Culture is the backbone of any society. It shapes identity, instills values and preserves collective memory of who we are.
To date, one of the most powerful carriers of culture is music. It is a universal language that tells stories, celebrates rituals and connects generations.
At the heart of every community’s music are rhythms, melodies and instruments that identifies people and their culture.
That is why events such as Ethno Music Malawi, an annual initiative by Music Crossroads Malawi, is not only a music camp, but a cultural dialogue.
Every year, the week-long gathering brings together musicians from all corners of the world to share, learn and create music rooted in their traditions.
Participants from Ghana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Brazil and Norway shared experiences of their various cultures.
Cameroonian Agbortar Besong Esther Etando said the experience was not only about performance, but also finding a common ground in cultural differences.
“Since I got here, I felt wanted and at home. It is a strange environment, but I didn’t feel like a stranger,” she said.
Etando pointed out that embracing culture and uniqueness is what gives someone an identity.
“We are at a point where most people do not care about their roots and backgrounds. But such gatherings are a reminder that we are who we are. We want a tomorrow where people are rooted in who they are and not who they adopt to be,” she said.
This year’s edition culminated into a final concert in Area 23 in Lilongwe, showcasing musical pieces from the participating countries.
From the first note to the last dance step, the event illustrated how ethno and traditional music transcends language and geography fosters the spirit of unity and togetherness.
“Music is part of who we are. Ethno Malawi has given me a chance to teach and learn in the same space. I have learnt a lot that as I go back home I will organise one of our own,” said Kobina Minta Nyarku.
For the Ghanaian, the camp reinforced how deeply intertwined music is with heritage and the importance of artistic mentorship for cultural preservation.
“We all came here speaking different languages, but we understood each other through our instruments. I have gained a lot of knowledge from the mentor. Coming here to perform with others from different countries has been reassuring to as much as keeping our cultures alive is concerned,” Nyarku said.
In a world increasingly dominated by global pop culture, he said events like Ethno music serve as reminders of the richness and relevance of traditional music.
“These melodies and movements are not relics of the past, they are living expressions of identity that continue to evolve and it is important that young people take part in promoting culture through music,” he said.
A local participant Don Chisenga said the camp allowed them to share knowledge about different cultures. This also allowed them to teach each other the different music pieces from their cultures.
“The aim of Ethno Malawi is to encourage cultural exchange and show the diversity of music and promote collaborations among different cultures,” he said.
Chisenga said the event has over the years allowed various participants to open up to other people’s cultures and respect them for who they are.
At the heart of it all is Music Crossroads Malawi, an organisation dedicated to using music as a tool for education and social change.
The director Mathews Mfune said the goal of Ethno is not only artistic, but also cultural.
“We want young musicians to understand that their traditional music is valuable. When we bring people from all over the world to celebrate each other’s cultures, we’re building respect, understanding, and pride,” he said.
Throughout the week, participants attended workshops, jam sessions, and cultural exchanges. The final performance as a colourful blend of traditions, was the culmination of days of collaboration and learning.
The stage at Area 23 became a melting pot for different cultures. What stood out was not just the quality of the music but the spirit behind it.
Each performance was a celebration not only of differences, but of shared cultural experience. In a time where cultural homogenisation threatens indigenous traditions on this day, Ethno Music Malawi reaffirmed the beauty of diversity.
Reminding participants that traditional music is a bridge to the past and a tool for building the future, young artists are learning that by honouring where they come from they can also shape where they are going.
