church choirs and others,” said Dzonzi.
On his part, Mibawa Studios proprieter John Nthakomwa said the programme has been split into two tasks namely; recording and band formation.
“The programme seeks the talent of different individuals who will be grouped into band and other getting their music recorded. The idea is to develop viable music careers of young people and help them make ends meet,” he said.
Currently, auditions have been conducted in Thyolo, Luchenza and Blantyre’s Bangwe, Chilobwe, Chilomoni, Ndirande and Machinjiri townships. n
