Malawian reggae and dancehall artists stand a chance to showcase their talent in Jamaica following an invitation by Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.
The invitation has been made by the association’s president Ewan Simpson through Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba who is currently visiting Jamaica alongside Malawian musicians Anne Matumbi and Bon Afrikan.
Mumba said the local artists who will qualify for the opportunity will participate in the Reggae Month concerts set for next month in Jamaica. The facilitator has since indicated that he will start soliciting sponsorship to enable the artists travel.
The minister, an engineer with passion for arts and once supported musician Wambali Mkandawire, shared on his Facebook page: “The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association has offered Malawian reggae and dancehall artists an opportunity to come to Jamaica next month to showcase their talent subject to us securing sponsorship.”
Mumba said his trip to Jamaica is a private one and not related to his role as a minister. He said the trip was arranged long time ago before his appointment as minister.
He has since engaged the services of Bon Afrikan and event host Mphatso ‘Junior C’ Chaluluka to jointly coordinate the exercise.
In an interview yesterday, Chaluluka said the number of artists who will make the trip will be determined by the amount of sponsorship they will secure. He said at the moment, President Lazarus Chakwera has already pledged to sponsor two artists for the trip.
Said Chaluluka: “We are appealing to companies to come and support the initiative. Individual artists can also use their connections to secure support. We will soon hold a press briefing where we will make a formal sponsorship appeal.”
The former television personality said considering that there is not much time between now and February, they will draft a selection criteria for the artists to be considered. He, however, hinted that it would be easier to work with individual artist than groups to make things easier logistically.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our Malawian talent in Jamaica and we are working hard to ensure that we use the opportunity to create meaningful collaborations with Jamaican artists,” said Chaluluka.
During the trip to Jamaica, Mumba, Anne Matumbi and Bon Afrikan have the privilege to watch Buju Banton’s concert at Plantation Cove, an audience with another musician Everton Blender and a visit to Bob Marley’s home and a visit to his graveyard.
