Happy New Year

The world started a new sprint for the year 2025 on Wednesday, with players in the creative sector wishing their fans all the best.

It has been a long ride in 2024, with artists now longing for a beautiful script in 2025. There is light at the end of the tunnel, especially with the passing of the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) Bill in Parliament.

President Lazarus Chakwera later assented to it. Now creatives say they are looking forward to implementation of Nahec. For now, though, creatives are in the best wishes mood.

Lilongwe-based designer Xandria, who recently scooped the Best Designer award at the 2024 Maso Awards, took time out to wish people a happy New Year and thanked them for their support in the previous year.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and our journey in the fashion industry.

“Your trust and belief in our vision inspire us every day,” she said.

Xandria described 2025 as a year of growth and new possibilities.

She said she wanted to continue redefining fashion by embracing innovation, sustainability and inclusivity, particularly through initiatives such as adaptive fashion.

Xandria also said she was committed to empowering up-and-coming designers.

“To everyone who dares to dream, this is your year. Let us step into it boldly, beautifully and be ready to make an impact,” she said.

Visual artist Madalitso Ziwaoh, who kept up the steam in 2024 exhibiting at different platforms, hailed people for their support.

“It has been a long journey in 2024 but here we are—still alive, God has been faithful. We reflect on the incredible journey we shared with you. We are grateful for the opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects and appreciate the trust that you placed in us,” he said.

Ziwaoh, who is the chief executive officer for Paint Your Life Art and Sign, also thanked the corporate world and clients for being an integral part of success.

“We are eager to continue working with you and explore new ventures in 2025 as we seek to grow visual arts and the creative sector,” he said.

Award-winning poet Robert Chiwamba, who bagged the Best Poet (Vernacular: Male) during Entertainers of the Year—which the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation organises—and Maso Awards recently said the poetry family was grateful for the support received in 2024.

“We would like to wish all Malawians a happy New Year. The support you gave the poetry family in 2024 was massive and we look forward to that continued support in 2025. We are looking forward to continued partnerships and we promise to release quality work,” Chiwamba, who is the Poetry Association of Malawi leader, said.

Poet Refilwe Ntopa, who scooped the Best Poet (female) award during the 2024 Maso Awards, also wished people greatness in 2025.

“May this New Year’s canvas be painted with vibrant hues, so colourful, just like the smiles you put out. May your heart be filled with joy and your spirit renewed. This is to everyone who believes in poetry and in the power of arts,” Ntopa said.

Alliance Francaise de Blantyre, formerly Jacaranda Cultural Centre, and Maison de la France Director Luc Deschamps wished Malawians a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

“We wish the arts community of Malawi all the best in 2025 and to continue being creative, curious, ambitious and express the challenges, joy and hard work of the people of Malawi,” Deschamps, who is also French Honorary Consul to Malawi, said.

He said Alliance Francaise de Blantyre would do its best to create more opportunities for the youth and artists.

“Bonne et Heureuse Annee!” he said.

Musician Gibo Pearson, famed for songs such as ‘Galu Ndine’ and ‘Idzathera Mapenalty’, said he ran his race perfectly in 2024 because of the massive support that people gave him.

“I just want to wish all the people a happy New Year. I am who I am in music today because of their support. I promise to continue giving them good music in 2025,” he said.

Leslie, creator of ‘Bambo A Tereza’— originally done by The Roots—also promised to keep her musical bar high in 2025.

“To my fans and followers, I am wishing them a happy New Year and they should look forward to more entertainment as I have big plans for them. For instance, I am planning a tour and several other unplugged sessions in Lilongwe as well as Mzuzu cities,” she said.

Leslie also said she was looking forward to giving people a new album in 2025.

“The year 2024 has not been that easy, in terms of running some of the musical errands, because of academic commitments but, in 2025, I promise people my album Ulendo,” she said.

Sangie also took time out to thank people for their support in 2024.

“Let us celebrate well and be responsible. Do not drink and drive. Life is for the living. Wishing everyone nothing but happiness and a happy 2025,” she said.

Veteran musician Billy Kaunda wrote on his Facebook page that this is another year and another chance.

“In this New Year, let us continue keeping it real and look ahead with hope and belief.

“I know it has been a minute since I released new songs but I will start this New Year with a bang, I promise,” the ‘Mwapindulanji’ star said.

He said end this month, he would drop a new song titled ‘ Ukhale Tcheru’ followed by another song in April.