The Mutharika family puts Education first. They are studious and try very much to follow the rules. Anyone who does not follow the rules is jailed and the law is followed a la lettre. For Bingu wa Mutharika life is directed by established laws, not principles. Many literate Malawians prefer Bingu wa Mutharika because of his Education. He has a master's degree from the University of Delhi and a Phd from Pacific Western University (California). When looking at his political experience and education, it can clearly be concluded that Mutharika is qualified for the job of the presidency. After a term, many have compared Mutharika to Kamuzu Banda due to his nononsensical rule which at times can be interpreted as authoritarian.
The Muluzi Family puts the people first. This means that some rules may be slightly bent for one reason or another. Bakili Muluzi is a laissez faire Leader, though this may mean that some level of corruption can infiltrate itself into the government. Bakili Muluzi puts principles first and not laws. This has at times worked for the Malawi Nation because it lived under tyrany for many years under the colonizers and also under Kamuzu Banda. Though Bakili Muluzi is not as educated as Mr Mutharika, he accommodates the educated Malawians and puts aside a place for them to thrive.
Both Bingu wa Mutharika and Bakili Muluzi believe in a Malawi that is peaceful and economically strong, therefore differing from Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in objectives. Sadly, the duo have been in the political arena for too long. Mutharika is 75 and Muluzi is 66 and they have been arguing about who should replace the other for too long now. This is the time for a new face to dominate the Malawi polical scene. A person that will bring change. A person whose name is not Barack Obama.
In the past years, news has turned from subjective to being very opinionated. Bill O'Reilly, Keith Olberman are examples of very opinionated pundits who can also be sometimes biased. On the other hand, a blog like The Huffington Post has become a model for many news websites, though it leans toward the left. According to Mr. Alan Bandawe, the founder of AfricaMatata.Com, the blog will be breaking the news as they happen around the world with an African perspective. AfricaMatata has reporters in Malawi,Rwanda,Congo, Zimbabawe,South Africa, England and the USA. In a press release forwarded to Malawi Current News Blog, Mr Bandawe said that Africans should not always rely on American or British news sources like theBBC, CNNor MSNBC when they are looking for African related breaking news.The Africa Matata website which was officially launched earlier today has received praise from many Africans in the diaspora. From May 2009, Africa Matata will chronicle articles written by orphans living in refugee camps in Central Africa. Watch a video posted on Youtube about the newly designed Africa Matata:
Among other reasons, Madonna adopted David Banda because he was motherless. When his mother died, Yohane Banda could not raise David alone, and among other things he needed a mother to be there for his son. He admittedly said that he did not know what adoption really meant before he met the Queen of Pop. This was honest because before Madonna, Malawi has never allowed any adoptions. When the toddler was under Madonna's 'motherly' care, he was under the watchful 'fatherly' eye of Guy Ritchie. When Madonna and the filmmaker Guy Ritchie divorced, David Banda lived in a single-parent household with a 'mother' who brought in different men in a quest to replace Ritchie. A-Rod, Jesus were used by Madonna to fulfill her needs when she needed them, and when their purpose was accomplished; they were dealt away with. All this happened under the eyes of David Banda, the boy who was motherless then became fatherless.
Jasmine Coumbaya, a Canadian from Quebec City, never heard of Malawi before last week. She heard about the impoverished Sub-Saharan country when she met an exchange student at a University in Montreal. This is a very common phenomenon especially in developed countries. The ignorance is among other things the result of the silent media. The Washington Post, the New York Times and other media giants have written about Madonna and her adoption saga, while not mentioning or concentrating on the problems affecting the Malawian population. At the time that the Queen of Pop is fighting with judges, Malawi is experiencing a political crisis that has even escalated to cases of violence. Mr. Bakili Muluzi, the ex Malawian President has been banned from competing in the upcoming May 19th General Elections. This has caused an uproar among his supporters who pledged an unflinching allegiance to their jailed leader. While UK's The Guardian presents a case study on Madonna adoptions; Malawi is mourning with Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) after 22 supporters died at a FIFA World Cup qualifying game in a stadium of Abidjan in a stampede. Malawi is still struggling with problems like gender inequality, high children mortality and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The only time that Malawi gets a window to expose itself to the world, Madonna takes the stage and all eyes unflinchingly focus on her without looking at the problems of the country. It is therefore not surprising that Madonna's adopted son David Banda is more popular than the country's President Mr. Bingu wa Mutharika or Mr. Kamuzu Banda, the Malawian first dictator. Jasmine Coumbaya is not to blame for her ignorance on Malawi. The media should accept some of the blame. It is therefore not surprising to know that Coumbaya is already familiar with Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
