By Jonas Nyasulu & Sam Banda Jnr:
Music Crossroads Malawi Director Mathews Mfune said Wednesday that music and culture need to be given all the devotion.
They have said this as Zimbabwe is hosting the annual Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI) general assembly.
The assembly, which started Wednesday and ends today, has attracted over 40 countries including Malawi through Music Crossroads Malawi, which is a member of JMI.
“This is the second time this annual general assembly is taking place in Africa. The first time was in Tanzania but, now, it is in Harare, Zimbabwe. It is actually historical because Music Crossroads started in Zimbabwe in 1996,” Mfune said.
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He said the general assembly was preceded by a conference called JMI global, where topics discussed have related to the music industry, with some panel discussions on role of festivals, funding, technology, music education and youth empowerment.
“This is all about discussing ways on how we can contribute and improve the music and cultural sector and, as Music Crossroads Malawi, we are also making a presentation as we have been very much involved in exchanges of young musicians but also cooperation and partnerships with different international organisations,” he said.
Mfune said that through their presentation, they were looking at sharing their experiences, challenges and opportunities that are there with the rest of the world.
“In addition to that, Music Crossroads network of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe received funding for Music In Africa from Sound Connect Fund for which we implemented the Music Business School and one of the components was Sounds of Africa.
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“Sounds of Africa is a music production made by musicians from Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Almost 20 musicians that are part of this project are here and made their official presentation today (Wednesday) which is also a milestone bringing musicians from Southern Africa together,” Mfune said.
He said apart from the two events, Malawi has had the priviledge of participating in the first ever Ethno Zimbabwe.
“We have sent representatives to other Ethnos but this is the first time to participate in Ethno Zimbabwe through Holyce Banda, who is a bassist,” Mfune said.
Some of the countries participating in Ethno Zimbabwe include Chile, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa.
