Pupils in Nkhoma, Lilongwe were treated to music performances on Saturday when Emmie Deebo and young artists from abroad performed as part of the FUNetix Kids Literacy Tour.
The event, organised by the American Youth Literacy Foundation, used music and performances to encourage children to engage in reading in an interactive way using the FUNetix app.
Deebo, who is a brand ambassador for FUNetix, was joined by two South African artists Baby Face Womdantso and Sphocky RSA as well as Audrey Scott from the USA who are also ambassadors in their countries.
The four graced the event with music performances and interactive activities as learners cheered to the music singing along to songs such as Sheli Banana on stage.
In an interview, Emmie Deebo expressed excitement at being able to use her music, talent and platform to address societal issues, particularly promoting literacy across the country.
“It gives me immense satisfaction knowing that I can be part of such a mission and make a difference while also enjoying what I do as a musician,” she said.
The Chilipo hitmaker also noted that as young artists striving to build audiences and expand their fan bases, the tour has provided an opportunity to achieve both.
She said she was looking forward to collaborating with other young artists participating in the tour.
“We are already working on a project with some of the artists and it will soon be finalised. This will help us to expand our fan base not only in our respective countries, but also abroad,” said Emmie Deebo.
Sphocky and Baby Face also said they were pleased participated in the tour and contributing to promoting literacy among young people.
Sphocky also highlighted the opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow young artists.
“This shows we are supporting each other. We will also work on some songs together,” he said.
FUNetix founder and executive director Kali Woodward said the young artists have been crucial to the initiative due to their influence within their respective communities, helping children understand that they can build a better future.
He said: “It has been such a wonderful cause that they want to be part of, while also growing their own brands which we are ready to support.
“As they are already role models, we hope to show other children that even without a special talent, they can also become role models through education and it start with literacy.”
FUNetix, according to Woodward is a literacy programme, a mobile application which offers a free, 12-hour reading curriculum designed to teach children how to read in English.
The programme utilises a patented system of diacritic symbols to help children decode words, making the learning process effective.
The four are expected to head to Uganda and Rwanda where they will also perform after doing the same in South Africa and Malawi.