In Malawi 14% of people are HIV positive. The rate of those infected by HIV/AIDS is very high in African countries colonized by Britain. According to the 2008 report from UNAIDS, Two-thirds of all people in the world with HIV/AIDS live in Sub-Saharan Africa. This translates into 67% of the global total of 32.9 million with HIV live in this region, and three quarters (75%) of all AIDS deaths in 2007 occurred there. Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland,Namibia, Malawi and South Africa; the countries that compose Sub-Saharan Africa were all colonized by the British. The rates are alarming in the region, like in Swaziland where 25% of the population is HIV positive. In the neighboring French colonized island of Madagascar, only 1% of the population is infected. In Mozambique, DRC or in the Congo Republic, the infection rate is not as high. Some have argued that high numbers are due to the shared beliefs on sex and promiscuity. This is not accurate because Sub-Saharan Africa is known for its diverse cultures, religions and tribes. The Republic of South Africa has more than 11 different tribes like the Xhosa, Zulu, Venda among others. Zimbabwe is home to the Shona and Ndebele. Malawi and Mozambique has the Yao, Chewa and Sena tribes. These are all very different and diverse tribes in terms of beliefs, customs and taboos. They were all forced to unite under the strong arm of the British Coloniser who taught them about his own way of seeing things. It is not surprising that the colonised adopted the way his coloniser behaved by objectifying women and using them as sex toys. The results are being reaped every day at countless funerals of AIDS victims. Watch Malawi Videos
Watch video and download all album for free below. Malawi's most viewed video of all times is Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit (Jointly known as "The Very Best") with their amazingly edited video "Kamphopo". The video filmed in Malawi has amassed more than 181,000 views even though it was posted less than 3 months ago on the video sharing website Youtube. The song emanates from Esau Mwamwaya's first album with Radioclit "The Very Best" which contained hit songs like Tengazako, a remix of M.I.A's Oscar award winning song "Paper Planes". In Kamphopo, Esau Mwamwaya declares his love for a girl whom he finds beautiful. Many viewers have expressed appreciation for the video and some feel drawn to the African continent through the video even if they have never gone there. After watching the Malawi video, Warlord0Dan, a Youtube viewer commented: "African people are great! look at them, most of them are probably poor but just watch how happy they are in this vid. I love their spirit and the music" For the song, Esau Mwamwaya teamed up with the British duo DJs Radioclit and together they are working on an upcoming album which is anticipated by many. Mwamwaya sings in Chichewa, English, Tumbuka and Zulu. He has been called by many the Malawian Michael Jackson. DOWNLOAD ESAU MWAMWAYA and RADIOCLIT whole album FOR FREE click here. (Download, Unzip, Enjoy) Mwamwaya was born in Mzuzu and he played for many years with the late African reggae legend; Evison Matafale. Wach the video Kamphopo (Official Malawi Pride Video) The Very Best:
The media around the world is currently focusing on Madonna's second adoption. At the same time, Malawians are looking forward to exercise their rights on May 19th when they will democratically elect a president, only for the fourth time after their country's independence from the British Colonizers in 1964. Late Friday, the main contender in the elections; Mr. Bakili Muluzi has been rejected as a candidate because he was the first democratically elected president for 2 consecutive terms. According to the Malawian constitution, Mr Muluzi is not eligible to run again after two 5 year terms. This has caused tension in the Malawian cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre. Many are fearing that this may turn into violence as Mr Muluzi has thousands of faithful supporters who have pledged their allegiance to him. The violence could also be sparked by the arrest of Mr. Muluzi late Thursday after finding him guilty of theft of monetary aid during his presidency. Mr Bingu wa Mutharika the current Malawian head of state claims that the arrest does not have any political motives. The current tense situation reminds many of the last Kenyan elections that escalated into unprecedented violence. While Malawi deepens into political chaos, the foreign media has fixed its unflinching attention on Madonna's ongoing adoption saga.
