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Chakwera Honors Top Artists with Blank Media Levy Awards at Kamuzu Palace Gala

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Chakwera Honors Top Artists with Blank Media Levy Awards at Kamuzu Palace Gala



By  Jones Gadama

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera recently hosted a glittering dinner at Kamuzu Palace, where he presented dummy cheques to the top beneficiaries of the Copyright Society of Malawi’s (COSOMA) Blank Media Levy.

The top recipients included *Eli Njuchi*, who walked away with K23.4 million, followed closely by *Driemo* with K23.3 million. Other notable winners were *Zeze Kingston* (K18.3 million), *Kell Kay* (K15.8 million), and *Saint Realest* (K15.7 million).

During the ceremony, President Chakwera also paid special tribute to veteran artists *Giddes Chalamanda* and *Paul Banda*, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Malawi’s music industry.


Additionally, the President posthumously honored iconic figures such as *Grace Chinga* and *Lucius Banda*, cementing their lasting legacy in Malawian arts.

This gesture underscores the government’s commitment to supporting artists and creators, as COSOMA continues to distribute royalties collected through the Blank Media Levy. In fact, COSOMA has announced a total disbursement of K1.566 billion to 3,524 beneficiaries, marking a significant boost for Malawi’s creative sector.

Retired civil servants threaten legal action over gratuity delays

247Malawi
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Retired civil servants threaten legal action over gratuity delays



By Chisomo Phiri

Retired civil servants have threatened to stage vigils at Capital Hill and pursue legal action against the government over delays in the payment of gratuities to more than 7,000 pensioners.

Speaking at a press briefing in Blantyre on Thursday,the president of the Association of Retired Civil Servants(ARCS ), Nellie Mkhumba, expressed frustration over the slow pace of disbursements, despite ongoing engagements with the Treasury.

Mitochi


Mkhumba said the delays are a violation of the Pension Act, which stipulates that lump-sum payments should be made within three months of retirement.

On his part part,publicity secretary for the association, Ben Mitochi, added that many pensioners are struggling to provide for their families, with the recent devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha further eroding the real value of their benefits.

In the 2025/26 National Budget, the government allocated K170.4 billion towards pensions and gratuities.

Retired civil servants threaten legal action over gratuity delays

247Malawi
-
0
Retired civil servants threaten legal action over gratuity delays



By Chisomo Phiri

Retired civil servants have threatened to stage vigils at Capital Hill and pursue legal action against the government over delays in the payment of gratuities to more than 7,000 pensioners.

Speaking at a press briefing in Blantyre on Thursday,the president of the Association of Retired Civil Servants(ARCS ), Nellie Mkhumba, expressed frustration over the slow pace of disbursements, despite ongoing engagements with the Treasury.

Mitochi


Mkhumba said the delays are a violation of the Pension Act, which stipulates that lump-sum payments should be made within three months of retirement.

On his part part,publicity secretary for the association, Ben Mitochi, added that many pensioners are struggling to provide for their families, with the recent devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha further eroding the real value of their benefits.

In the 2025/26 National Budget, the government allocated K170.4 billion towards pensions and gratuities.

Chakwera reaffirms commitment to tourism,creative economy

247Malawi
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Chakwera reaffirms commitment to tourism,creative economy

By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning tourism and the creative economy at the core of the country’s development agenda.

Speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Thursday evening during the Chakwera Arts Stars event, the president underscored the importance of creative industries,not merely as cultural assets, but as vital pillars of national prosperity and unity.

Chakwera pointed to the recent enactment of the National Arts and Heritage Council Act as a landmark achievement for his government, stating that it secures the future of Malawian artists and their communities.

Chakwera and Chalamanda



He laid out an ambitious vision for the arts sector, declaring that the era of talent going unrewarded must come to an end.

On his part,Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, echoed the president’s sentiments, noting the impressive growth in artists’ royalties from K78 million in 2020 to K1.5 billion projected for 2025.

“Under this administration, royalty disbursements have risen significantly, which is clear evidence of our commitment to the creative sector,” he said.

In his remarks,Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) Board Chairperson, Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango, added that royalty distribution has greatly improved in recent years, reflecting the government’s genuine engagement with the industry.

During the event, COSOMA presented royalty awards to various artists.

Eli Njuchi and Driemo each received K23 million, while others recognised included Phyzix, Saint Realest, and Kell Kay.

Namadingo responds to public doubts over COSOMA royalties

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Namadingo responds to public doubts over COSOMA royalties



By Rahim Abdul

Barely hours after the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) disbursed annual royalties to local artists, questions arose on social media over the absence of award-winning musician Patience Namadingo from the beneficiaries’ list.

Speculation quickly spread online, with some accusing COSOMA of favoritism in the distribution of funds.

Namadingo



In response, Namadingo took to his official Facebook page to clarify the matter, stating that he did receive his share of the royalties but had personally requested that the payment be handled privately.

“COSOMA gave me my portion, but I chose for it to be done confidentially, for reasons best known to me,” Namadingo wrote.

Despite the clarification, many Malawians remain skeptical. Some believe Namadingo is attempting to downplay the controversy, while others insist that proof such as a picture of the cheque or payment records is necessary to convince the public.

The debate continues to stir conversations online, putting both the artist and COSOMA under public scrutiny.

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