Kaysha's Exclusive Interview with Mmalawi Blog

Kaysha, Born Edward Mokolo is originally from Congo Kinshasa and with his parents, he immigrated to France when he was 7. He currently lives between Liboa Portugal, Brussels in Belgium and Paris in France. We had the priviledge to attend his concert last weekend at the Olympia of Montreal in Canada.
Kaysha is sometimes called the "African Timbaland" because of his ability to produce many artists from around the world as well as being a succesful artist in his own right. Kaysha is the CEO of SUSHIRAW Entertainment, a company that produces music and also a clothing line. Kaysha has collaborated with WuTang Clan's Killah Priest and many other artists like Biso na Biso's Passi. Kaysha sings Zouk/Pop/Hip Hop/Rnb/Kizomba and many other music styles.
Kaysha who fluently speaks French,English,Portuguese and Spanish was nominated for an MTV AWARD, he has won 2 prestigious KORA AWARDS among many other awards.
In this Exclusive Interview with Mmalawi Blog's Postera Tenthani, Kaysha talks about his present and future plans and also gives advice to young Malawian and African artists.

Mmalawi Blog: Kaysha it is a pleasure to have this interview with you today. Tell us, why did you choose music and not a different avenue and how did you get into it?
Kaysha: It was simply meant to be. I never made the choice, it was this since the begginning and I just had to go through the right sacrifices, the right encounters and the touch the dream & the sky...
Mmalawi Blog: How do you describe your music?
Kaysha: Freedom. My culture is so diverse, I couldn't just represent my influence by just picking one style. My music is computer generated but the influences come from electro, house, rock, reggae, zouk, hip hop, RnB, 80's pop... Everything I grew up listenin' to as a young afro-european
Mmalawi Blog: What has been your most memorable experience as a musician to date?
Way too many to just nail it to one moment... This whole life is the beautiful moment... Being able to capture the hearts of so many people and see them sing along when you perform from Portugal to Mozambique, London to Paris is just a life of memorable experiences... I'm totally blessed
Mmalawi Blog: This was well demonstrated this last saturday at your concert at the Montreal Olympia. What would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Kaysha: Life
Mmalawi Blog: Now lets talk about your soft side, what or who is the greatest love of your life?
Kaysha: My mom, my son, babymom & an ex or two...My experience is that the greatest love can be a person in a part of your life and another in the next
Mmalawi Blog: That is very interesting! Now what is your idea of perfect happiness?
Kaysha: Perfect hapiness would be wifey, kids & friends in a big warm home not too far from the sea, my studio in the basement & enuff money to see thru 3 or 4 generations... I touched that dream before
Mmalawi Blog: What do you feel is your greatest achievement?
Kaysha: The pride of my parents and my maturity as a father
Mmalawi Blog: We all know that the things happening in Africa are very sad. If you had the power to change anything in Africa what would it be?
Kaysha: If I had the power to magically change something in Africa in one day, I would just bring intelligence & education to the whole population.People would then stop allowing foreign countries stimulate hate and we would be able to create an auto alimented afro-centric continent that would stand equal before the other continents... Leaders wouldn't be able to generate hatred between people of the same blood and the masses wouldn't be easily manipulable... The countries would be clean and technologically advanced, yet totally ancred in their roots and
culture would be put in front with pride...
Watch One Love by Kaysha.

Mmalawi Blog: Now lets talk about Malawi, what is your advice for the Malawian youth?
Kaysha: Keep the head up, we're getting there...
Mmalawi Blog: In Malawi, the music does not usually reach greater heights like yours does, what is your advice for young upcoming Malawian musicians?
Kaysha: My advice would go to the government: We need to put the culture first and have laws that empowers the culture. Culture is the best way to represent a country. Musicians, actors, directors, singers, etc, need copyright, right protection, tv stations need to pay fees when they play your song and these fees would go to the creators of songs. Piracy needs to have boundaries set by the people who are supposed to represent the law. And African musicians must just understand that the future is now and it has never been so easy to sell your own music
online... Make it happen
Mmalawi Blog: Kaysha tell us, what are plans for the future?
Kaysha: I have my double cd "Forever young" that is coming out december 23rd and I'm running my label and putting out more and more records. I'm moving into film very soon and my Sushiraw African Clothing Company is also geting good exposure( http://skin.kaysha.com)
Mmalawi Blog: How can people check out your music?
Kaysha: Everything is at Kaysha.Com http://www.kaysha.com
Mmalawi Blog: Any last words?
Kaysha: Check out my Malawi tshirt at
http://www.mysoti.com/mysoti/product/17280
And much love to you reading this interview right now. Thanks a lot for your time, Muah!
Dance with Kaysha in this Video: On dit Quoi

