What started as a mere daring act and a test to measure his creative mettle appears to be paying off for Malawian graphic designer William Chipula.
After organisers of the highly-billed Durban Music Fest in South Africa released their initial poster announcing the event, Chipula produced an alternative artwork which he shared on his social media handles.
Event organisers loved it and subsequently invited Chipula to participate in a design competition alongside 10 others, which he won by 82 percent.
Durban Music Fest organisers said in a statement: “Congratulations to our Durban Music Festival flyer contest winner William Chipula. Out of the incredible submissions, William’s design stood out and will now be the official artwork for the Durban Music Fest.
“But that is not all, he has also been given exclusive opportunity to work with us on additional festival visuals, helping shape the look and feel of one of the biggest events of the year.”
competition. | Courtesy of Chipula
For winning the competition, Chipula’s design is featured as the official design for the festival. He received two golden circle tickets to experience the festival up close, an opportunity to create more event visuals and marked as a priority to work with the team in future design projects.
In an interview yesterday, Chipula said when he saw the flyer from the organisers, he felt that it lacked something.
“The first design had some negative feedback because it was not speaking much about the international act headlining the event. That is why I had to come up with a luxurious, sophisticated and eye-catching one that won,” he said.
The graphic designer said the opportunity to work for the festival has opened new avenues for him with other South African brands, including an engagement with South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture.
Chipula said: “Being chosen as the winner of the competition, especially against the experienced South African designers, has been an incredible feeling. It is a testament to my skills and experience. I am excited to announce that I will be working on bigger projects in South Africa and United States of America very soon.
The artist has lauded the creative freedom that he has been given throughout the project; to produce various design elements that have allowed him to showcase his skills and expertise. He said the smooth collaboration has made his work easier.
In a separate interview, special adviser to the President on creative industries Q Malewezi said Chipula has demonstrated that Malawian creatives have what it takes to compete internationally.
“What the digital space has done is to level the playing field. When we come across stories such as what Chipula has done, it gives encouragement to other creatives to look beyond the borders,” he said.
The Durban Music Fest will take place on May 3 and will be headlined by US rapper Rick Ross.
The show will also feature prominent South African artists such as Mawhoo, DJ Tira, Big Zulu, S Java, Gold Max and Nast
