The High Court has ruled that there should be nationwide demonstrations and vigils on September 21 as planned by the civil society.
Concerned citizens led by Dr. Yohane Mlambe, through lawyers Christopher Chiphwanya and Frank Mbeta sought an injunction to block nationwide vigils arguing “organising any nationwide demonstrations, vigils or mass protests poses national security threats”. This is a second ruling for the day on the same injunction after the court gave a similar ruling earlier in the morning. The defense team later appealed.
This means the vigil is on tomorrow in all the cities pending the authorities given by the city fathers of the respective cities.
However, am yet to decide if i will be part of the 21 September vigil. Am finding it hard to make a decision because i think this is not the way we should be taking as a country. I very much want to see things change in this country but i prefer a peaceful way. The only reason i took part in the 20 July demonstration was because i thought they will be peaceful only to see a different picture.
If you see me at the vigil tomorrow is simply to update you people who visit my blog. I will go there to get first hand information about things that are happening. I will be updating on twitter, Facebook, Google + and on this blog just to let the whole world know what is happening.
A few minutes before writing this post, i was watching a video of the 20 July demonstrations victims in Mzuzu. Its a very sad and touching video of how these people died and the bullet wounds that they had. I could not fail to shed a tear at what i was seeing. I feel sorry for the families these victims left behind. I dont want this to happen again. Not to me or to any person. I can send you the videos if you email me.
I love my country, Malawi so much so that i will not want to see it going astray simply because some people could not agree on two or three things. I would rather stay home and pray than demonstrate and destroy other peoples property.
Finally, am not clear on why we are demonstrating on 21 September. Or i have not been given enough information. I tried my best to ask for more information from the organisers on why we should hold a vigil but they were not clear. I searched for news in their various updates and releases but still could not be convinced. I also wonder where they got the mandate to hold these vigils after the 20 July demonstrations. Did they ask the people their views? Did they hold rallies or consultations? Who are they speaking for this time around?
I have not been bought as some of you might suggest because am not that cheap. I love my country so much that i will do anything in my capacity to make it a better place to live. Am a nobody in other people's eyes but a very important person to my family, workplace, church and friends.
God bless Malawi
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Malawi Gospel Music Project X - Concept Paper
Last week i promised to publish a concept paper for the project that we are running together with the youth of St James CCAP called Project X. Here is the paper. If you fill like helping us in any way please contact us using the details below. We welcome any type of help at this stage.
PROJECT – X CONCEPT
1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY
Project –X is an idea that came about to unearth, improve, and promote raw talent which God has invested in some members of the Youth Ministry. Through various means, we identify talented youths, bring them together and train them for a period to make them established and mature artist.
We believe that there are a lot of talented youths in our ministry who need to be guided and trained to use their talents in worshiping God and uplifting both their spiritual and physical lives.
Project – X desires to give a chance to every individual to become a complete artist. In order to achieve this, we plan to help the youth to compose, practice, and record their original composition. At the end of the first mission, we will compile an album comprising of songs from the artists. We also plan to shoot a DVD of these songs. To achieve this, we are engaging various professionals in this field.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
1. To unearth, improve, and promote raw music talent
2. To improve the quality of gospel music
3. To advise and train the youth in the areas of vocal production, stage setting and performance, studio work and all areas pertaining to music.
4. To conduct seminars and forums for the youth through some established professionals
5. To come up with an established record label for Young Christian music artists that will be modeled on established labels like Integrity Music and Hill song
6. To become an established group that will use various talents we have to reach out to young people in various learning institutions with the gospel
3.0 ACTIVITIES
In order to achieve objectives and attain our goals, we have outlined a number of activities and some are already underway like:
3.1 Auditions
We used a very mature way to identify fifteen youths whom we have started the project with. Emphasis was placed on the potential one has and musical talent he/ she has demonstrated. We treat music in general from composition to stage performance.
3.2 Training Sessions
We do meet every Friday and Sunday for practices which involves various aspects of music which covers a period of about five hours. Our training also involves lessons from various people who we invite to teach on given topics.
3.3 Studio Test
Occasionally, we do go to the studios to do some studio work with various producers to give an exposure to the artists about what to expect once we start full recording of our music. So far we have recorded one song.
3.4 Album/ DVD compilation
As the whole idea behind Project – X is to make all the fifteen youths complete solo artists, we plan to compile an album with contributions from all the artists involved in the project.