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Buy Kaysha's music here:
http://kaysha.com/store/kaysha

Interview by Postera Tenthani in Montreal, Canada for http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/ (2008)
Photos courtesy of Kaysha.Com

This Tuesday: Exclusive Interview with African Megastar Kaysha

African Musician Kaysha is a Producer,who won 2 Kora Awards (Best African Artist), MTV Europe Award Nominee, He appeared on CNN several times. Kaysha, the CEO of SUSHIRAW Entertainment has granted us a special interview that will be posted on Mmalawi Blog this Tuesday. In the interview, Kaysha will talk about his present future plans.
Watch a Video Directed/Sung/Mixed by Kaysha "The African Timbaland"


His Exclusive Interview will be Posted on Monday on:
http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Is Christmas Celebration for Whites Only? Video of African Santa's verbal Abuse

(Picture of a Malawian Santa?) VIDEO BELOW

I was asked several times, if I am offended when I see everywhere a white Santa Claus. I responded by saying that I really did not care because I don’t celebrate Christmas anyways.

Many Malawians and Africans alike do not bother buying chickens or turkeys (which are scarce) for Christmas. The Christmas fever that begins after Halloween day with decorations everywhere is not seen in many African countries. Even snow is never seen, except by those living close to the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Kenya. I talked to friends in Malawi (in Lilongwe and one in Blantyre) and they both told me that the day was special simply because they did not work. My friend in Lilongwe talked of a black Santa Claus who was distributing candy at Lilongwe Shoprite and when kids wanted to get more, he would tell them “Iwe mesa walandila kale, bwanji kodi?” (I already gave you candy, what else do you want from me?”) Christmas in Malawi and Christmas in Africa is not a 'big deal' as it is in the Western World.

As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ was not even born on the 25^th of December, so what the heck!

A white friend of mine asked me today: “Do you think Christmas is a celebration mainly for the Westerners and whites?” Well you decide.

A Video of a Malawian Santa abusing kids verbally:

Picture courtesy Kim Thomas' Blog

By Postera Tenthani for http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Why Madonna and Malawi Are Fighting

When a Malawians go outside the country, most of the times it is to study, to work or to visit and they usually return after a period of time. Many Malawians believe in the proverb: “N’kwanu n’kwanu m’thengo mudalaka njoka” (You can go anywhere, but you have to return home one day). David Banda's was the first ever adoption recorded in the history of Malawi. While Madonna had adoption plans in her mind, many Malawians thought of it as a kind act of guarding David for few years before returning him to his roots.

The dictator Kamuzu Banda went to study abroad and when he returned in the 60s, he became President of Malawi. John Chilembwe, the first Malawian to resist colonialism was educated in the United States, and is a hero and Chilembwe Day is a Malawian National holiday to commemorate his achievements. For many, especially Malawians in the villages, David Banda would simply go and come back as a hero. Madonna’s adoption plans were simply never heard of by many. (AP image)

Madonna just split with husband Guy Ritchie and is now linked to Brazilian supermodel Jesus Luz. A Brazilian website Glamurama writes about the Supermodel and David Banda’s ‘mother’: 'Everyone knows they are ficando - which is a Portuguese expression that means they are kissing and doing other things but without any obligation of being faithful or getting into a relationship afterwards.'