In the village of Chimala in Malawi, almost everybody knows Madonna. Chimala is the place where Malita; David Banda's late biological mother came from. A cousin of David Banda who has access to the internet and reads the whereabouts of Madonna has repeatedly asked his relatives: "Was it really a good idea to give to this woman our son? Isn't she (Madonna) a prostitute?" The concerns came after seeing the provocative images of Madonna's latest photo shoot of her album cover showing her wrapped and strapped in bandages. David's cousin who accepted to talk on condition of anonymity said that he was saddened when he read about "Madonna's adventures with baseball star Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), model Jesus Luz and British film director Guy Ritchie while leaving David Banda, my cousin at home" In Malawi, women are labeled as prostitutes when they wear revealing, tight or simply suggestive clothes as it is translated as advertising their bodies for sexual favors. Also in Malawi, having more than one "boyfriend" or partner is a sign of prostitution. This could apply to men or women. David Banda's cousin who is currently in his last year of high school; believes that Madonna should do what is best for her "son" which according to him is to "return him to my uncle(Yohane Banda) with financial assistance in order for him to grow up in his own culture and speak Chichewa and not English" Though not every Malawians agree with him, David Banda's cousin believes that if he saw a woman in Malawi, dressed up like Madonna and doing the things that she does; he will conclude that she is a prostitute because that is how sex workers are in Malawi. When asked if his views were not blinded by ignorance; he responded: "Malawians have lived for centuries by themselves, we should not be forced to see things the way the West sees them. If according to their culture what Madonna does is not prostitution, then that is their own business. But according to Malawian standards Madonna is a prostitute"
Chimwemwe T. Kamwendo in Lilongwe, Malawi (Mmalawi Blog) Malawi Current News
For the last 2 weeks, The Editors of Mmalawi Blog were working on a new website that will be soon available to our readers. Here is an interview with the Malawian Hip Hop duo Biriwiri; Malawi's music geniuses.
Following is the first Part of the Interview:
Mmalawi Blog: Could you tell us when you got into the music scene and why? Kabuzi: We had been rapping since we were young. But we formed Biriwiri in 2003 whilst we were in college. After making observations and self-analysis we believed we had the potential to contribute immensely to Malawian hip hop. We felt this was a calling we couldn’t refuse. We saw that our passion for rap could match the challenge ahead of us. From that moment we have never looked back.
Mmalawi Blog: Why the name BIRIWIRI? Any hidden meaning?
Zizwa: When we decided to form the group we stayed for some weeks before coming out to the public during which time, among other things, we were deciding on the name. We wanted something melodic to show our attention to lyrical finesse but also which reflects the values behind our music. So that’s how we got to call ourselves Biriwiri. Biriwiri means ‘greenness’ and it reflects the positivity that our music intends to inspire. As you know the color green brings many positive thoughts. We can cite so many examples. It is deliberately vernacular to show pride in our local language.
Mmalawi Blog: For each one of you what is the greatest love of your lives? Kabuzi& Zizwa: For both of us our greatest love is music. Mmalawi Blog:Whose footsteps do you follow?
Zizwa: We cant mention a specific individual, but we follow men and women who set out their goals and pursue them relentlessly. We follow that principle. Mmalawi Blog: Any Malawian artist(s) you respect? Kabuzi: Malawi has had many talented artists but our special respects go out to Wambali and Lucius Banda for their many achievements and wide adoration they have received. We also respect Allan Namoko, Michael Yekha and Stonard Lungu for their legendary traditional music they left. We feel blessed to have worked with Stonard before he passed on. May his soul rest in peace.
Mmalawi Blog: Tell us about your biggest inspiration, and (or) Malawian hero?
Zizwa: Our biggest inspiration is Jesus Christ.
Kabuzi:For both of us, John Chilembwe is Our Malawian hero
END OF PART 1 Watch the Malawi made music video by Biriwiri
The name Banda in Malawi is as popular as the name Patel in India, and as popular as the name Smith in the USA. A poll conducted with a sample of the Malawian population has shown that Kamuzu Banda the Malawian first President, Lucius Banda a local musician, and Madonna's adopted son; David Banda are among the most popular and powerful Malawians of the past year. The poll which was conducted by email sampled Malawians in the country as well as in the diaspora. Kamuzu Banda's name came back to the political conversation when the current Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika urged his fellow Malawians to stop demonizing Banda but instead give him his alledged due respect. The Lilongwe Central hospital and the Airport were both renamed to honor Malawi's ngwazi; Kamuzu Banda. David Banda was recognised as the 8th popular celebrity child in the world in 2008 by Forbes Magazine.The list of celebrity toddlers was led by Tom Cruise's daughter Suri, who was followed by other kids like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Zahara and Cruz Beckham; the son of David and Victoria Beckham. With the ongoing divorce, hookups and relationships of Madonna, the media has fixed its attention on the family of the Queen of Pop and the little Malawian survivor David Banda. Lucius Banda is Malawian politician and musician who has been openly opposed to the current Malawian government. In the upcoming elections; Sunganani Banda; Lucius Banda's wife will be a candidate for the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by Dr. Bakili Muluzi. The top 10 names in the list of Powerful Malawians of 2008: 1. Kamuzu Banda 2. Bingu wa Mutharika 3. John Chilembwe 4. Bakili Muluzi 5. David Banda 6. David Rubadiri 7. Lucius Banda 8. H. Chimunthu Banda 9. Nicholas Dausi 10. John Lwanda MALAWI CURRENT NEWS (mmalawi )
The cartoon by the late Vic Kasinja poignantly points out the problem in many Malawian churches: A church member confesses publicly her sin, which happens to be having sexual relations with both the pastor and the deacon. In many Malawian churches, the pastor basically owns the church, meaning that he can do what he wants to anyone he wants. As many Malawian women are very obedient and submissive because of their culture, they usually give in to the pastor's demands after little resistance. The majority of the Malawian population is Christian and therefore belongs to a church. AIDS is very rampant in Malawian villages and one of the major reason behind is the much condemned adultery taking place in the Malawian churches. Many Malawians view sex as recreation only and they usually look at the present pleasure and not the consequences. Malawian men view beautiful girls as objects that they must get, just like a Mercedes at a car dealer or a TV at an electronic store. It is not surprising that Malawi reggae musician Evison Matafale sung Poison is Sweet, A song about appearances that can deceive; "The poison is so sweet that is why it is killing many" It seems that many men are never satisfied with their wives in Malawi so they go to the other woman who is more beautiful (on the outisde) than their wives at home. Many pastors do condemn adultery and fornication on the podium, but they only wait for the evening to actually practice what they condemned during daytime. Actions speak louder than words, and conduct teaches better than admonitions. Young Malawians follow the steps of their parents especially when they are involved in church choirs after school. It is common knowledge that these choirs are mainly used for matchmaking purposes where relationships are formed and in doing so,HIV/AIDS is 'propagated' and Bible principles are broken.
