Afro-piano artist Joe Ikon says it is encouraging to see individuals taking interest in supporting local creatives.
The artist said this in reaction to the K14 million donation that he has received from politician Vitumbiko Mumba for his Mwana wa Atate Concert slated for Money men ground in Blantyre on Saturday.
“I am grateful and feeling motivated to receive such support. It is not every day that you receive support from people of his calibre. This is good for the whole industry. It will push us to do more,” said Joe Ikon in an interview yesterday.
The Nkhawa Ndilibe hit-maker said the support from Mumba will go a long way in helping meet the objectives of the concert.
He said: “This is not just a mere concert. I want to use the platform as a movement. We want to create different opportunities for everyone who will be involved. Let people come so that we should have fun together.”
Posting on his Facebook Page, Mumba, who is Mzimba Central legislator and former President Lazarus Chakwera’s running mate in the September 16 2025 General Elections, shared a picture of his interaction with the Madness Entertainment team, the music promotion stable that supports Joe Ikon. He reflected on how other countries such as the Caribbean Islands are working to effectively promote the creative sector.
“I will share more about the creative industry economy during my podcast interview which I will have soon with Madness Entertainment,” he said.
In a separate interview, Mumba’s communication director Blair Mhone said the decision to support Joe Ikon is rooted in the belief that young people deserve opportunities to showcase their talents and realise their full potential.
He said: “His vision is to see a generation of young people who are empowered economically innovative and confident in their ability to shape their own future. He realises that talent exists in abundance, but opportunities and resources are not always readily available.”
Mhone said empowering young people requires more than speeches and promises, but practical action, partnerships and willingness to invest in their aspirations.
Ever since his emergence on the scene three years ago, Joe Ikon has established himself as one of the local music forces with his style riding on the South African amapiano genre. Along the course of his journey he has won several awards including Best New Artist (Male), Best Stage/Live Performance at the 2025 Maso Awards and Best Amapiano Act at the UMP Music Awards.
Mwana wa Atate Concert is his first organised concert and it will feature acts such as Gwamba, Zeze Kingston, Kell Kay, Jetu, Charisma, Casino, Teddy Makadi, AidFest, Zonke, Afana Ceez, Sean Morgan and Malimba Music.
