Female master of ceremonies (MCs) are steadily transforming the country’s entertainment landscape, breaking long-standing gender norms in music, lifestyle and cultural events.
Once dominated by men, event hosting is now witnessing young female voices bringing confidence, creativity and bold personalities to performance spaces. For many of these women, the journey has not been easy, but their determination is ushering in a new era for the country’s entertainment industry.
For Sophie Mponda, popularly known as The Amapiano Queen, the spark to pursue hosting events came from watching veteran entertainer Wendy Harawa.
“Wendy’s confidence and art inspired me. She was not only a star but a shining star,” she said.
Mponda’s path began through dancing and fashion. However, her defining moment came on 31 December 2023 when she hosted the Castel Music Festival.
“That day I knew this was not just about hosting. It was about giving people something to carry inside after the event,” she said.
Mponda said her unique style is rooted in energy, stage presence and fashion.
“I do not just announce performers, I carry the stage on my shoulder,” she said.
However, it has not been all rosy as she has faced harassment from some audiences and criticism from people who felt her energetic style.
“My focus is to give people an experience. I hear their advice, but I do not allow it to shrink who I am,” she added.
Another star Priscilla Kayira said that her journey began with a love for public speaking nurtured from childhood. While in university, she served as entertainment director. However, her breakthrough came when artists began recognising her work and consistently booked her.
“That is when I realised I could actually succeed,” she said.
Kayira said she prepares for her performances by practising in the mirror and studying event details to deliver accurate information to audiences. She describes her style as energetic, catchy and rooted in trending chants.
But being a female star MC comes with challenges.
“There are men in the industry who behave as though they are more superior. Some even snatch gigs or expect you to give in to sexual favours to secure opportunities,” she said.
Kayira said the best way to rise above such pressure is to build a solid brand, maintain professionalism and cultivate strong relationships with event organisers.
“You let those types of gigs go. Stay in your lane and keep growing your brand,” she added.
Another upcoming voices is Tafazwa Msasa and she believes female MCs are already shaping Malawi’s future entertainment scene.
“Mostly female hosts are taking the stage now. We have women like Sophie Mponda who are conquering this industry,” she said.
Msasa, too, has faced male dominance and attempts by others to overshadow or take her opportunities.
“The best way to overcome it is by strengthening your brand and staying true to your professionalism,” Msasa added.
Her advice to young women is clear: “Nothing can hold you back besides yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and bloom.”
Joining this new wave of female MCs is Treecie Mandala, an emerging talent making waves for her versatility and engaging style.
She said her love for public speaking started in primary school, where she took on leadership roles and addressed large audiences. She later found her niche in university, hosting small events and gradually building a name for herself.
“I realised early on that I had a passion for speaking to people and creating energy in a room. Hosting events became more than a hobby, it became my purpose,” Mandala said.
She said that her style combines confidence, humour and adaptability. She stated that she carefully studies each event, ensuring she can interact naturally with diverse crowds.
“Being young comes with challenges. Some people doubt your ability or your experience. But I have learned to focus on building my brand and letting my work speak for itself,” said Mandala.
Her ambition is to influence youth, drive social change and professionalise her craft.
“I do not want to just carry a microphone, I want to change perspectives, inspire people to learn and grow, and eventually host events that go beyond Malawi,” Mandala said.
From the Amapiano Queen’s commanding presence to the fresh voices of Kayira, Msasa and Mandala, Malawi’s female MCs are rewriting the rules of entertainment and inspiring the next generation of young women to take up the microphone.
Their message is unified, bring confidence, protect your brand, stay professional and never compromise your values.
As the lights brighten on more stages across the country, it is clear the future of Malawi’s entertainment industry is increasingly being shaped by women.
