Tionge Hango launches music competition

All roads in the Northern Region lead to the Squirrels Park in Mzuzu City today where it hosts a K5 million North Music competition courtesy of renowned musician Tiwonge Hango.

The musician and the Music Union of Malawi (MUM) Northern Region Chapter have confirmed the news.

In an interview on Wednesday, Hango said he is known globally in music circles because of the support Malawians rendered to him so he has to return the favour by promoting other artists.

He said: “The music competition which first starts in the Northern Region is aimed at saying thank you to Malawians for the support they gave me to make a name in music. I will extend it to other regions.”

Hango said the competition is in the categories of gospel and secular music and is open to solo artists as well as choirs and bands.

Registration closed on Friday. He said so far over 20 choirs and bands have registered.

Tickets to the music competition are selling at K5 000.

The artist said the winner will cart home K500 000 cash and a trophy, runners up will pocket K300 000 while the third placed will receive K200 000.

Award-winning artists, Driemo, Ril B and Tionge Hango shall spice up the event.

Hango, who was recently conferred on him a Music Director Award by University of Salford for coming top in music studies, beating over 180 students, has performed in various countries such as Denmark, South Korea, United States of America, Scotland, United Kingdom and Sweden.

MUM Northern Region publicity secretary Martha Nthakomwa hailed Hango’s initiative, saying apart from exposing new talent, the platform will help fans to appreciate Northern Region talent.

She appealed to Malawians to patronise the competition show and appreciate the gesture, noting that it was not easy for an individual to come up with such huge money to dish out to the best performers.

Squirrels Park owner, Tobius Keliophas has confirmed the booking, saying he looks forward to the event.

Meanwhile, gospel artists, Visisi Mapulanga and his secular counterpart Ras Chikomeni Chirwa have vowed to win the competition.