President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday made a rare appearance on the art online platform Podcast Malawi.
Spotting a tight green golf-shirt, the President beamed the real aura of a youth and the level of interaction bore the tone that was in tandem with the youthful grade of the host Brandon Jones, co-host Henry Magombo and ghost host Ben Sam.
In 25 hours, the show had amassed over 30 thousand views on YouTube.
Sam said the three hosts went through a rollercoaster of emotions prior to the show.
He said: “Prior to the show, there was a lot of pressure going on. But it was an exciting moment for me as a podcaster to host the President of Malawi. The anxiety was there because we didn’t want to mess things.
“When you work with people from State House, you realise how serious they are. They ensure that you operate at high standard.”
Sam said having a sitting president on the show was a huge win for podcasting business in Malawi as it helps them to grow.
“Podcasting in Malawi is a new culture. We are just building and developing it. So to have the head of State gives us confidence,” he said.
However, he could not say which side made the approach first between Podcast Malawi and State House to have the show aired.
In a separate interview, special adviser on creative industries Q Malewezi said podcasts have become more than just a form of entertainment.
He said: “In Malawi, we have seen the evolution firsthand. What started as an alternative platform for discussion has grown into a powerful space for shaping national conversations.
The moment was not just about the President speaking on a new platform, but breaking barriers.”
Creative facilitator and podcast producer Denis Imaan said: “There is so much to discuss and highlight through these platforms beyond gossip, banter and sensationalism. I watched the episode and I enjoyed the level of the conversation.”
Podcast Malawi started airing in 2022 and some notable names that have featured include Malewezi, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority director general Daudi Suleman, ICT guru Bram Kudzulani.
