Malawian musicians Hilco, Piksy, and Rashley are using their voices to challenge social norms and preserve cultural identity through music.
For Hilda Ulolo, popularly known as Hilco, music is a tool for moral guidance and cultural education. She says her work focuses on teaching values, traditions, and real-life lessons, particularly to young people.
“I teach everyday life through my music so that people can become better versions of themselves,” she said.
Hilco also uses her platform to speak out against gender-based violence. Through her music, she addresses women trapped in abusive marriages, urging them to prioritize their safety and well-being.
“Many women pretend to be in good homes while suffering in silence. My message is that life is more precious than enduring abuse,” she explained.
Firmly rooted in local identity, Hilco maintains a traditional style while promoting love, unity, and cultural pride without copying foreign influences.
Meanwhile, Evance Zangazanga, widely known as Piksy, focuses on self-belief, positivity and national development. His music encourages Malawians to recognize their own power to change their lives and communities.
“My songs are about believing in yourself and celebrating small wins,” Piksy said, citing tracks such as Uncle Short One and Itsanana.
Through socially conscious songs such as Rodgers, Malawi 2063, Nzanga, and Osaopa (Corona), Piksy tackles issues ranging from personal self-worth to national responsibility.
He said Rodgers was created to celebrate hard-working men who often go unappreciated, reminding them to value themselves beyond societal expectations.
Piksy also places strong emphasis on cultural preservation.
“By collaborating with veteran musician Robert Gwirani on Tsoka Liyenda, I aimed to pass timeless Malawian wisdom to younger generations using a modern sound,” he said.
Language and local identity remain central to his work. He blends Chichewa, local slang, and his own coined expressions popularly known as Ngauzic while collaborating with Malawian artists, fashion designers and creatives to promote homegrown talent.
For Rashley, real name Happy Jumbe, music is a call to self-responsibility and unity. His songs encourage Malawians to take ownership of development at community level.
His song Tiziyamba Ndife focuses on tourism, urging communities to protect cultural and natural heritage while recognising tourism as a source of economic opportunity.
Rashley’s music reflects everyday Malawian experiences, blending local languages, traditional rhythms, and storytelling to promote respect, hard work, and communal responsibility.
“Music crosses barriers and speaks directly to the heart, It makes messages memorable and relatable,” he said.
All three artists agree that music plays a crucial role in addressing social issues because of its emotional reach and accessibility.
As Malawi continues to navigate social, economic, and cultural challenges, artists like Hilco, Piksy, and Rashley demonstrate that music remains a powerful platform for education, healing, and national consciousness.