A father figure is very important to Malawians and for David Banda, it looks like he will not have any because Guy Ritchie was supposed to be the ‘father’ but then came American baseball star Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez and now Jesus Luz. All of these men are entering and exiting David Banda’s life who probably does not notice anything, as of yet. This is only 2 years after his adoption. This is all overwhelming for many Malawians. They will not understand Madonna for many years to come, even if she adopts a second child from there.

http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Malawi Web Awards (2008) Winners

Thank you all for your votes! Our mailbox was filling with more than 150 mails every day. We received many praises for this initiative and we also thank all for participating in this exciting event. Next year we will make it even bigger. The votes have been tallied so please watch the Youtube video.
VIDEO OF THE 2008 MALAWI AWARDS WINNERS:

The LIST:
2008 MALAWI WEB AWARDS WINNERS
Malawian Web Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominees
Chimwemwe Ncozana for Radio Yako and Yako Web Solutions
Dumisani Kapanga for MalawianMP3.com (WINNER)
Qabaniso Malewezi for Abstrak Entertainment
Limbani Kalilani (Tay Grin) for Phone Yanu (Pvt)
Malawi Web Award for Best Online Broadcasting Media Nominees
Capital FM Malawi
Radio Yako
Kwacha Fm (WINNER)
Radio Maria Malawi
Malawi Web Award in Best Online Social Interactive Media (Entertainment, Social or Political) Nominees
Radio Yako
Kwacha FM
Nyasa Times
Malawiana.net and MalawiSN (WINNER)
Nyasanet Listserv
Malawi Web Artist of the Year Nominees
Tay Grin (WINNER)
Lucius Banda
Lawrence Mbenjere
Joe Gwaladi
Esau Mwamwaya
Ntambo Chibambo Kaendera

Achievement in Information Technology Award Nominees
Patrick Kalamula (Kuseka.com)
Likoma Tech Graphix (for Timve Mag) (WINNER)
Chimwemwe Ncozana (Yako Web Solutions)
Justin Malewezi Jnr (Malawian Weddings)
SPECIAL MENTION: STARMEDIA MW
Malawi Best News Website Nominees
Nyasa Times (WINNER)
Daily Times
Nation mw
Malawi Best Blog (All categories) Nominees
The Mmalawi Group
Anti-Bakili Muluzi
Victor Kaonga
William Kamkwamba (WINNER)
Steve Sharra
Bennet Kankuzi

Malawi Best Video Nominees (all on Youtube)
Lawrence Mbenjere Sewere,
Joe Gwaladi Zakanika;
Black Missionaries Mwana wa Munthu (WINNER)
Music from Malawi, Africa, Ministryofhope.org

2008 Leaders of Tommorow Award Nominees
Tajah Olson (Fashion, Modeling) (WINNER)
Andrew Kwizombe (Music, Journalism)
Chazz Matazz (Music)
Pempho Kafoteka (Journalism, entrepreneurship)

Malawi’s Personality of the Year Nominees
Hazel Warren (WINNER)
Tay Grin
Code Sangala
Kinnah Phiri
Albert Khoza

Award to Individual or Organization Promoting Malawian Culture Nominees
J&D records
Zoom 44
Malawiana.net
Nanzikambe (WINNER)
SPECIAL MENTION: www.malawithewarmheart.com
Malawi’s Journalist of the year Nominees:
Chimwemwe Ncozana (Radio Yako)
Thom Chiumia (Nyasa Times)
Sister Fire (Chantal Zoe Romarin) : Fm 101, M-Net Studio 53 (WINNER)
Pilirani Semu-Banda: Writer Daily Times Malawi, Freelance
Chaku Harawa: BBC (Focus on Africa)
Geoffrey Kapusa: TV Malawi (Music Splash)
Malawi Web Award for the Best Online Magazine. Nominees:
Together Magazine
Timve Magazine (WINNER)
Fairlane Magazine
Malawi Web Award for Best Website in Malawi. Nominees:
Nyasa Times
Radio Yako (WINNER)
Government of Malawi
Malawiana Net
Daily Times

The 2008 Malawi Web Awards Committe. POsted at http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Mary Kaphweleza Banda Mourned by Malawians

The Malawian National Radio(MBC) just announced the sad news of the death of Malawian politician and activist Mary Kaphweleza Banda. She died this this morning in Lilongwe, Malawi. Though this is a time for family reunion, the Kaphweleza Banda family will sadly be mourning. Mrs Kaphweleza Banda who until her death was the spokesperson for the Malawian opposition party UDF, has served as a minister for Gender, and HIV/AIDS issues.
Our sympathies go to her family.

