Musician Tay Grin has launched Harmony Across Borders, an initiative aimed at bringing together creatives from Malawi and Zambia through music.
The project, financed by Copyright Fund with a K10 million grant in the fourth call of the grants, seeks to build cross-border understanding and collaboration to create spaces for musical performances, artist partnerships and cultural exchanges.
In an interview yesterday, the Nyau King said he was inspired by his recent experiences in Zambia, where he built a fan base and established connections.
“My experience in Zambia showed me how powerful music can be in bringing people together. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to inspire young Malawian artists, encourage them to showcase their talent, form new friendships and learn from artists across the border,” he said
The musician said it is about cultivating cultural exchanges that create genuine connections and expand perspectives for local artists.
He added that established artists have a role to play in promoting and nurturing young talent and making an impact.
“Music transcends entertainment. It can be a vehicle for social change and crucial that established artists influence positive change,” he noted.
For Harmony Across Borders, Tay Grin will be working with key artists and cultural icons in Zambia, including musicians, producers and creatives who believe in using their art to build bridges between communities.
The initiative is targeting young people, artists and music enthusiasts who are eager to learn from other cultures and collaborate with people from different backgrounds.
In a separate interview, Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture director of arts Humphreys Mpondaminga commended the artist for the initiative.
He said even though government has various agreements with other countries for exchange programmes, it is important for creatives to do their part.
“We need to have private entities that push for such initiatives so that we can declare Malawi’s creative industry a commodity that is exportable,” he said.
Mpondaminga commended Copyright Fund for supporting initiatives that promote create industries.
Established by the government, the Copyright Fund, under Copyright Society of Malawi, provides financial support to arts and heritage projects to promote the creative and cultural industry.
The fund started operating in 2022 and has so far funded over 40 projects in publishing, heritage preservation, performing arts and visual arts to the tune of K387 304 512.
