Malawi’s music industry continues to receive a welcome surge of corporate backing, with artist Macelba’s upcoming concert, After The Silence, receiving a combined sponsorship of K17 million from two prominent companies.
Lab20 Innovations, a tech-driven local company, has stepped forward with a generous K10 million contribution to support the high-profile event, which is set to take place on July 26 at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
This recent injection comes just days after Macelba secured an additional K7 million sponsorship from beverage giant Shamboko Beverages, bringing the total sponsorship to K17 million.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Bright Chavula, a senior official at Lab20 Innovations, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing Malawi’s entertainment scene.
“We believe in empowering creative talent and fostering events that bring people together. This is just the beginning,” said Chavula.
Macelba, visibly grateful, hailed the sponsors for believing in his vision.
“This support means everything. Fans should expect nothing but fireworks we’re putting together something massive,” he said.
Adding to the buzz, South African singer Eemoh is expected to jet into the country on Saturday to headline the event alongside Macelba.
The lineup also features a star-studded cast of Malawian artists including Eli Njuchi, Malinga, Bwede, Gwamba, Emmie Deebo, and Wikise.
Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)has urged journalists to specialize technical understanding and narrative skills to communicate urgent environmental challenges in ways that inform,engage and inspire action from the general public.
MEPA ‘s Director of Planning and Information Management Services ,Dr Martino Mazinga made the sentiments on Wednesday in Blantyre during media training it organized to equip environmental journalist with extra knowledge on the same.
Dr Martino Mazinga
Mazinga said there have been resistance from companies and public on compliance towards thin plastic ban following some court injunctions, there is need for journalists to support the enforcements in a special way hence the training.
“Journalists do play crucial role ,so if they are well equiped with such knowledge together we can raise public awareness and bridge the gap between the policy makers and citizens in supporting enforcement and MEPA’s mandates and visibility” said Mazinga.
Mazinga further said as MEPA has done their part even though some challenges are still existing ,including public understanding on why thin plastics are a danger to human life and the environment at large.
” we have managed to inspect more than 50 companies, and those found not complying have been issued with fines and or stop orders “he said.
In her turn one of the journalists who attended the training Cellina Khonje from Times Radio said has been empowered and this will bring a change in their media institution.
MEPA is the principal agency for environmental protection and sustainable natural resources management ,established under Environment Management Act(EMA)of 2017. And is under section 7 of EMA and was operationalized in 2020 as a statutory body by a director general.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has celebrated the graduation of 551 students at its 6th congregation ceremony in Thyolo.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who is also the Chancellor of MUST, presided over the ceremony and charged the graduates to be productive and contribute to the nation’s development.
The graduates received certificates, diplomas, and degrees in various programs, with 406 males and 145 females making up the cohort.
MUST Council Chairperson, Boyd Luwe, highlighted the university’s remarkable growth since its establishment in 2014, with significant increases in student enrollment, academic programs, and research initiatives.
The university’s commitment to supporting needy students through its Endowment Fund was also emphasized, with 120 students supported last year alone.
The fund now stands at around K7 billion, demonstrating MUST’s dedication to making quality education accessible to all.
President Chakwera commended MUST for its contributions to Malawi’s socio-economic development, particularly in areas such as entrepreneurship, digitization, innovativeness, and agriculture.
He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to drive national development and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated grand finale of the “Dolo Amavotela Chakwera Challenge,” a music competition aimed at promoting civic engagement and encouraging support for Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
The event is scheduled to take place this Saturday, July 26,2025,at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Minister of Labour and project spokesperson Yamikani Chinguwo, expressed satisfaction with the smooth execution of the competition.
Chinguwo noted that the event has successfully showcased the country’s rich musical talent without any major setbacks.
“The competition has not only been well-organized but also attracted a wide range of skilled artists who brought forward well-composed and well-performed songs. This made the judging process highly competitive,” said Chinguwo.
He added that the contest served as a platform for emerging artists to shine, as many participants created original compositions that resonated with both the theme and the audience.
Winners in various categories of the competition are expected to walk away with cash prizes totaling K5 million, in recognition of their creativity and outstanding performances.
Minister Mumba is expected to grace the occasion as the guest of honour.
Adil James Chilungo is an independent presidential candidate contesting Malawi’s September 16, 2025 general election, marking his first formal entry into frontline politics with a vision focused on unity and sustainable development.
He officially submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), fulfilling all legal requirements including payment of the MK10 million nomination fee.
Chilungo hails from the districts of Chiradzulu and Zomba and is a practicing Muslim. He promotes a broader Muslim–Christian alliance aimed at bridging religious and regional divides to foster inclusive development across Malawi.
With a solid academic background, Chilungo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, and Islamic Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both earned in Malaysia.
Adil James Chilungo
Professionally, he has served in various leadership roles including Operations Manager at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Finance and Administration Manager at the National Local Governance Finance Committee, and lecturer at both the Malawi College of Accountancy and the Malawi School of Government.
Beyond academia and administration, Chilungo is actively involved in community development. He chairs the African Muslim Schools Association, manages an ICT and local development consultancy, and leads a fish-based organic fertilizer company called Glowbest.
Chilungo describes himself as “angry enough” to tackle Malawi’s self-inflicted problems such as hunger, excessive loan interest rates, inequality, and poor governance.
He advocates for ending hunger through modern, climate-smart agriculture that includes irrigation and the use of affordable organic fertilizers to increase land productivity.
His economic vision emphasizes introducing non-interest banking and interest-free loans to empower entrepreneurs and reduce the burden of high loan costs on vulnerable populations.
Chilungo insists his candidacy is based on fresh ideas and effective policies rather than political alliances, arguing that Malawians deserve innovation rather than recycled political faces.
He is among four independent candidates who have submitted presidential nomination papers this election cycle, competing against a total of fourteen candidates.
Political analysts suggest that Chilungo’s campaign may serve as both a serious bid for the presidency and a strategic platform to negotiate alliances post-nomination.
Concluding Analysis
Adil James Chilungo offers a unique combination of technocratic expertise, development-focused policies, and principled independence in a crowded political field.
His manifesto, titled “Operation Restore Dignity,” lays out clear plans for equitable wealth distribution, agricultural revitalization, youth empowerment, and institutional reforms.
While he faces challenges such as limited campaign infrastructure and lower national recognition compared to established party candidates, Chilungo’s focus on issue-based leadership and unity resonates with voters disillusioned by personality-driven politics.
The coming months will test his ability to mobilize grassroots support, amplify his message, and sustain visibility during the campaign.
Chilungo’s candidacy embodies a growing public demand for accountable, inclusive leadership, and if he succeeds in connecting with voters, he could play a significant role in shaping Malawi’s democratic discourse in 2025.