Beauty blinds many, especially those with power. Pastors, choirmasters or deacons in rural areas usually take for themselves the girls that they want and desire. Sadly many girls in Malawi do not have a say in their own future, because the male figure always decides. It is normal in Malawi to see a girl finish high school with 1 or 2 children while still unmarried. The irresponsible father in such cases is usually dead (from AIDS) or is with another woman, therefore infecting or getting infected. Because of poverty, many Malawian husbands leave for few days to look for money in order to feed their own family, and while they are gone their wives become sexual toys for other men in the village. In many cases, the husband actually goes on what is commonly referred as "women hunting" (kusaka in chichewa). Sadly, when a known HIV/AIDS victim die, the church usually refuse to officiate the burial ceremony allegedly because they do not want to have any part in sin. This also happen when the family of the victim cannot pay for the church's services. Generally, this is pure hypocrisy because some church members also had sexual relations with the victim.
14% of the 11 millions Malawians are HIV positive. This article was written by Tsala Kamwendo, doing a Women Studies Degree at McGill University(Montreal) in Canada.
Apart from receiving thousands of dollars from his 5 albums, Malawi music guru Joseph Nkasa has received praise from many Malawians for tackling issues that affect them on a daily basis. The self proclaimed Phungu wa Amphawi or The Ambassador of the Poor sings about poverty and the secrets of attaining richess. He asks the poor to endure and wait patiently for their own day to arrive. In one of his hit song; "Zolembalemba" Nkasa says that it is already written that the poor ones will be rich. It is therefore a written prophecy waiting to be fulfilled at its own time. Joseph Nkasa also sings about politics, though he once said: "Ndale ndi kanyama koopsya" (Politics is a dangerous animal to pet). In his album "Wayenda Wapenga", Nkasa accuses the Malawi President(Bakili Muluzi) to have promised a car to the musician who in turn did not receive it due to greed of those surrounding Muluzi. Recently Joseph Nkasa sung "Mose Wa Lero" or Today's Moses, a song comparing the current Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika to the Biblical Moses. The song has caused some uproar in the Malawian music community. Some have accused the musician of changing his views on politics because of monetary gains while others especially those supporting the Malawian leader dance to the tune while in accord with the artist's comparison. The song "Mose wa Lero" has received massive airplay and it was the "theme song" of the convention of the Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) Convention where Bingu wa Mutharika "Today's Moses" was unanimously chosen to represent his Party at the May 19th Malawi Elections. Bingu wa Mutharika has danced at many public events to Joseph Nkasa's moving music. Watch a Video of Joseph Nkasa; Malawi music 'guru':
Watch women dancing for the President to Joseph Nkasa's Song; Mose wa Lero
The multi talented musician, Kimba Mutanda talks to Mmalawi Blog about his life, his music, mbatata (sweet popatoes), John Tembo, Real Elements and much more. Kimba Mutanda played with Malawi's Real Elements but is now with the British Group; Subsource. Follow;
Mmalawi Blog: What do you consider to be your hometown?
