Zathu Pa Wailesi Season 3 promises more
Zathu Pa Wailesi radio drama series enters season III today with a focus on changing perceptions around gender equality and multiple relationships among the youth.
The season features new radio drama Gogo and Timve Kwa Inu series and will also launch a debut on-air competition, Mzanga wa Nyatwa, in which listeners will win exclusive Zathu prizes every week until July. Two lucky winners will have the chance to meet the whole Zathu cast in their community and watch Zathu Band performing live.
In the new season, Zathu Pa Wailesi will visit young listeners across Malawi and broadcast their inspiring stories in Timve Kwa Inu and Gogo will continue to offer advice on all burning questions young people cannot ask anyone else. The band will perform during the visits.
Zathu is a girl-effect initiative created in collaboration with young Malawians. It was launched in April 2017 and comprises a radio drama, talk show and music.
Zathu public relations officer Zilanie Gondwe said the project has had excellent results as read from feedback.
“Behaviour change and social impact takes a long time, but the feedback we are receiving shows the characters are inspiring many.
“They have shared stories of Anette’s’ self-motivation to start her business and get education. They have talked of the strength shown by Mphatso when she returned to school after becoming a teen mum. They send many difficult questions to Gogo about puberty and life in general,” she said.
Among other achievements, the band has launched an afro vibes album, Chinzathu Ichichi and had performances in London and Scotland for Lake of Stars.
The drama series are aired on the country’s three national radio stations MBC Radio 1 and 2, Zodiak Broadcasting Station and other community radio stations.
Zathu was developed by a local non-governmental organisation Girl Effect Malawi alongside US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other organisations working as part of the Dreams partnership to reduce HIV and Aids infections among adolescent girls and young women.