3.5 Talent Explosion Shows
One way to make the artist mature enough is to expose them to a larger audience. Project – X will organize shows together with other promoters and will also take time to attend other music show to be exposed to the bigger stages.
3.6 Seminars/forums/workshops
We organize music workshops to train the selected artists. These workshops also concentrates on some issues to do with what it means to be Christian music artist like how to handle fame, maintain a Christian life style. We invite established people for these clinics.
4.0 TIME FRAME
The project initially started in may 2011 and the first mission is expected to be completed by early October, 2011 with the release of the first compilation album.
Plans are also in place to make Project- X a fully fledged band in the near future funds permitting.
In the next 3-5 years, it is our desire to the artists who have gone through project- x making it big the music industry and also in the Christian circles as artists like being worship leaders and evangelists.
5.0 FUNDRAISING
For the first few months of the project start, some members within the project will contribute towards the running of the project. We plan to approach various people and organizations with this concept to seek sponsorship for the project and also to partner the project. Funds will be needed to organize training sessions, visits to learning institutions, studio sessions, music shows and production of the first compilation and DVD.
5.1 Funding or partnering Project-X
We seek to partner with any organization that will embrace our idea and we are ready to assist in promoting the organization in return. Ways of partnering may include:
• Offering advertising space in our DVDs, music album
• Organizing music shows in partnership with the organization
• Sponsorship of various activities being undertaken by project- X
• Releasing our team to do some assignments as per the partner’s request
• Being involved in production of promotional materials for the organization and its products
5.2 Other fundraising means
Through talent explosions, we plan to raise some of the funds needed to make Project – X a success. We also plan to be selling T-Shirts and conducting raffle draws in our shows. We also plan to sell our product at affordable prices in order for us to reach out to a larger audience.
6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Project – X is a brainchild of youths from St James C.C.A.P Youth ministry and is closely monitored by both the leadership of the youth grouping and the church leadership. Even though it is under an established youth ministry, our plan as project –X is to reach out to all young people of all faiths.
Project – X is being directed by Vincent Kumwenda with the full backing of St James Bible Class Youth Ministry’s music department.
Success of the project will be measured by the number of youths who will graduate having undergone trainings provided through the project and how they will be fairing as the main objective of the project is to shape these young people into accomplished solo artists. Apart from that, the quality of music and mature composition of songs and the holding of successful events by the Project will be anther check point.
One of the objectives of Project – X is to reach out to people in various learning institutions with message of salvation and Christian morals. We shall carry out a continuance evaluation of the success of these outreaches to see the impact of these on the youth we are reaching out to.
Project – X will also aim at bridging the gap that is in the gospel music community in terms of the quality of compositions and music being played in various quarters. Mature Praise and Worship music is our goal and that what we desire to present to the local and international audience as a whole.
7.0 CONCLUSION
We are driven by the passion we have for Christian music and for young talented Christians. This passion is enough to take us and the whole Project to greater heights. Project – X will create a big mark in the history of Christian music both in worship and evangelism. We are very determined to bring the success like that of Hillsong to Malawi and this part of Africa.
Contacts:
Project – X Coordinator.
C/o St James Bible Class Youth Ministry,
P.O. Box 58
Blantyre
Tel: +265 212 956 320 / +265 (0) 1 605 911
Email: vkumwenda@gmail.com/ cassiusndovie@gmail.com
Att: Vincent Kumwenda / Cassius Ndovie
-
PROJECT – X CONCEPT
1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY
Project –X is an idea that came about to unearth, improve, and promote raw talent which God has invested in some members of the Youth Ministry. Through various means, we identify talented youths, bring them together and train them for a period to make them established and mature artist.
We believe that there are a lot of talented youths in our ministry who need to be guided and trained to use their talents in worshiping God and uplifting both their spiritual and physical lives.
Project – X desires to give a chance to every individual to become a complete artist. In order to achieve this, we plan to help the youth to compose, practice, and record their original composition. At the end of the first mission, we will compile an album comprising of songs from the artists. We also plan to shoot a DVD of these songs. To achieve this, we are engaging various professionals in this field.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
1. To unearth, improve, and promote raw music talent
2. To improve the quality of gospel music
3. To advise and train the youth in the areas of vocal production, stage setting and performance, studio work and all areas pertaining to music.