Chimwemwe T.(Lilongwe) for http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Miss Malawi 2009: Joyce Mphande (PHOTO)

Joyce Mphande, a 20 year old girl from Lilongwe is 2009 Miss Malawi. Joyce Mphande holds a Diploma in Insurance. She will represent Malawi at the 2009 Miss World Competition which will be held in Johanesbourg, South Africa where the current reigning Miss World Ksenia Sukhinova(Russia) will crown her successor. At the Miss World Pageant,The new Miss Malawi will face strong competition from other African pageants like Miss Ghana Yvette Nsiah (Pictured).

Miss Malawi Joyce Mphande receiced: K150,000($1,000)
Karen Chimkwita, the First Princess received K100,000 ($660)
Yvonne Nkhata, the Second Princess received K50,000($330)

Other contestants for the top spot included Tamara Chitanda and Dilia Kamzati.
Joyce Mphande was crowned by 2008 Miss Malawi; Perth Msiska who decided to join politics. Perth Msiska was inspired by Alaskan beauty queen turned politician Sarah Palin.

The Miss Malawi event took place at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe and the evening's entertainment was dished by Malawian politician/musician Billy Kaunda, Lilongwe's popular musician Annie Matumbi, and RnB singer Dan Lufani among others.

Miss Malawi 2009 Joyce Mphande was preceded by Perth Msiska (Miss Malawi 2008 Click here for picture)




By Chimwemwe T. in Lilongwe for Mmalawi Blog

Malawi Web Awards Update

Thank you all for voting for the 2008 Malawi Web Awards Nominees. The voting time has been extended to Saturday(20th) at 22:00 Pm GMT. If you did not do so yet, please see the list of the nominees here and vote by sending an email to The Malawi Web Awards Committee at mmalawi@ live.com
The List of the Winners will be posted on this blog on Monday 22nd of December, 2008 at 10:00 am GMT.

http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

Tajah Olson's Exclusive Interview with Mmalawi Blog

Mmalawi Blog finally caught up with Tajah Olson; "The Face of Malawi" Tajah is currently working on finishing her B.A in Fine Arts in Vancouver, BC, Canada; her current residence. Tajah Olson comes from Lilongwe, in Malawi. In this interview, she gives us an insight on her aspirations; past, present and future.

Mmalawi Blog:Why modeling?Why didn’t you choose a different avenue, how did you get into it?
Tajah Olson:Modeling hasn’t become a full time career yet, I keep my door open for other opportunities.I basically started out working with photographers, building my portfolio and getting myself out there by entering modeling competitions and fashion shows, choreographing and organizing my dance group. From there I got different opportunities to be a dancer and model for music videos, costume design for a film. I feel like it’s a cycle constantly meeting new people, trying new things and just going until your satisfied and at a point where you want to be.
Mmalawi Blog: Tell us about your biggest inspiration.
Tajah Olson: My biggest inspirations would be my parents and my sister because they are both people who like to give and have great hearts. A model that I look up to is Alek Wek (the dark Sudanese model), who I find beautiful, and I like her because she’s different, and with all her success she gives a lot back and helps her country. She also seems like a very nice and down to earth person. I am also inspired by Madonna because she put Malawi on the Map and now I don’t have to explain where it is on the African continent! I am inspired and also congratulate Maria Da Silva, I think she is an amazing woman and if she can be awarded by CNN, then any other Malawian can too
Mmalawi Blog: That's very nice. Now, talking about love, what or who is the greatest love of your life?
Tajah Olson: That is a very hard question! The one thing that I can’t live without or can never imagine living without is my family.