Kimba Mutanda: I never had one.So far in my life have lived in 6 countries and too many towns to recall. Mmalawi Blog:What is your current residence? Kimba Mutanda: It can change any moment, but at the moment I'm in Britain. Mmalawi Blog: You encourage others to stay and develop Malawi in your song Dearest Child. Why do you spend your time outside Malawi? Kimba Mutanda: I'm intrigued by the varying interpretations Dearest Child produces in different people. Firstly I don't lay claim to that song. I rather say it wrote itself. The closing line of Dearest Child is 'Whatever you do, you know I wish you the greatest success'. Personally I believe any form of development comes from unity.As far as Malawi this can be achieved no matter where it's citizens are. Imagine if all overseas Malawians decided to create a development fund and contributed some of their earnings to it. Foreign curreny that they could not have earned if they stayed in Malawi would suddenly be available for use there. We just have to make sure David Banda learns Chewa, so when he's older he can throw some of Madonna's Dolla back to the land of his birth. Then again I recall a previous Banda who set out to develop Malawi that did it while only being able to talk Engrish. If David Banda ever becomes pulezidenti, I'll be viying to be his John Tembo. "M'anjamo!" Mmalawi Blog: What happened to Real Elements, any reunion album in the making? Kimba Mutanda: I ask that question myself. Then again the individuals in the group wouldn't be where they are today if Real Elements had not dispersed. We still present our creativity with the realness we always have.We just don't do it in the same place,or on the same songs.
Mmalawi Blog:How do you describe your style of music? Kimba Mutanda:Depends who I'm making music with. Mostly you'll hear me Rap or Nyambuta on all sorts of styles. Mmalawi Blog: Musically, what are you doing presently and will be doing in the future? Kimba Mutanda:At the moment I have been blessed to be a member of a band called Subsource. We specialize in creating big,loud,noise. Za chete chete,mayazi! I also plan to get more involved in the Lake of Stars Festival. Keep making loud noise with Subsource. Mmalawi Blog: What or who is the greatest love of your life? Kimba: Good, healthy food. Mmalawi Blog: What is your idea of perfect happiness? Kimba Mutanda:Don't let others define your success. Be content with what you have,greed is evil. If you're eating sweet potato,or cassava always make sure you have some drinking water close to hand. Mmalawi Blog:If you had the power to change something in Malawi what would it be? Kimba Mutanda:We need to start respecting women more and seeing them as equals. Previous generations have oppressed our mothers,sisters,friends and it has to stop.
Watch Kimba with the Real Elements "These Elements"
The American blogger Perez Hilton whose blog traffic is in millions has through a post solicited funds for a Malawian project, "Amai a Thanzi" This move has caused some Malawians to conclude that Perez Hilton is more practical in solving the problem of Malawians than Madonna is. The Post Perz Hilton's blog was entitled "A Worthwile Cause" describe the project: "The Amai Athanzi Project is working in partnership with GAIA. (The Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance) an NGO based in San Francisco, California. GAIA is committed to helping people in Malawi with HIV/AIDS by providing programmes to improve prevention and care. We are very grateful for the help and support of GAIA both here and in Malawi."This came amid the news that Madonna had given millions to the Kabbalah religion and barely nothing to Malawi in the just ended year. This has caused some critics to paint Madonna as a hypocrite. Madonna adopted David Banda from Malawi, a country that bent its rules to allow her to legally adopt the child. Perez Hilton, who was a critic of Madonna's monetary distribution to charities has through the post demonstrated that he can do what is in his power to help those in need. Perez Hilton whose real name is Mario Lavandeira claims to own the most hated website in Hollywood because of his criticisms of Hollywood celebrities. The blog post "Worthwile cause" received praise from many of his readers. Mahara, a Malawian wrote: "May Jesus take your wheel. Perez thank you so much for this. I'm a reader of yours from Malawi and there really isn't enough attention being put on the challenges our country is facing" The Webmaster of the Amayi a Thanzi website, Aryssa Brook responded to Perez with gratitude, thanking him for shedding light on the project. John Bandawe, a Malawian living in the USA praised Lavandeira saying: "Perez Hilton is better than Madonna because he is very practical. Few months ago Madonna asked for our money to build schools in Malawi. She did not contribute any penny and she really expect me to give from wallet?" Donate here:Amai Athanzi project
Postera Tenthani. "Malawi music video" "Malawi music Youtube" and "Malawi music" are common searches by many curious internet browsers. Their goal is to find music video from Malawi on the internet especially on video sharing websites like Youtube. To satisfy these internet users, Malawian artists like Kenny Gilmore (Amunaamuna on Youtube), Wisdom Qodesh Chitedze(Vinjeru on Youtube) and Kimba Mutanda have created personal Youtube accounts to promote their works. Malawian music can also be accesed on Youtube through the accounts of Jack Chitenje (Malawiana1) Dumisani Kapanga and Herchaklan who provide a mosaic of videos from artists like Lucius Banda, Joseph Tembo, Aphofomoka and even videos of Malawi's presidents Kamuzu Banda, Bingu wa Mutharika and Bakili Muluzi. Interestingly, these Youtube accounts are getting thousands of hits, and comments from viewers. Some videos have sparked heated discussions among viewers who had fights of words and ideas. Many are thankful to video sharing sites like Youtube because they help in connecting Malawians, especially those in the diaspora to their culture. Ndilibe Naye Chifuka (Mwana or Munthu) a video of the Malawian musical reggea group Black Missionaries, was voted 2008 Malawi Web Award Best Video. Videos by artists: Lawrence Mbenjere, Joseph Nkasa, Joe Gwaladi and Fuggie Kasipa are ranking among the most viewed Malawian videos because of their use of humor to tackle serious issues like HIV/AIDS, Unwanted pregnancies,marriage and even politics. Below are some examples of videos of Joe Gwaladi and Lawrence Mbenjere:
NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, the Promised Exclusive Interview with Malawi musician Kimba Mutanda will be posted on Malawi Current News (Mmalawi Blog) this coming Monday morning. We apologize for any inconvenience-The Editor.
