Namadingo relishes Zambia Festival

Musician Patience Namadingo, who represented Malawi at the inaugural Zambia Festival (Zamfest) last week, has said the festival is a great platform and opportunity to expose African talent, including local music to the international audience.

Zamfest is Zambia’s biggest food festival with an extensive selection of both local and international cuisine which was inaugurated on April 8 at Main Arena in Lusaka, Zambia. The festival combined music, football, games and all-round family entertainment.

In an interview over the weekend, Namadingo described his invitation and participation at the Zamfest as a giant leap as far as recognition of Malawi talent and music are concerned.

“The recognition of Malawi talent by the organisers of the Zamfest alone is a motivating factor. It signifies that Malawians are not doing music in vain,” said Namadingo.

He said he had a great time at the festival, sharing the stage with African big names such as Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi and Oskido from South Africa. Other artists that performed at the festival included Pompi, Cactus Agony, Willz aka Mr. Nyopole, Maureen Lilanda, Crazy Fish and Evicted.

He described Mtukudzi as one of the rare African music greats who inspires him and represents the African continent on the global scene.

“Sharing the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi was something big not only for me as an individual musician but also for Malawi as a country. Our country and art were put on the international spotlight,” said Namadingo.

He challenged Malawian artists to put up a unique sound that can compete favourably on the international map.

“Next time, it should be another Malawian representing the country at Zamfest or another festiva, not Patience Namadingo again. We can only achieve this if we make our music unique and relevant to the international audience,” said Namadingo.

Asked what made his music attract the attention of the organisers of Zamfest, Namadingo said: “I think it all boils down to my approach and distinctiveness of my music. I have embraced my own concept called The All New Namadingo which strives to produce unique stuff as far as innovation and music are concerned.”

Commenting on his K1.2 million in 40 Days cancer campaign, Namadingo said he will resume it before handing over the proceeds to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital’s cancer ward.

“We are in the closing phase of the campaign. Currently, we are designing the programme,” he said. n