Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) while acknowledging the challenges and losses in 2025, hailed the government for the establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec).
The music body’s president Vita Chirwa described this as a major milestone for the creative sector and a long awaited response to many of their challenges.
“We look forward to its full implementation so that artists across the country can benefit meaningfully from its mandate,” Chirwa said.
He also hailed Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) for supporting creatives through Copyright Fund.
“The grant enabled us to conduct mental health awareness workshops for musicians, an often overlooked but critical area,” the Mum leader said.
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On growth and regional recognition of Malawi music, Chirwa said it continues to develop in quality, reach and influence with an increase in collaborations.
“These collaborations have provided valuable cross-border exposure for our artists. During a recent visit to Zambia, I was both proud and encouraged to hear Malawian music widely played and celebrated,” he said.
On setbacks and losses, Chirwa said the industry mourned the loss of musicians Collins Chitimbe and Lester Mathunga, and more recently, the five artists namely Vincent Mkwinda, MacFarlen Banda, Elivacy Myaba, Wilfred Kapengule Jr and Raphael Chitsonga, who died a tragic road accident in Ntcheu.
“We sincerely thank the general public for believing and supporting local music throughout 2025. As we step into the New Year, we wish all music lovers – both at home and beyond – peace, prosperity and successful 2026,” the Mum leader said.
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Book Publishers Association of Malawi (Bpam) President John Paul Yohane described 2025 as mixed bag saying they had elections for associations that ushered in new leadership.
“New leadership brought excitement. On the other side, some of our members managed to publish and launch new books,” Yohane said.
He was however, quick to say that business was not good for most of their members and that there were no openings to sell in large quantities.
“Contracts were scarce and this forced some of our members to move from offices to operate in their homes. But we are happy that no member closed shop,” the Bpam leader said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Yohane, who is also Claim Mabuku General Manager, said they are gearing up for the new curriculum to be rolled out in phases.
“We are prepared to participate in this noble exercise to partner with the government. We are looking at more opportunities in terms of business for us to reproduce books in bulks. We are also looking at a national book fair as well as collaborate with fellow creatives,” he said.
Malawi Writers Union (Mawu) President Shadreck Chikoti said 2025 has been a year of rebuilding, repositioning and reclaiming the association’s place at the centre of Malawi’s literary life.
“Together, we opened doors for Malawian writers beyond our borders. 10 writers participated in an international writers’ workshop in Lusaka, Zambia engaging regionally, learning, networking and asserting Malawi’s literary voice,” Chikoti said.
He also spoke of the launch of the national short story competition that sought out new and emerging voices across the country judged by respected international writers.
“We also organised a national book fair and indaba that attracted continental attention and was honoured by the presence of the President of the Pan African Writers’ Association Dr Wale and our international liaison board member Dr Stephanie Bosch Santana,” Chikoti said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chikoti said they have a number of plans including starting work on a residency project and embarking on a publishing house project.