For the weeks leading up to Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration, many people expressed their enthusiasm for the first African American President. The excitement culminated on January 20th, 2009; the day that Barack Obama took the oath of Presidency of the USA. Dr Steve Sharra a Malawian blogger and educationist from Michigan State University changed his profile status with a quote from American film director Spike Lee: "The new calendar begins today. We're moving from the B.O era (Before Obama) into the A.O era (After Obama)" Many Malawians and Africans alike watched the inauguration on their Facebook accounts through live streaming from Cnn.com. At 12pm, the precise time when Barack Obama was sworn in as 44th President of the United States, Dumisani Kapanga, a Malawian currently living in the UK wrote on his Facebook status profile: "This confirms that all things are possible; from oppression, slavery to a black man leading the free world" Many young Africans are inspired and awed by President Obama's achievements and want to follow his steps. The son of an African immigrant who is now President-inspired Kapanga, a student at New Caledonian University to later add: "Wait till I become the first coloured British Prime Minister. Yes I can!" Victor Chizinga, another African watching the Inauguration through Cnn.com and Facebook joined the chorus of countless praises by saying:"When u hear the name Obama, you can not tell me that your spirit,energy,attitude is not elevated to the highest positive level!" While watching the live internet stream, a Malawian girl living in Toronto, Canada wrote on her Facebook 'wall': "I am overwhelmed with joy by the magic happening south of the border. I am actually crying!" Thom Chiumia, a journalist working for the Nyasa Times, an online news source calls Obama his hero and a hero to all Africans. Not all African and Malawian Facebook users were thrilled with Obama's Presidency. Some like Kondwani Kamiyala compared the 44th American President to Zimbabwe's Leader, Robert Mugabe: "I'm wondering why all the fuss about Obama. How different is he from George Bush and Robert Mugabe?" said Kamiyala. His comment or question was responded almost immediately by others watching the historic Inauguration. One user said: "You responded well to yourself; you just said it mate. He's Obama and they are Mugabe and Bush and they are miserable failures" Mfana wa ku Malawi, another Facebook user responded to Kamiyala's comment with humor: "Bush is American, Mugabe is African, Obama is African-American. That's the difference mate!" The majority of Africans and Malawians watching the Inaugurations felt like Gertrude Vumilia who said at the end of the ceremony: "I am happy to have witnessed this historic Inauguration. Obama is the man Africa needs. I believe in him and in Real Change" In May 2009, Malawians will be heading to polls to elect their President democratically, only for the 4th time of their lives. The current President of Malawi Bingu wa Mutharika(DPP), Bakili Muluzi(UDF) and JZU Tembo(MCP) are among the candidates to the Malawian Presidential Election that has also drawn considerable attention from Malawians on social network sites like Facebook.
