There was excitement and singing at the Library Auditorium in Thyolo Tuesday when Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must), Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, and Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) put pen to paper to a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The MoU marks a milestone for the two parties constituting a framework for cooperation and further acknowledging their shared interest in promoting and preserving the country’s culture through music.
Songs which included ‘Zikamatere’ were sang in full swing by renowned artists such as Favoured Martha and Martha Mituka as Mum President Vita Chirwa and Must Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Wilson Mandala signed the documents followed by witnesses from the two parties.
Some of the obligations for the music body, that are enshrined in the MoU, include practical lessons and motivational talks which Mum will provide to the university to assist in teaching practical music lessons whereas Must conduct boot camps and lectures on marketing as well as facilitate other projects.
The two parties will also work jointly and collaborate in identifying and sourcing local music instruments to support the development of local music talent.
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Mandala underscored the importance of music to every sphere of people’s lives.
“This MoU we have signed today is the beginning of greater things to come and it also marks the beginning of Must being recognised not only by its band but also the programmes we offer. Must has a programme in African Musicology and we also have our own band, we have our own orchestra and, so, we thought it wise that we should normalise our relationship with Mum,” the Deputy Vice Chancellor said.
He said Mum, as a union that oversees the affairs of musicians in the country, will help them in guiding their students, who are pursuing the music programme.
“We want to do more as a university in terms of uplifting the creative sector in the country and so, we are looking at extending the African Musicology programme to Masters Degree programme because we have realised that there is a gap in that area,” Mandala said.
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He also hinted at plans by the university to establish radio and television stations to be used as access points for connecting Must with the public.
Chirwa, who leads Kalimba Band, said at first they used to think that Must was a university that only focuses on science and technology until later when they realised that there are programmes for the creative sector including African Musicology.
“We saw the benefits, hence engaging them because we share a common goal,” he said.
The event was spiced up by performances from Must Band which served two songs including Makasu’s ‘Sikunala’ which rekindled memories of the past years before paving the way for Mum.
Mum, with its solidarity forever slogan, shared its music led by Ndirande Anglican Voices’ lead vocalist Dennis Kalimbe.
The development also came barely a day after the university hosted poet Q Malewezi in its seminar series.
Over the weekend, Must also showcased a fusion of art including poetry, music and ceramics plus science at the just-ended Zomba City Festival.
