In the year 2024, there were activities galore in the music industry, with a number of shows and festivals across the country.
To crown it all, there were appearances by numerous international artists who graced the country’s venues. Event organisers and promoters deserve to be commended for doing their best to attract some of the most trending artists to Malawi.
Some came for the first time while for others such as South African amapiano queen Nkosazana Daughter, it was the second time.
The Amaphutha hit-maker renewed her links with her Malawian fans when she headlined the Castel Malawi Pomme Bash at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Daughter made her first appearance in Malawi three years ago when she performed at the Sand Music Festival in Mangochi.
If there is one artist who hogged the limelight big time in 2024, it is South African amapiano star Young Stunna. But the Adiwele star disappointed both his fans and event organisers Beerland Festival when he failed to show up at Moneymen Ground in Blantyre at the eleventh hour.
The organisers were thrown off balance as they struggled to contain the situation which was clearly becoming a crisis. Fun-lovers had already bought their tickets for the show and some had already made their way into the venue when news broke that the South African star had failed to make it.
Patrons were told the artist had missed his connecting flight to Malawi. However, this did not convince the audience. The organisers had no choice but to proceed with a ‘makeshift’ event headlined by local artists.
But months later, Stunna tried to make amends by performing at Scallas’ Café in Blantyre. His approach and execution was a message that he was in town to offset his debt with Malawians.
After his appearance, talk of his initial no-show died naturally.
Meanwhile, the rising amapiano culture in South Africa has seen the birth of some exciting talents. Among those are Leemckrazy and Eemoh.
Leemckrazy, famed for his song Ebasini, was the headline act during the Beerland Festival organised by Piano Fiesta at Moneymen Ground. He came to Malawi at the peak of his career in his native South Africa. As such, local music lovers were able to relate with his songs easily. The connection between his performance and party-goers was impressive.
Another trending artist who visited Malawi is Eemoh. The Mazithokonze creator was on call during the inaugural Illusionz Beach Festival at Kingfisher Inn in Mangochi. The vibe that he brought was simply refreshing and memorable.
DJ Tira and DJ Maphorisa performed alongside Eemoh. It is not usual to have such big names share a platform. And although their fellow countryman Kabza De Small was a no show, organisers staged an exceptional event.
During the year, popular Nigerian artist Magixx made his first appearance on the Malawian scene. He was the headliner during the returning of the Urban Music People (UMP) Festival at Cape Mclear in Mangochi. The Nigerian had the misfortune of sharing the stage with local sensation Onesimus.
It was clear the Malawian stole the limelight and did not earn the applauds he expected.
Two more artists from South Africa, Focalist and Afro-jazz artist Simmy also made their way to Malawi.
Focalist shared the stage with rapper Gwamba during his Best of Gwamba Concert at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe while Simmy headlined the Standard Bank organised Kumbali Live Concert also in Lilongwe.
But Jamaican reggae music icon Burning Spear brought the most excitement to Malawi. After decades in the game and a career that has seen him trot around the world, it was announced the artist was coming to Malawi in October.
Initially, there was doubt about the news until show promoters came out to confirm his planned performance. The rasta community in Malawi went into an overdrive as days of the show drew closer.
Colourful street parades and gatherings replete with nyabingi chants were organised in the honour of Burning Spear’s coming. And they ensured that they did nothing less when they welcomed him at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.
The whole airport space was transformed into a red, green and yellow arena, colours of the Rastafarian faith.
At least they lived to see Burning Spear perform in living colour.