4. To conduct seminars and forums for the youth through some established professionals
5. To come up with an established record label for Young Christian music artists that will be modeled on established labels like Integrity Music and Hill song
6. To become an established group that will use various talents we have to reach out to young people in various learning institutions with the gospel
3.0 ACTIVITIES
In order to achieve objectives and attain our goals, we have outlined a number of activities and some are already underway like:
3.1 Auditions
We used a very mature way to identify fifteen youths whom we have started the project with. Emphasis was placed on the potential one has and musical talent he/ she has demonstrated. We treat music in general from composition to stage performance.
3.2 Training Sessions
We do meet every Friday and Sunday for practices which involves various aspects of music which covers a period of about five hours. Our training also involves lessons from various people who we invite to teach on given topics.
3.3 Studio Test
Occasionally, we do go to the studios to do some studio work with various producers to give an exposure to the artists about what to expect once we start full recording of our music. So far we have recorded one song.
3.4 Album/ DVD compilation
As the whole idea behind Project – X is to make all the fifteen youths complete solo artists, we plan to compile an album with contributions from all the artists involved in the project.
3.5 Talent Explosion Shows
One way to make the artist mature enough is to expose them to a larger audience. Project – X will organize shows together with other promoters and will also take time to attend other music show to be exposed to the bigger stages.
3.6 Seminars/forums/workshops
We organize music workshops to train the selected artists. These workshops also concentrates on some issues to do with what it means to be Christian music artist like how to handle fame, maintain a Christian life style. We invite established people for these clinics.
4.0 TIME FRAME
The project initially started in may 2011 and the first mission is expected to be completed by early October, 2011 with the release of the first compilation album.
Plans are also in place to make Project- X a fully fledged band in the near future funds permitting.
In the next 3-5 years, it is our desire to the artists who have gone through project- x making it big the music industry and also in the Christian circles as artists like being worship leaders and evangelists.
5.0 FUNDRAISING
For the first few months of the project start, some members within the project will contribute towards the running of the project. We plan to approach various people and organizations with this concept to seek sponsorship for the project and also to partner the project. Funds will be needed to organize training sessions, visits to learning institutions, studio sessions, music shows and production of the first compilation and DVD.
5.1 Funding or partnering Project-X
We seek to partner with any organization that will embrace our idea and we are ready to assist in promoting the organization in return. Ways of partnering may include:
• Offering advertising space in our DVDs, music album
• Organizing music shows in partnership with the organization
• Sponsorship of various activities being undertaken by project- X
• Releasing our team to do some assignments as per the partner’s request
• Being involved in production of promotional materials for the organization and its products
5.2 Other fundraising means
Through talent explosions, we plan to raise some of the funds needed to make Project – X a success. We also plan to be selling T-Shirts and conducting raffle draws in our shows. We also plan to sell our product at affordable prices in order for us to reach out to a larger audience.
6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Project – X is a brainchild of youths from St James C.C.A.P Youth ministry and is closely monitored by both the leadership of the youth grouping and the church leadership. Even though it is under an established youth ministry, our plan as project –X is to reach out to all young people of all faiths.
Project – X is being directed by Vincent Kumwenda with the full backing of St James Bible Class Youth Ministry’s music department.
Success of the project will be measured by the number of youths who will graduate having undergone trainings provided through the project and how they will be fairing as the main objective of the project is to shape these young people into accomplished solo artists. Apart from that, the quality of music and mature composition of songs and the holding of successful events by the Project will be anther check point.
One of the objectives of Project – X is to reach out to people in various learning institutions with message of salvation and Christian morals. We shall carry out a continuance evaluation of the success of these outreaches to see the impact of these on the youth we are reaching out to.
Project – X will also aim at bridging the gap that is in the gospel music community in terms of the quality of compositions and music being played in various quarters. Mature Praise and Worship music is our goal and that what we desire to present to the local and international audience as a whole.
7.0 CONCLUSION
We are driven by the passion we have for Christian music and for young talented Christians. This passion is enough to take us and the whole Project to greater heights. Project – X will create a big mark in the history of Christian music both in worship and evangelism. We are very determined to bring the success like that of Hillsong to Malawi and this part of Africa.
Contacts:
Project – X Coordinator.