Mmalawi Blog: Now what is your idea of perfect happiness?
Tajah Olson: To be around the people I love, like my family and friends.
Mmalawi Blog: What is the most important lesson life has taught you Tajah?
T.O: To be positive, to be healthy and to be happy and not stress about the small things because its not worth it. And always following your heart!
Mmalawi Blog: What do you feel is your greatest achievement?
Tajah Olson: Lifewise, I am about to graduate and receive my Fine Arts Bachelor. So I am really excited, finally!
I was a Miss Molson Indy in Victoria BC,(Molson Indy is a big Champ Car race) and they had a model search and different models won in each province of Canada, so I won in Victoria, I cut up my clothes to look funky braided my hair in different colors, and did a Janet Jackson dance routine, I got the crowed going and it was a one of the greatest nights of my life. This summer I was in another modeling competition called the The International Top Model Search New Silk Roads and I was picked as one of the 20 finalists out of many other pageants. It was a lot of work/training/events and lots of sleepless nights. Definitely a big learning curve. I came out with a lot more confidence and a new attitude.
Mmalawi Blog: What are your plans for the future (Any Miss Malawi plans?)
T.O: I haven’t thought about it but I would be a great Ambassador, It would be up to Malawians if they wanted me as Miss Malawi. The one thing I would love to do is be a supporter for the girls and teach them what I have learned.
Mmalawi Blog: What if you had the power to change something in Malawi what would it be?
T.O: If I had the power to change something in Malawi, it would be to be put women in power and in Charge and if that had to happen, there would be no abuse against women , safe sex would be taken more seriously , the environment would be taken more seriously, women would work together to grow crops and make sure everyone was fed. Money would be spent on education, better health and a great future!!
Yeah that is my perfect Malawi.
Mmalawi Blog:Do you have any advice for the Malawian youth?
T.O: To get an education,practice safe sex, not rush to get married . Enjoy your youth, have goals in life and be someone that you want to be remembered. Just because no one around you doesn’t have any goals, that doesn’t mean you should be like that person. Treat others the way you want to be treated. I strongly believe that if you really want something so bad or want to be someone it will happen as long as you work at it and focus.
Mmalawi Blog: That is some 'straight talk'! How would you advise young girls who want to model
Basically don’t give up on yourself just go for it, have a positive attitude, be confident, be safe, be healthy, make sure you are respected and treated professionally. Don’t do something just because you feel you have to, do it because you want to. Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable because there is no point… and I always say aim High and act like the way you want to be treated.

Mmalawi Blog: In Malawi, it is not common to see Malawian girls wear what they want in fear of being the laughing stock or sometimes being insulted. What is your view on that?

T.O: You are right. When I was in Malawi, I felt like I wasn't able to dress freely without being pointed out in public and disrespected,it seemed that there wasn't much acceptance for women to just dress sexy or show a little skin. Being a Model has taught me to become comfortable and confident with myself ,my body, and who I am and I feel free to express myself, I'm not ashamed to dress sexy or show some skin. It would be great if people in Malawi became more open of this and not consider women who dress or express themselves"freely" to be "whores or sluts". I'm not saying women should dress like they are going to the bar in the middle of the afternoon, but feeling good about yourself and looking good doesn't hurt anybody.
Mmalawi Blog: We really appreciate your point of view on that subject. Now Tajah, what usually comes to your mind when you hear the words....Malawian politics?

T.O: No comment

Mmalawi Blog: Homosexuality/Lesbianism?

T.O: Nothing against them and I think that everyone should be free to choose who they want to love.

Mmalawi Blog:Religion?
Tajah Olson:I’m not religious
Mmalawi Blog: Any favourite music/musician?
Tajah Olson: I don’t really have a favourite musician. I enjoy lots of world music especially from different countries in Africa. They are all unique in different ways.

Mmalawi Blog: Any last words?
Tajah Olson: I feel bad that there are not many positive public figures for the youth of Malawi. It is very sad because I know there are probably a lot of young people out there who want to do something or be someone but they have no one to look up to or their families have different plans for them. I truly hope that it changes one day.Also I would like to point out that I'm very grateful to have made contact with Radio Yako and Radio Yako introducing me to other Malawians. I appriciate the work and exposure they have done for me....It has been a great pleasure working with them and hoping to keep our friendship forever.
Mmalawi Blog: Thank you very much for your time Tajah, and we wish all the best in all your endeavors.

