What started as a research by creative platform Zaluso Arts to assess the effects of gambling and sport betting on Malawian communities has culminated into the introduction of a radio programme called Gambling; Leisure or Livelihood?
Curators of the project said the radio programme is using poetry, music and drama to debunk data collected as part of the research to broaden the reach of the messages.
The radio programme is a journey through the experiences of youths from Area 25 in Lilongwe who participated in the research known as photovoice, which involved interviews, observations and photography.
In an interview, Zaluso Arts director of programmes Otiyela Mtema said the research attempted to address the social issue of gambling and sports betting and the effects it has on Malawian youths that can carry significant mental health implications if left unchecked.
He said they decided to use different genres because of the power art has to evoke emotions, spark conversations and prompt reflections.
Mtema said: “We sought to empower young people to express their perspectives through arts by bridging the gap between research and impactful community engagement. Through artistic expressions such as drama, poetry and music, we will not only disseminate the findings, but also create space for empathy and understanding.”
He said what emerged from their research were both positive and negative narratives surrounding gambling and betting.
“While some revealed the excitement of the big wins associated with gambling, others unveiled a darker side, including debt, strained relationships and mental health issues,” he said.
One of the participants in the project, Jean Gowero Sindi, who also stars as a mother in the radio play, said the stories they got during the research point to a worrying situation.
She said: “The drama seeks to provide both the positive and negative sides. But what we found on the ground was mostly negative. We tried to educate them, not only the youth, but also the grown-ups.”
The radio programme will start airing on Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Chanco Radio next week. The research was conducted with support from the University of Glasgow Research Impact Fund, British Academy, University of Bath, University of Ghana and Meiru.
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