C/o St James Bible Class Youth Ministry,
P.O. Box 58
Blantyre
Tel: +265 212 956 320 / +265 (0) 1 605 911
Email: vkumwenda@gmail.com/ cassiusndovie@gmail.com
Att: Vincent Kumwenda / Cassius Ndovie
-
Thursday, September 8, 2011
TransWorld Radio Malawi Celebrates 25 Years on FM - Press Release
Update on and Appeal for Support towards TWR Malawi
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Trans World Radio (TWR) a non-denominational broadcaster seeks the support of individuals, friends, companies, churches and partners towards the celebration of 25 years of work in Malawi.
Since 1986 when its radio work officially started, TWR has seen thousands of lives transformed in Malawi and beyond. This year, we are also celebrating ten years (from 2001) of broadcasting on a national FM network with a clean signal using English, Chichewa, Chitumbuka and Chiyao.
Hundreds of testimonies through letters, emails, SMS and personal meetings abound each month. Many Malawians in one way or the other have been impacted by TWR through its shortwave broadcasts in the early years when work was pioneered by among others former MBC broadcaster Mr. Pearson Chunga (based in Swaziland).
As such, we have organized listener celebrations in Mzuzu on Sunday 25th September 2011 at Katoto Freedom Park. Later on the main celebrations move to Blantyre on Sunday 16th for an inter-denominational thanksgiving morning Service and an open celebration show in the afternoon. The main closing event is on Saturday 22nd October at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.
Ahead of that other special activities include having women take full charge of the airwaves beginning Monday 12th Sept to 18th September. This is to let women who have never been on air to celebrate in a special way by handling basic production and presenting radio programmes. A similar opportunity was made for the children in August during their school holiday.
TWR is also working on installing a new transmitter in Mchinji and host an appreciation dinner on Friday 21st October. The funds raised will go towards the expansion of TWR FM signal to Karonga and Chitipa.
Operating under the theme is “Thus far, has the Lord helped us” from 1 Samuel 12:7, the Silver Jubilee celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness to and through TWR Malawi in the last 25 years, launch a new listeners’ radio project and see a strengthened resource base.
TWR remains committed to holistic programming thereby build good character in the citizens in addition to helping the Church in its mission to reach people through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. We remain committed to provide information, inspiration and entertainment in Malawi.
As such ongoing financial support, patronage and sponsorship especially in this special season will help TWR continue to being useful to Malawi and beyond. For details on how to support (which will be acknowledged publicly), contact the undersigned.
Signed
Victor Kaonga,
National Director (Mobile 0999338902)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
New Malawi Cabinet Out
Malawi President, Professor Bingu wa Mutharika has finally announced a cabinet which he dissolved on August 19, 2011. Here are the names of the new ministers and their ministries effective September 6, 2011:
The State President:
His Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika
*Commander in Chief: Malawi Defense Force: Malawi Police Service
*Statutory Corporation Policy Direction, National Relief and Disaster Management
*The Civil Service and Civil Society Administration
The First Lady: Her Excellency Madam Callista Mutharika
* National Coordinator: Maternal,Nutrition, Infant and Child Health; Safe Motherhood, Malaria and TB Coordinator
Deputy Minister in the Office of the President and Cabinet - Hon Nicholas Dausi
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Hon. Prof. Peter Arthur Mutharika
Deputy - Hon Kondwani Nakhumwa
Minister of Finance and Development Planning - Hon. Ken Lipenga
Deputy - Hon. Cornelius Mwalwanda
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development - Hon. Prof. Peter Mwanza
Deputy - Hon. Magret Loka Mauwa
Hon. Kingsley Namakhwa
Minister of Health - Hon. Dr. Jean Kalirani
Deputy - Hon. Ralph Jooma
Minister of Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Dr. George Chaponda
Deputy; Higher Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Oteria Moyo Jere, MP
Deputy; Primary and Secondary Education: Hon. Victor Sajeni
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs - Hon. Ephraim Chiume
Minister of Youth Development and Welfare - Hon. Symon Vuwa Kaunda
Minister of Information and Civil Education - Hon. Patricia Kaliati -
Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment - Hon. Dr. Goodall Gondwe
Deputy -Hon. Vera Faramenga Chelewani
Minister of Transport and Public Infrastructure - Hon Sidik Mia
Deputy - Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara
Minister of Industry and Trade - Hon. John Bande
Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development - Hon. Yunus Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Rev. Christopher Ngwira
Minister of Gender, Child and Community Development - Hon. Reen Kachere
Deputy - Hon. Nasrin Pillane
Minister of Labour - Hon. Lucius Kanyumba
Minster of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture - Hon Daniel Liwimbi
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development - Hon Hery Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Chimango Chipimpha Mughogho
Minister of Home Affairs and National Defense - Hon Aaron Sangala
Some of the notable names missing out on the list include Hon Billy Kaunda, Professor Etta Banda, Anna Kachikho and Tarsizio Gowelo. The new cabinet will be sworn in 8th September 2011 at New State House in Lilongwe from 13:00hrs.
