Three youthful Malawian artists Asante Maulidi, Patrick Chimbewa and Thokozani Mdoko have said they are excited to represent Malawi at the Forde Traditional and World Music Festival Talent 2016.
“We are happy and excited to be here [in Norway]. We intend to sell our rich culture through our performances. We are also ready to learn from our friends through the activities that have been lined up,” said Maulidi.
Chimbewa, who has travelled for the first time, said it is a historical trip for him.
“I didn’t know that one day I would have a chance to perform in Norway. It’s the first time for me to travel outside Malawi and I have learned a lot,” said Chimbewa.
Singer, dancer and percussionist Mdoko said the platform would offer them a chance to sell Malawi to the outside world, while pouncing on opportunities to learn from others.
“The fact that we have artists from countries such as Kenya means this trip offers cultural exchange opportunities. I especially like the aspect that this is a platform aimed at appreciating traditional instruments,” said Mdoko.
The trio has made it to the festival through Music Crossroads Malawi, which organised Pakhonde Music Camp in Ntchisi District from February to March this year.
The Pakhonde Music Camp brought together artists from Malawi and countries such as Norway, offering them the chance to share experiences on traditional instruments.
According to the organisers, this year`s theme focuses on the cultural richness and diversity of countries associated with war, conflict, poverty and distress.
The organisers further said the festival would uncover the beauty of cultures and music from different countries and serve as a reminder that migration has constantly influenced “our societies and cultures since the dawn of time”.
The project, which brings together talented musicians, is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The festival`s artistic and managing director, Hilde Bjorkum, said Forde Traditional and World Music Festival is the largest platform for traditional and world music as it attracts about 100 acts and 300 artists from all over the world.
Leave a Reply