What do you know about Malawi?
If Madonna's recent adoption of a Malawian baby first comes to mind then you should read the facts about Malawi's culture from Unieros friend Mwai. Unieros interviewed Mwai, an aspiring Malawian filmmaker who shares some eye-opening facts of Malawian culture including the emerging musicians, filmmakers, and Malawian traditions. Plus, you'll learn that Malawi's magnificent mountain ranges have been the subject of films and an attraction for visitors worldwide.
Read the entire interview with Mwai here on Unieros.com
Also watch on Unieros a video "The Mystery Mountains" documentary film featuring Mwai's work as Effects Supervisor and Online Editor.
WHAT IS MALAWIAN MUSIC LIKE?
There is a big shift towards urban music, house and gospel. The names that showcase the best of Malawian music are Luscious Banda, George Mkandawire on the gospel scene, particularly famous and popular right now is Marko Sidik with a unique voice and sound that will take him further than most current musicians.
On the Hip hop urban music scene, the internationally known Tay Grin and the unstoppable rise of Desert Eagle and Young Kay are really making a scene. This would not be complete if I did not mention some DJ's. There is DJ Drew and Zimbabwean born DJ One beat that are making a name for themselves and piling on fans as they do what they do best. With gospel music as an exception these musical art forms are in their infancy and continue to try to forge a balance between being distinctly Malawian while borrowing the accoutrement of their American originators.
MALAWIAN FILMS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Malawi is yet to develop an industry, however there are a few note-worthy efforts being made from filmmakers like Shemu Joyah and Villant Ndasowa that have attracted international acclaim and recognition. The film Seasons of a Life and has won awards at the Zanzibar Film Festival with special mention at FESPACO, Africa’s largest film festival event. Being an aspiring filmmaker myself I hope to add to this small but growing list of Malawian films.
WHAT IS MALAWIAN FOOD LIKE? GOT A FAVORITE?
Malawian food is based largely on the staple meals which small holder farmers produce for themselves and for sale at markets. Many Malawians grow what is locally considered exotic fruits and vegetables that they do not eat themselves. Cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus are among these, however the traditional African meal is made of what is called Nsima- a maize based cereal stirred to a dough like consistency that is used as a filler to various vegetable dishes made from egg plant, spinach, cabbage and orca.
Hands down my favorite is fish and of the one glorious fish that we have in Malawi, the most famous and tasty is called Chambo from the tilapia species. Over fishing has made this fish rarer so when I get a chance to enjoy a Chambo meal, I ALWAYS take it.
WHAT DO MALAWIANS LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
People tend to enjoy a lot of sports, social occasions and nights out on weekends mostly, because we don't have cafe culture in Malawi, frequenting a bistro or eatery for the pleasure has yet to set in. This is largely because of economics; however recent gains in economic growth in the country have begun to have effects on people with disposable income. Socially, Malawian's love their sports, drink and brie's. Any occasion to assemble a group of people together for social events spares no expense in order to have a good time and argue endlessly about soccer, cricket or hockey. Theatre has always been popular in Malawi as there has been political significance to this form of entertainment which commands a loyalty that, to this day attracts a very eager audience every time.
These are by far the most loved and enjoyed of activities however given the new direction the country is going, new and interesting activities are spawned every day.
WHAT ARE SOME OF FAVORITE TRADITIONS FROM MALAWI?
Perekani Perekani, tends to be a delight or an offense depending on your tastes. Perekani Perekani is a process initiated during a wedding reception that calls on friends and family to dance around the bride and groom. With basket in hand, we contribute gifts, mostly money, by throwing these gifts into the basket or onto the floor around their feet. While this act would appear a little off-putting to some, the act itself is one of endearment which always leaves one smiling every time. It is also an excuse to dance!!
WHAT MALAWI'S BEST KNOWN LANDMARKS?
Must see locations in Malawi are simply amazing. We are a lucky little country in that nearly 50% of what constitutes Malawi is made of the 3rd largest fresh water lake in Africa with the single largest variety of fish in any inland body of water anywhere in the world.
Our other marvel is the 3000 meter high Mount Mulanje. Mount Mulanje is remarkable when considering how it was formed. Most mountainous formations are forged over centuries by the earth’s movement and colliding geological plates, whereas Mount Mulanje was formed from a massive eruption of magma millions of years ago, as if pushed out from the ground. To see it in person forces your imagination to attempt to comprehend the scale of such an event. Mulanje is also a globally important Biodiversity landmass as the concentration of species of various plants, animals and bacteria is among the highest in the world. The mountains west face earns itself the title of longest rock climb in Africa. Watch on of the films that have been made about it Mystery of the Mountains below.
One of my personal favorites; while not popularly known even in Malawi, is Neno District. Neno is a small recently inaugurated district whose town sits atop the William James T. Kirk mountain range...that's right named after the original James T. Kirk popularized by a fictional star ship captain in the TV series Star Trek. The mountain's horizon marks the border between Malawi and Mozambique. The mountain itself is remarkable in that from its peaks one can truly comprehend the geological scale of the Rift Valley which extends from as far north as Kenya right through Malawi. From this perch, on a clear day, one can see the breathtaking scale of it and its beautiful after effects.
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