Missing on the original list is the name of the Vice President, Hon Joyce Banda. The President has also given himself a role to look after the civil society.
The State President:
His Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika
*Commander in Chief: Malawi Defense Force: Malawi Police Service
*Statutory Corporation Policy Direction, National Relief and Disaster Management
*The Civil Service and Civil Society Administration
The First Lady: Her Excellency Madam Callista Mutharika
* National Coordinator: Maternal,Nutrition, Infant and Child Health; Safe Motherhood, Malaria and TB Coordinator
Deputy Minister in the Office of the President and Cabinet - Hon Nicholas Dausi
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Hon. Prof. Peter Arthur Mutharika
Deputy - Hon Kondwani Nakhumwa
Minister of Finance and Development Planning - Hon. Ken Lipenga
Deputy - Hon. Cornelius Mwalwanda
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development - Hon. Prof. Peter Mwanza
Deputy - Hon. Magret Loka Mauwa
Hon. Kingsley Namakhwa
Minister of Health - Hon. Dr. Jean Kalirani
Deputy - Hon. Ralph Jooma
Minister of Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Dr. George Chaponda
Deputy; Higher Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Oteria Moyo Jere, MP
Deputy; Primary and Secondary Education: Hon. Victor Sajeni
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs - Hon. Ephraim Chiume
Minister of Youth Development and Welfare - Hon. Symon Vuwa Kaunda
Minister of Information and Civil Education - Hon. Patricia Kaliati -
Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment - Hon. Dr. Goodall Gondwe
Deputy -Hon. Vera Faramenga Chelewani
Minister of Transport and Public Infrastructure - Hon Sidik Mia
Deputy - Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara
Minister of Industry and Trade - Hon. John Bande
Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development - Hon. Yunus Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Rev. Christopher Ngwira
Minister of Gender, Child and Community Development - Hon. Reen Kachere
Deputy - Hon. Nasrin Pillane
Minister of Labour - Hon. Lucius Kanyumba
Minster of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture - Hon Daniel Liwimbi
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development - Hon Hery Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Chimango Chipimpha Mughogho
Minister of Home Affairs and National Defense - Hon Aaron Sangala
Some of the notable names missing out on the list include Hon Billy Kaunda, Professor Etta Banda, Anna Kachikho and Tarsizio Gowelo. The new cabinet will be sworn in 8th September 2011 at New State House in Lilongwe from 13:00hrs.
Missing on the original list is the name of the Vice President, Hon Joyce Banda. The President has also given himself a role to look after the civil society.
Aford wins Rumphi Central Constituency - a vote of no confidence to Bingu
The most talked about by - election in Rumphi Central Constituency finally took place yesterday, 6th September, and unofficial results indicate that Alliance for Democracy (Aford) candidate, Enock Chihana has won. According to results monitored on independent radio, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Aford got 6,641 votes, DPP 3,197 votes, PP 2,808 votes and PDM 1,654 votes. The Democratic Peoples Party was represented by Norman Nyirenda.
This by election also served as a litmus test for two newly registered parties, Peoples (PP) and PDM backed by the influential Livingstonia Synod. PP and PDM were represented by Chidumba Mkandawire and Peter Chihana respectively. The results show that people of the north are still unpredictable in terms of where their loyalties fall. It also served as a test for the DPP's popularity in the North following some unpopular decisions made against the region.
Some analysts are concluding that the results shows a vote of no confidence to the ruling party and its leader, Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika. "If you add all the votes that the opposition has received it adds up to 14,300 votes total against Bingu and his DPP, while they only got 3,197. This is a landslide win by Aford" claimed one analyst.
If Enock Chihana makes it to Parliament, he will bring the number of its legislators to two the other one being Hon. Khwauli Msiska. Malawi Electoral Commission will announce the official results later in the day. The by-elections follws the death of the former legislator, Prof. Moses Chirambo who passed away last year.
