First Minister John Swinney is set to visit Zambia and Malawi to witness firsthand the results of two decades of Scottish Government work in international development and climate justice. The trip, starting October 14th, underscores Scotland’s enduring commitment to its global partners.
John Swinney
The journey is highly significant: it is the first First Ministerial visit to Malawi since the groundbreaking 2005 Co-operation Agreement and will be the first-ever such visit to Zambia.
Ahead of the trip, Mr. Swinney positioned Scotland’s actions in contrast to global trends, noting that while other nations retreat from foreign aid, “internationalism and international solidarity have never been more important.” He reaffirmed that “Scotland will continue to stand with the international community” in the pursuit of a fairer world.
Prominent social commentator and musician Kondwan Kachamba has called on the new Government of the Republic of Malawi and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to take urgent action against what he describes as a “moral crisis” engulfing the nation’s creative industry.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Kachamba expressed deep concern over the growing trend of young people producing and circulating sexually explicit videos on social media, allegedly in pursuit of fame, likes and online followers.
“There is a spirit of foolishness that has entered our music industry.Young men and women are deliberately filming and sharing indecent videos just to trend. This is satanic and dangerous for our society,”said Kachamba in a statement.
Kachamba
Kachamba urged government authorities to treat the matter with seriousness, warning that the unchecked spread of such content could erode Malawi’s moral fabric and negatively influence future generations.
He proposed that Parliament should consider passing new laws to criminalize the creation and distribution of pornographic material and introduce severe penalties for offenders. Kachamba further suggested that those found guilty should be compelled to delete their social media accounts and face industry sanctions.
“COSOMA and other relevant bodies must take part in this.Anyone found guilty should be banned from participating in the entertainment industry for several years. We must not allow companies to sign or promote such individuals doing so only fuels immorality,”he emphasized.
Kachamba also urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen online monitoring and ensure swift arrests of those producing and sharing indecent material.
He said government should demonstrate moral leadership by enforcing discipline in the creative sector.
“Malawi is not a country for producing pornographic videos. This is not democracy it is moral decay. The government must use its full power to restore sanity among the youth,” he said.
He warned that continued exposure to obscene material could normalize immorality, influencing young people to view such acts as acceptable forms of expression.
Kachamba vowed to personally advocate for the establishment of clear policies and stiffer penalties against pornography and immoral content online.
Organizers of the highly anticipated Umodzi Gospel Show say everything is in place ahead of the big event scheduled for October 11 at the BICC Amphitheatre in Lilongwe.
According to one of the lead organizers, Grace Thole, the goal of the event is not only to celebrate gospel music but also to rebuild unity and collaboration among gospel artists across the country.
“We have noticed that many gospel musicians are working in isolation nowadays. In the past, artists used to come together more often and organize joint events that inspired the Christian community. With the Umodzi Gospel Show, we want to revive that spirit of togetherness and collective worship,” said Thole.
The event, which has already generated excitement among fans, will feature an impressive lineup of Malawi’s top gospel artists, including Kelvin Sings, Beracah, Theresa Phondo, Gwamba, Miracle Chinga, Dr. Ethel Kamwendo-Banda, Skeffa Chimoto, Shammah Vocals and Lloyd Phiri, among others.
Organizers say the show will blend live performances, worship sessions and collaborative acts to create a night of both entertainment and spiritual renewal.
The BICC Amphitheatre, known for hosting major national events, is expected to be filled to capacity as fans from across the country prepare to attend.
Thole added that the event’s theme “Umodzi” (Unity) was carefully chosen to remind gospel artists and fans that the music ministry works best when driven by love, humility and a shared mission.
“This is not just a concert; it’s a spiritual movement. We want to show that gospel music can unite people beyond denominations and backgrounds,” she emphasized.
Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has urged Malawians to expect a thrilling and competitive display when the Malawi national football team faces Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, October 9, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. The match forms part of the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign.
Speaking during a pre-match press briefing, Pasuwa expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation and commitment, stressing that the team is determined to produce an improved performance that will bring pride to the nation.
“We have been working hard in training, focusing on our attacking transitions and defensive discipline. The players understand what is at stake and we want to give Malawians a reason to celebrate,” Pasuwa said.
The coach, who has previously guided the Flames to strong performances in continental competitions, noted that the game will serve as an important test of character as Malawi aims to strengthen its position in the World Cup qualifying group.
Despite the optimism, the team will miss the services of star forward Gabadinho Mhango, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. Speaking to journalists, Mhango said he has full confidence in his teammates to deliver positive results.
“It’s unfortunate that I will not be on the pitch, but I believe in the boys. Everyone is motivated, and the atmosphere in camp is very positive,” Mhango assured.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has also called on fans to turn up in large numbers and support the national side, emphasizing that a strong home crowd could make a big difference.
Kickoff for the highly anticipated clash is scheduled for 6:00 PM at Bingu National Stadium, with thousands expected to attend as the Flames chase another memorable moment in their World Cup qualifying journey.
The organizers of the prestigious A MASO Awards have officially announced that the public can now begin voting for their favorite artists, marking the start of this year’s award season excitement.
In a statement released by the organizing committee, Malawians have been invited to nominate and vote for entertainers who have impressed them the most in 2025. The process, which opened on October 6, will run until October 25, giving fans nearly three weeks to support their preferred stars.
According to the statement, voting will be conducted through a strictly monitored online system available on the A MASO Awards official website. Each person is allowed to cast one vote per category, ensuring fairness and transparency. To participate, voters are required to pay K100 per vote, a move organizers say will help sustain the credibility and logistics of the awards.
This year’s edition features 30 diverse categories, ranging from Best Male Artist and Best Female Artist to Song of the Year, Best Newcomer, Producer of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Music Video and Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.
The A MASO Awards, now one of Malawi’s most followed entertainment events, continue to play a major role in recognizing and celebrating local talent. Over the years, the ceremony has honored household names who have contributed immensely to the growth of the country’s creative industry.
One of the coordinators hinted that this year’s event will be “bigger and better,” with a new digital voting interface and stronger verification systems to curb multiple voting or manipulation.
“We want every fan’s voice to count fairly. Our system will ensure transparency while keeping the spirit of competition alive,” said the official.
Music enthusiasts across the country have since welcomed the announcement, describing the voting phase as an opportunity to appreciate artists who have worked tirelessly despite economic and industry challenges.
Several upcoming artists are also expected to gain exposure through the nominations, as the awards not only focus on established names but also shine a spotlight on emerging talents from across Malawi’s districts.
As anticipation builds, social media platforms are already buzzing with fans encouraging each other to vote for their favorites.
The final award ceremony, expected to take place later this year in Lilongwe, promises to be a glamorous night of music, fashion and celebration reaffirming A MASO’s reputation as Malawi’s most followed entertainment awards platform.
