Artists light up Malawi Tourism Expo
The fifth Malawi International Tourism Expo which started on Thursday last week ended on Saturday on a high note as artists wrapped up the event with live music performances.
The expo attracted the corporate world who showcased Malawi’s tourism offers while facilitating engagements, networking opportunities, learning experiences and business linkages.
As the sun set Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, the venue was filled with performances by musicians Temwah, Kell Kay and Bucci, who took centre-stage captivating hearts and minds alike.
The audience comprised both local enthusiasts and international visitors as well as young and old people.
Temwah and Kell Kay set the stage on fire with songs such as Magulu, Ndili Kuti , Muchedwa and Loss as patrons, especially the energised youth danced and enjoyed. The artists took an extra mile to join patrons in the crowd.
One of the highlights was when Bucci sang his song Ipatse Moto, a theme song for this year’s expo in which he featured the Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule. The song urges Malawians to promote tourism, but also invites tourists from across the globe to explore Malawi.
Beyond the music, conversations ensured among attendees who reflected on the symbiotic relationship between art and tourism, echoing thoughts of pride in the country’s artistic heritage and advocating for greater recognition of local talent.
Some patrons discussed the importance of promoting local tourism.
In an interview, one of the patrons Samson Mapemba emphasised that attracting international visitors is essential, but added that locals should be encouraged too.
“The conditions seem more favourable for international visitors than they are for us locals, but encouraging Malawians to explore their own country and making it easy for them is crucial,” he said.
In a separate interview, Bucci said the role of artists as promoters of tourism in the country, highlighting how their creative works serve as a tool to draw visitors to explore Malawi.
“As artists we are walking billboards and we represent Malawi in any country we go to, we are the main attraction when it comes to tourism and our role as artist is to be able to use our platform to promote tourism,” said the R ‘n’ B artist.
He further encouraged other artists to leverage on the opportunity to put Malawi on the map through their creativity.