This by election also served as a litmus test for two newly registered parties, Peoples (PP) and PDM backed by the influential Livingstonia Synod. PP and PDM were represented by Chidumba Mkandawire and Peter Chihana respectively. The results show that people of the north are still unpredictable in terms of where their loyalties fall. It also served as a test for the DPP's popularity in the North following some unpopular decisions made against the region.
Some analysts are concluding that the results shows a vote of no confidence to the ruling party and its leader, Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika. "If you add all the votes that the opposition has received it adds up to 14,300 votes total against Bingu and his DPP, while they only got 3,197. This is a landslide win by Aford" claimed one analyst.
If Enock Chihana makes it to Parliament, he will bring the number of its legislators to two the other one being Hon. Khwauli Msiska. Malawi Electoral Commission will announce the official results later in the day. The by-elections follws the death of the former legislator, Prof. Moses Chirambo who passed away last year.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
malawi president's personal house vs a citizen's house
Just wanted to compare these three pictures of peoples houses in Malawi. This is how life is like in Malawi
Mutharika's house in Ndata
Malawian kids playing outside their home.
some of the houses belonging to ordinary malawians.
Monday, September 5, 2011
We dont want war in Malawi!!!! Sitilola
On 6 July 2009 i published this post about war in Malawi and am now publishing it again because of the various issues and threats of war that we are hearing everyday.
here it is:
When i switched on my radio this morning, one local radio station was playing a track by Thomas Chibade, Sitilora. The musician urges the leaders to maintain peace that Malawi is experiencing. He goes on to sing about how wars in several african countries is affecting people. He concludes with the title of the song sitilora.
I totally agree with Chibade that as Malawians we will not allow that this country should be involved in any war. We cannot support leaders who preach about or encourage war in our peaceful country. We have seen how our friends have been affected by wars in the different countries in Africa and beyond. I had time to talk to a few people who had been directly affected by the Mozambican war both Malawians and Mozambicans. They are some who are still being affected by the what happened even after the war ended a few years back. Thats why Chibade sings that the leaders will reconcile afterwards even though our relatives have died and our property destroyed.
As we celebrate the 45 years of independence, lets put this in mind. We don't want any war in Malawi. We have been a peaceful nation save for a few acts of violence that claimed lives of fellow Malawians. We have just been rated the second peaceful country in the world. Let us maintain it.
The announcer at the local radio station seemed to know that the source of conflicts in many of the waring countries are leaders because the next song he played was Tigonjerane by Billy Kaunda. In Tigonjerane, Billy urges all Malawians to accept other people's views. He says tolerance should start in the family, churches and in political parties. There is no better time to play this song than now when we are celebrating independence a few months after we had elections. Though fair and peaceful other quarters are failing to digest the results.
We have a choice to remain a peaceful nation and continue being called the "warm heart of Africa" or follow the path of other nations. It all goes back to our day to day living, our leaders decisions and tolerance of other people's views. That's why i totally agree with Billy Kaunda and Thomas Chibade that Tiyeni tigonjerane and Sitilora kuti muyambitse nkhondo muno.
here it is:
When i switched on my radio this morning, one local radio station was playing a track by Thomas Chibade, Sitilora. The musician urges the leaders to maintain peace that Malawi is experiencing. He goes on to sing about how wars in several african countries is affecting people. He concludes with the title of the song sitilora.
I totally agree with Chibade that as Malawians we will not allow that this country should be involved in any war. We cannot support leaders who preach about or encourage war in our peaceful country. We have seen how our friends have been affected by wars in the different countries in Africa and beyond. I had time to talk to a few people who had been directly affected by the Mozambican war both Malawians and Mozambicans. They are some who are still being affected by the what happened even after the war ended a few years back. Thats why Chibade sings that the leaders will reconcile afterwards even though our relatives have died and our property destroyed.
As we celebrate the 45 years of independence, lets put this in mind. We don't want any war in Malawi. We have been a peaceful nation save for a few acts of violence that claimed lives of fellow Malawians. We have just been rated the second peaceful country in the world. Let us maintain it.
The announcer at the local radio station seemed to know that the source of conflicts in many of the waring countries are leaders because the next song he played was Tigonjerane by Billy Kaunda. In Tigonjerane, Billy urges all Malawians to accept other people's views. He says tolerance should start in the family, churches and in political parties. There is no better time to play this song than now when we are celebrating independence a few months after we had elections. Though fair and peaceful other quarters are failing to digest the results.