Please support Tajah Olson by visiting her official website: Aswesi.com (here)

This interview was done for http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/ (mmalawi@ live.com)

Malawi Web Awards (2008) Nominees

For the first time in Malawi, Mmalawi Blog presents you the Nominees of the 2008 Malawi Web Awards. The Malawi Web Awards were conceived to acknowledge contributions that Malawians have made throughout the past year. The Malawi Web Awards mainly recognize individuals who helped in publicizing Malawi and raising awareness of issues affecting the population of the Warm Heart of Africa. This year the nominees raised awareness of Malawi in various areas (political, cultural, entertainment). Posted below is the list of names nominated this year. Please vote in each category and return the form not later than Friday December 19^th 2008 at 22:00 PM GMT.
Watch a Video of the Nominees of the 2008 Malawi Web Awards

Please send all the votes to mmalawi@live.com

Ps: These nominations came after careful consideration of each nominee in their respective category by a panel made up of 8 persons (4 Journalists and 4 independent bloggers)

Malawian Web Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominees Chimwemwe Ncozana for Radio Yako & Yako Web Dumisani Kapanga for MalawianMP3.com Qabaniso Malewezi for Abstrak Entertainment Limbani Kalilani for Phone Yanu (Pvt) Malawi Best Video Nominees (all on Youtube) Lawrence Mbenjere Sewere, Joe Gwaladi Zakanika; Black Missionaries Mwana wa Munthu Music from Malawi, Africa, Ministryofhope.org	Malawi Web Award for Best Online Broadcasting Media Nominees Capital FM Malawi Radio Yako Kwacha Fm Radio Maria	Malawi Web Award in Best Online Social Interactive Media (Entertainment, Social or Political) Nominees Radio Yako Kwacha FM Nyasa Times Malawiana.net and MalawiSN.Com Nyasanet Malawi Web Artist of the Year Nominees Tay Grin Lucius Banda L. Mbenjere Joe Gwaladi Esau Mwamwaya Ntambo Chibambo
Achievement in Information Technology Award Nominees Patrick Kalamula (Kuseka.com) Likoma Tech Graphix (Timve Mag) Chimwemwe Ncozana (Yako Web Solutions) Justin Malewezi Jnr (Malawian Weddings) Malawi Web Award for the Best Online Magazine. Nominees: Together Magazine Timve Magazine Fairlane Magazine	Malawi Best News Website Nominees Nyasa Times Daily Times Nation mw Award to Individual or Organization Promoting Malawian Culture Nominees J&D records Zoom 44 Malawiana.net Nanzikambe	Malawi Best Blog (All categories) Nominees The Mmalawi Group (http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/ ) Anti-Bakili Muluzi(http://antimuluzi.blogspot.com/ ) Victor Kaonga (http://ndagha.blogspot.com/ ) William Kamkwamba http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/ ) Steve Sharra (http://mlauzi.blogspot.com/ ) Bennet Kankuzi (http://ilovemalawi.blogspot.com/)
2008 Leaders of Tommorow Award Nominees Tajah Olson (Fashion, Modeling) Andrew Kwizombe (Music, Journalism) Chazz Matazz (Music) Pempho Kafoteka (Journalism,entrepreneurship)	Malawi’s Personality of the Year Nominees Hazel Warren Tay Grin Code Kinnah Phiri Maria Da silva	Malawi’s Journalist of the year Nominees Chimwemwe Ncozana (Radio Yako) Thom Chiumia (Nyasa Times) Sister Fire (Chantal Romarin) : Fm 101, M-Net Studio 53 Pilirani Semu-Banda: (Daily Times ) Chaku Harawa: BBC (Focus on Africa) Geoffrey Kapusa: TV Malawi (Music Splash)
Malawi Web Award Grand Prix: Best Website in Malawi. Nominees: Nyasa Times Radio Yako Government of Malawi Malawiana Net Daily Times Send your votes to mmalawi@live.com @ 20008 http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/