Caleb Phiri & Chimwemwe T (in Malawi), Postera Tenthani for MMALAWI BLOG
Malawi Current News (Mmalawi Blog) Presents 2 Exclusive interviews with Malawian musicians Kimba Mutanda from the now disbanded Malawian Band Real Elements on Thursday (January 22) and Kenny Gilmore (Amunaamuna) on Tuesday (January 27th). Kimba Mutanda will talk about his current musical carreer and his future plans. He also talks about hi 'real' nationality, his view on homosexuality and religion. Kenny Gilmore talks about how he ended up in Malawi and what he has been doing since leaving Malawi. In the exclusive interview, Kenny also talks about his greatest love among other things. The two Malawian musicians will also offer advice to the young and upcoming musicians who are trying to make a name for themselves. They will also offer their opinions on the current Malawi music scene. C.Phiri Malawi Current News
Sen. John McCain agreed with 90% of President George Bush's policies. This meant that he would have continued the programs that are undertaken currently by the USA in Africa. George Bush through his government has helped Africa more than any other American President. Since 2001, aid to Africa has quadrupled ($1.3bn in 2001 to $5bn in 2008) and Malawi has benefited in many ways from it. Many projects became reality with the help of the American aid. The Election of Barack Obama and the Democrats may mean that some Malawian doctors will not receive any more funding and some hospitals may be forced to treat less patients. Sen. John McCain's pledge to further the Republican agenda meant that the African programs to fight malaria or Aids would have progressed. President-elect Obama's origins do not guarantee that he will help Malawians at the rate that the Republican President did. Just like George Bush, John McCain's policies could have saved millions of Malawian lives. Currently, almost every household in Malawi has mosquito nets which have helped in reducing Malaria, especially in children. The nets were most of the times distributed free of charge or sold at a price that every Malawian could afford. During Bill Clinton's Presidency under the Democratic agenda, mosquito nets were very expensive and not promoted by the Malawian government because of the lack of funds. During the last 8 years, many HIV patients in Malawi have been helped with antiretrovirals (ARVs) that have saved many lives. For some Malawians in Lilongwe or Blantyre, Barack Obama in the White House represents negative change to their lives. The continuation of the George Bush' policies by Sen. John McCain could have positively benefited Malawians. Many are looking forward to the upcoming Malawi Elections where they will choose between Bakili Muluzi or Bingu wa Mutharika.
Postera Tenthani Tay Grin,the 2008 Malawi Musician of the Year (2008 Malawi Web Awards Winner) has been recognized by many as one of the best musicians on the present Malawian music scene. Tay Grin(real name Limbani Kalilani) has worked with renowned Malawian musicians Tapps (Tapiwa) Bandawe, Andrew Kwizombe,Tha Gosple, Dan Lufani and Sally Nyundo. The song, Nyau Music is a fusion of hip hop and traditional Malawian music. Nyau is a Malawian(Chichewa) tradition and religion that bases its beliefs on the fact that the dead are still alive. Nyau Music borrows its chorus from the famous soundtrack of the 1990s cult Tv series Shaka Zulu, the South African powerful and fearless leader of the 16th Century. The Malawi Music video Nyau Music Live by Tay Grin:
Tay Grin was nominated for the prestigious Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Awards under the categories; "Best Male Artist from Africa" and his hit single "Stand Up" was nominated for the "Best South African Video" and "Best Hip Hop Video" Tay Grin urges all Malawians from cities and towns like Lilongwe, Blantyre, Ntcheu, Mponela, Kasungu and Dedza to stand up and dance. Sally Nyundo and Andrew Kwizombe(FM 101 Dj), both Malawian musicians based in Blantyre appear in the video. Watch the video Stand Up by Tay Grin:
During the 2008 US Elections, both President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain attacked the media for the negative portrayal of their personalities, agendas or personal lives.As the Leader of the Free World, the USA and its politicians are considered as an example to the many African politicians. It is therefore not surprising that the President of Malawi(a third-world-country); attacks the media in his turn.According to an article posted on the Nyasa Times website, Mr Bingu wa Mutharika, the Malawi President is quoted as saying: “The Nyasa Times has been part of the vilification campaign against me and my government. It has concentrated on tarnishing my image internationally for reasons which I don't know. Much focus has been on negatives only and not on positives about my government” The Nyasa Times which has been voted as 2008 Malawi Best News Website has at times through its articles taken swipes at Bingu wa Mutharika’s policies especially as the Malawi Presidential Elections are fast approaching. Just like President-elect Barack Obama attacked Fox News and Sen. John McCain attacked the New York Times, the Malawi Media should expect even more attacks from Mr Bingu wa Mutharika or his rival, Mr Bakili Muluzi before the May 19th Malawi Elections.
Sacha Baron CohenLoves Malawi because in his upcoming movie, Bruno; the controversial filmmaker is teaming up with the producers of Borat to make a movie about a gay man who adopts a Malawian boy named David. Sacha Baron Cohen who in the past has said that he was a friend toMadonna, will out rightly offend the Queen of Pop who adoptedDavid Banda from Malawi.
Cohen's earlier movie, Borat has promoted Kazakhstan's tourism as many did not know the country or even where it is situated on a map. Madonnahelped in making Malawi known but Sacha Baron will even do a better job because Bruno will shed a negative light on Malawi. Any attention be it positive or negative is always welcomed. The Warm Heart of Africa, Bingu Wa Mutharika or even Lake Malawi are names that every Malawian know, but not people in the West. They will definetely want to visit after watching Bruno, who knows even to adopt a Malawian little child from Nkhoma in Lilongwe or Chichiri in Blantyre. The sad part is that Bruno's lead character is a black Jesus who is wearing a revealing thong....Not good..Not good Borat.
