ALL EYES ON MADONNA AND NONE ON MALAWI

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.

C. Phiri (Lilongwe for Mmalawi)

MALAWI CURRENT NEWS (Home Page)

Forget Madonna and her adoptions-Malawi deepens into Chaos

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.

Postera Tenthani (Mmalawi Blog)
Malawi Current News

Most Popular in Malawi:Madonna's David Banda,Lucius Banda,Kamuzu Banda

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 )

Malawi's Kimba Mutanda:"Do not Eat Mbatata Without Water"

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"

Perez Hilton 'Better' than Madonna for Malawi

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

CALEB PHRI Malawi Current News

Sacha Baron Cohen Likes Malawi, Loves Madonna-NOT

Sacha Baron Cohen Loves 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 to Madonna, will out rightly offend the Queen of Pop who adopted David 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. Madonna helped 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.

Mmalawi Blog

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/

Madonna wants your Money (All currencies accepted, including Kwachas)

The following video of Madonna is according to me disgusting. WATCH


Madonna the pop star wants to build a school for girls in Malawi. She is asking YOU to give some of your money for that cause. I cannot give any penny because I went to one of her concert few weeks ago and I paid about $100 (50 Pounds) with about other 60,000 people.

Why cant she take the money from the concert and build the school herself? Oprah Winfrey did not ask any penny from people and she still built a school in South Africa.
We all have bills to pay at the end of the month, so if she wants to be adored, she should NOT ask money from us.

http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/

DAVID BANDA, 8th World powerful and famous kid

Today I would like to write about this article I stumbled upon. Its an article on David Banda, the 8th world's powerful and famous child. It is quite interesting to read stuff like this in Chichewa.
ITS IN CHICHEWA AND IT'S ON WIKIPEDIA,
here are some excepts;

"Davide Banda ndi mwana amene Madonna, woyimba wina otchuka wa ku Amerika anamutenga kuti akhale mwana wake. David Banda anabadwira ku Mchinji m’dziko la Malawi pa 24 Sepitembala 2005. Davide Banda anatengedwa kuchoka ku Malawi pa 16 Okotobala. Kumutenga kwa mwanayu ndi a Madonna kunayambitsa nkhani yofufuza ngati a Madonna wo anapatsidwa ulemu wa padera chifukwa choti ndi munthu wotchuka.
A Madonna anayankhula pa kanema pa pologilamu ya Oprah Winfrey pa 25 Okotobala 2006 pofuna kukana zomwe anthu ankanenazi. Pamene ankacheza ndi Oprah Winfrey, a Madonnawa ananena kuti ku Malawi kulibe malamulo olembedwa bwino bwino okhudza kutengedwa kwa ana osowa kapena amasiye ndi anthu ochokera kunja

Panakali pano mulandu womwe anasuma mabungwe oona za ufulu wa anthu udakadikila chigamulo"

The entire article

mmalawi.blogspot.com/