We have a choice to remain a peaceful nation and continue being called the "warm heart of Africa" or follow the path of other nations. It all goes back to our day to day living, our leaders decisions and tolerance of other people's views. That's why i totally agree with Billy Kaunda and Thomas Chibade that Tiyeni tigonjerane and Sitilora kuti muyambitse nkhondo muno.
malawi gospel music project X
I have teamed up with some guys to come up with a project to train young Christians in singing gospel music. The project is called Project X and has 15 young men and women from St James CCAP Church in Zingwangwa.
I have grown to like music by the likes of Hillsongs of Australia, Don Moen and Micheal W Smith and i have always wanted to hear the same type of music played by my fellow Malawians. Unfortunately am not good at singing so i decided to team up with some guys to run this project. am mostly doing the administration part while Cassius Ndovie is concentrating on the technical part.
Project X is modelled after groups like Hillsongs and Integrity Music. We plan to train the guys to be individual artists both in singing and playing instruments. Since May we have been inviting various professionals to teach the youths some aspects of music. A sample of the songs they have managed to compose and record so far can be found and downloaded here
Funding
This ambitious project will require alot money and we are asking people who are willing to help us with this project to contact me and i will email them the Project X Concept Paper.
are the negotiations benefiting the average Malawian??
I have been following the negotiations between the civil society and the Malawi government with keen interest. As someone who truly believed in the need to make our demands known to the government through the 20 july demonstrations, i hoped that the dialogue way will help us. In fact i was happy that the civil society cancelled the august 17 vigil paving way for the UN led dialogue. If what we are reading in the papers and listening on the radios is to go by, the whole dialogue issue has lost track. It makes me wonder if the whole thing is for the interest of us, Malawians.
divisions in the civil society
The leaders of the civil society are taking for granted the support we gave them on 20 july and they now think that they have the mandate to speak on behalf of all Malawians. Much as we support most of the points they are raising in their petitions, there still need to consult the people on the ground on what they need to speak on the dialogue table. We now hear of divisions within the civil society groupings. These cannot be avoided because they have different agendas and opinions on various issues affecting Malawians. The fact that they came together on 20 july does not mean that they are one group and in fact they were operating using their different names. For example, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions, HRCC, Congoma and CEDEP are some of the groups that took part in those demonstrations.
One thing that we need to accept is the fact that most Malawians are keen to see a change in the administration of this country. The civil society are just one of those groups who are demanding for a change in this administration. As a grouping which is well placed in advocating for change, the civil society were better placed to mobilise people to demonstrate. But they remain different as they will always be. So we should not read alot from the fact that a section of the civil society has decided to revive the Forum for the Defence of Democracy which was very active during the time of fighting Muluzi's third term bid.
Malawi for Malawians
Some leaders think they are more Malawian than some of us. The fact that we chose them to represent us in various capacities does not make them superior. They might be rich, famous or well educated but they are just as Malawian as the rest of us. This country belongs to all of us. Am saying this because of some leaders who are lashing out at fellow Malawians simply because they have criticised their ideas. every Malawian has an opinion on an issue be it human rights, governance or any other issue. It is not possible for all the 14 million plus Malawians to agree on one thing. A good leader is supposed to respect other peoples views and opinions and make conclusions based on these opinions.
In a democracy, the fact that a ruling party is given a majority does not guarantee that we will be in agreement with every decision they will make. This is where some quarters of the ruling party are getting it wrong. It is a fact that Malawi is going through problems and it is good that all Malawians come together and find a solution to the problems. It is very unfair to ignore the views of us the common people who voted for you. We put you in power to make our lives better and with the same powers we voted you into power, we can take you out.
we need respect
The fact that we have different opinions with the head of state does not make us stupid or drunkards. It is very unfair to be insulted by the person who i voted into power simply because i cant agree with him on some issues. Malawians are not fools and will never be fools. They know what they need in life and they will fight for it if there is need to fight. To be called names in public rallies will not bring food on ones table and it will not bring water in the rural areas.
We all know what is needed in villages and towns so we dont need to be lectured whether fuel affects the villagers or not. Our leaders need to have our needs at heart and not their own needs at heart.
genuine dialogue
I believe that the majority of Malawians are in need of a genuine way of negotiations and not the lip service we are getting now. Its time to get serious and make our country a better place to live. I, like many other Malawians have no ther country to be proud of, thats why we are doing everything possible to make this country better for our own good and for the good of the coming generations. God bless Malawi
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