As if that is not enough Sacha Baron Cohen poked fun at Madonna this past Sunday at the Golden Globes Ceremony. His comments were not appreciated by some celebrities like Salma Hayek and Sandra Bullock. Cohen said: "This recession is affecting everyone, even celebrities. Victoria Beckham hasn't eaten for three weeks. Charlie Sheen has been forced to have sex without paying for it. It's true. And even Madonna has had to get rid of one of her personal assistants. (pause) Our thoughts go out to you Guy Ritchie."
That is fine as long as Bruno brings some publicity to Malawi.
Many have outrightly said that Hazel Warren is not Malawian and she is older than she says. In this Exclusive Interview,2008 Malawi Personality of the Year(2008 Malawi Web Award Winner), Hazel Warren answers to all the allegations circulating around and she also talks about her present and future plans. Hazel Warren is Big Brother Africa 3(BBA3) runner up.
Mmalawi Blog: First of all it’s a pleasure to have you here for this interview.
Hazel Warren:I think this is a big accolade, I did not see this coming, this must be my Christmas present! The feeling is great, it really shows that my contribution has been appreciated most of all I feel blessed.
Mmalawi Blog: So did you expect any of the fame you received before you went to the BBA House?
Hazel Warren: I thought of life after the show and I did not see the FAME I have now, I did know that I would be noticed here and there but it is definitely BIGGER than I thought.
Mmalawi Blog: Many people have been wondering about you, Could you please tell us about your Childhood.
Hazel Warren:I am born and bred in Lilongwe, I was born at the KamuzuCentralHospital on Feb 6, 1983, the second born in a family of four children, the only girl! So I hung out with my brothers quite a lot from when I young. The family lived in Kawale 1 and 2 for most of my childhood, we also lived in Biwi and Chilinde and now Ilive in area 14.
I went to different schools, from Chisamba in Kawale, St. Maria Gorret (LilongweGirlsPrimary school), Livimbo and Nanjati then I went to Carewell Private and Walani Private and finally BwailaSecondary School.
From There I went to Shareworld open University where I studied Travel, Tourism and Hospitality. They have also offered me a three year scholarship so I will be back to Shareworld soon.
Mmalawi Blog: Who or What do you consider as your love?
Hazel Warren: God Almighty!
Mmalawi Blog: What is your advice for young Malawians and Africans?
Hazel Warren: I think we should take pride in who we are, we are what we are and where we are for a reason. We should also develop a mindset of not waiting for someone else to do things for us, we should take the initiative and take the leading role.
Mmalawi Blog: What are your present and future plans?
Hazel Warren: There are a few projects I am working on, I would still like to keep the “Hazel” brand going so there are some activities that I am working on. I will also take up the scholarship offer, I am working on a recipe book (all of those BBA recipes and more) I would like to work with the youth, I find that most youths copy what their friends do in order to fit in, but I would like to make them see that you can be YOU and still be really cool.
Another area is in empowering women, in the sense that they can use readily available resources to better their lives.
MmalawiBlog: Who do you consider as your Malawian Hero?
Hazel Warren:John Chilembwe of course, he laid down his life for our sake, that’s heroism.
Watch the 2008 Malawi Web Awards, where Hazel Warren won 2008 Malawi Personality of the Year:
Mmalawi Blog: What kind of Music, Movies, Activities do you like?
Hazel Warren: I like R&B, but I am not limited to that, I like a song that lifts up my spirits and also music that will make me dance, I also like some of our local music. I like real life dramas for movies and comedies also like some horror.I also like to cook; it was nothing new in BBA house, I like to look at nature, listen to the wind, the sound of water and birds in the wild.
Mmalawi Blog: What is your reaction when people are not happy with your success?
Hazel Warren:They definitely have a right to their opinion and expressing it, I am well aware that it is impossible to please everyone so that is inevitable.
Mmalawi Blog: Any words on the AIDS pandemic in Malawi?
Hazel Warren:It is a fact AIDS is affecting everyone, my personal opinion is that the unmarried youths should abstain and those who are married should remain faithful. I think abstinence is the best choice because you have no doubts, you know where you have been. For those who cannot abstain/be faithful should definitely condomize, Let us spread the love not the disease!
Mmalawi Blog: Your Perfect Malawi how do you describe it?
Hazel Warren: Being around the friendly people, peace, no hunger, healthy people and people who are not poverty stricken, to this add our amazing organic food and our unpolluted air!
Mmalawi Blog:Any last words?
Hazel Warren: I am definitely grateful for this accolade, and I am ever so grateful for the support I am getting both during and after Big Brother Africa.
I feel that Malawians have a lot to offer and we should step up and do more for our country and for ourselves.
