South African amapiano hotshot Mawhoo is set to perform at Scalla’s Café in Blantyre on October 16 in a show organised by Kuwala Events.
Kuwala Events coordinator Newton Chikakuda in an interview yesterday said that music lovers should brace for a good music experience during the show.
“Mawhoo is one of the most trending artists from Africa, an amazimg performer and she has just released an album a few weeks ago. So people should expect a good time filled with fun and good vibes,” he said.
last year. | Nation
Chikakuda said that during the course of the week they will organise two supporting acts who will join Mawhoo on the day.
Upon announcing Mawhoo’s upcoming show through local social media online platform Mikozi, a section of Malawians appeared unhappy with the decision to invite the South African to perform in Malawi in light of the anti-migrant attacks in South Africa.
One follower identified as Itz Thurzday posted: “Why is she performing in Malawi? I thought we all agreed?”
Bambo Alice said: “Mayiko a anzathu akuwakana, koma ku Malawi kuno mukukukamira, nde chani? [While our friends have cancelled them why are we insisting on bringing them here? What is that?]”
But reacting to the concerns, the organisers said they remain resolute in delivering a good entertainment experience despite all the background noise.
Chikakuda said they are not playing down what is happening in South Africa but they are standing on a business decision because Malawi is still working with South Africa on many business and economic fronts.
“We are civil around it and it is only right that the reaction is there which now gets us to the main conversation on what are we really reacting to. We are not an island as a country. We are operating in an eco-system and we need to look at things beyond the need to be mere activists,” he said.
In a separate interview, event promoter Prince Chikweba said it was imperative to take a moment and understand the discourse, appreciating the context we are operating in and looking beyond the emotions of the moment.
He said the relationship between Malawi and South Africa goes beyond entertainment as the countries remain interconnected across sectors such as trade, business, media and tourism.
“Our radio stations continue to play South African music and Malawians continue to consume South African content. Even now, one of the major conversations across Malawian social media is about a South African event that took place over the weekend,” he said.
Chikweba said the creative industry needs to be recognised for what it is as an industry engaged in economic activities that creates jobs, moves money, supports businesses, livelihoods and contributes to the economy.
This will be the second time for Mawhoo to perform in Malawi following her maiden appearance last year during the Mawhoo Experience Concert organised by Impakt Events Management.
This year she was also billed to perform at the Kabula Festival but she failed to make it at the eleventh hour due to flight connection problems.
Since the xenophobia attacks broke out, several African countries have reacted by cancelling all shows involving South African artists in their respective countries.
