Gold Mountain Music, led by veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, has partnered with Universal Music Group to sign a four-year deal for the rights to legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda’s albums and music catalog.
This landmark agreement also includes a seven-year administration deal, marking a significant milestone in Malawian music history.
Tapps Bandawe emphasizes the importance of this deal, highlighting that it will open doors for Lucius’ music and Malawian music to reach international markets, including potential use in movies and other outlets.
Tapps Bandawe and Lucius Banda
The partnership aims to preserve Lucius’ legacy and promote his work globally.
Lucius’ son, Johnny Zembani, expresses gratitude to Gold Mountain Music and Universal Music Group for their role in preserving his father’s musical heritage.
Lucius Banda was a pioneering figure in Malawi’s creative sector, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of albums such as “Down Babylon,” “Cease Fire,” “Cell 51,” and “Unity.”
This deal not only honors Lucius’ contributions but also paves the way for Malawian music to gain more international recognition.
Gold Mountain Music, led by veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, has partnered with Universal Music Group to sign a four-year deal for the rights to legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda’s albums and music catalog.
This landmark agreement also includes a seven-year administration deal, marking a significant milestone in Malawian music history.
Tapps Bandawe emphasizes the importance of this deal, highlighting that it will open doors for Lucius’ music and Malawian music to reach international markets, including potential use in movies and other outlets.
Tapps Bandawe and Lucius Banda
The partnership aims to preserve Lucius’ legacy and promote his work globally.
Lucius’ son, Johnny Zembani, expresses gratitude to Gold Mountain Music and Universal Music Group for their role in preserving his father’s musical heritage.
Lucius Banda was a pioneering figure in Malawi’s creative sector, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of albums such as “Down Babylon,” “Cease Fire,” “Cell 51,” and “Unity.”
This deal not only honors Lucius’ contributions but also paves the way for Malawian music to gain more international recognition.
Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has warned that the suspension of the $175 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signals looming disaster for Malawi’s fragile economy.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mutharika described the IMF’s decision as a major blow that could plunge the country deeper into financial instability and worsen the lives of ordinary Malawians already facing economic hardship.
He emphasized that the suspension of the ECF reflects not just the government’s fiscal mismanagement but also a broader loss of international confidence in Malawi’s economic governance.
Beyond the ECF suspension, Mutharika revealed that he would also address rising political violence, which he claims is being perpetrated by supporters of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
He expressed deep concern over the growing culture of intolerance and intimidation, warning that such actions threaten Malawi’s democracy and the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
Mutharika said the DPP remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections, and he called on all political players to respect the rule of law and democratic values.
He concluded by stating that Malawians deserve better leadership and governance that inspires confidence both locally and internationally.
The recent freezing of a $175 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement between Malawi and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sparked mixed reactions.
The All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has hailed the development as a “blessing in disguise,” citing widespread corruption and mismanagement of funds by the government.
Reverend Baxton Maulidi, AACC’s accountability ambassador in Malawi, argues that the IMF funds were largely being plundered by government officials, citing red flags raised by stakeholders on corruption and unwise public expenditures. Maulidi cautions the government against entering into non-concessional borrowing agreements that could exacerbate the country’s debt burden.
Reverend Baxton Maulidi,
However, Secretary to Treasury Betchani Tchereni attributes the lapse of the ECF deal to exogenous shocks that hindered the supply side’s ability to boost revenue and enhance production.
According to Tchereni, the program’s objectives of restoring macroeconomic stability were compromised due to unforeseen circumstances.
The IMF has a history of supporting Malawi’s economic development. In 2013, then-IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde expressed confidence in Malawi’s potential, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to economic shocks and the need for diversification.
Lagarde emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, and international community to drive growth and reduce poverty.¹
The current situation raises questions about the government’s ability to manage its finances effectively.
With a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line, Malawi needs prudent economic management to achieve sustainable growth and development.
As the government navigates this complex economic landscape, Reverend Maulidi’s warning against non-concessional borrowing serves as a timely reminder of the need for fiscal discipline.
The AACC’s stance highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
Ultimately, the impact of the IMF deal’s freezing on Malawi’s economy remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the country requires a balanced approach to economic management, combining prudent fiscal policies with strategic investments to drive growth and reduce poverty.
The battle for fuel at Kafoteka Filling Station in Lilongwe continues to intensify as motorists endure long hours in queues.
Vehicles have been lining up in long, winding lines, with drivers anxiously waiting to refuel.
The persistent fuel shortage has led to growing frustration among citizens, many of whom must spend hours just to access the scarce commodity.
The queues have not only tested people’s patience but also created major traffic disruptions in the area.
Motorists who are not seeking fuel are often caught in the chaos, struggling to navigate through the blocked roads.
The situation has been particularly difficult for those who wish to drive quickly to their destinations, only to find their paths obstructed by idle fuel queues.
Despite efforts by authorities to normalize the supply of fuel in the country, the crisis remains unresolved in several areas, including this part of the capital.
Residents and commuters alike have called on the government and fuel suppliers to find immediate solutions to the ongoing problem.
The fuel shortage, which has affected multiple sectors of the economy, continues to be a source of stress and uncertainty for many Malawians.
