Through its Soul Art-Reach program, Malawi-based record label Soulamp Entertainment will host the second installment of Soul Sundays, a night of music and art for up-and-coming artists, on February 25 at The Shack in Lilongwe.
The final winning applications of Soulamp Entertainment’s call-out will be showcased at the event, according to Kananji Msaka, project manager for the Soul Art-Reach initiative.
“The energy of our first event was perfect; the artists were eager to present themselves, and the audience was enthralled with what they had to offer.
“We were thrilled to witness Malawians go to hear musicians that were unfamiliar to them and sincerely offering them an opportunity to dazzle them. We anticipate experiencing the same vigor at the second event,” Msaka said.
This time, Ill Nate, Mzembe the Poet, and 16 Bazz will light up the stage with a mix of poetry and hip-hop. The King’s Rifles, the main act, will perform to close the evening.
In addition to Ill Nate, Mzembe The Poet, 16 Bazz, Phrone99, Tiya Joan, and Mave Bakali, Soulamp Entertainment issued a call for emerging talent last year. These all secured slots to play at two Soul Art-Reach gatherings.
The inaugural event took place at Story Club on Sunday, October 1, 2023, and included Phrone99, Tiya Joan, and Mave Bakali. D.O. Dub was the main attraction.
“Soul Sundays was more than just an event, it was a platform where I got to express myself as a music artist/poet as well as forge new friendships and meaningful connections in the industry.”
Tiya Joan, who performed at the first event, said, “It essentially encapsulated a full package of empowerment and inspiration, affirming the validity of my artistic journey.”
Partners in the Soul Art-Reach program, Kweza Arts and Story Club FM, have also provided support in the form of top-notch sound equipment and media for the second event, which may feature new performers.
Soulamp Entertainment developed Soul Art-Reach with funding from the COSOMA Copyright Fund.
Through a number of events, the program hopes to give Malawi’s young and aspiring creatives a platform for expression and talent.
With Soulamp Entertainment, local artists will get the chance to show off their skills, get paid for them, and connect with influential people in the business. The goal is to provide up-and-coming local talent with the resources, visibility, and content they need to realize their full potential.
This group of gifted young Malawians was founded in 2013 and produces, writes, and records online and graphic design in addition to Conscious Hip-Hop, Afro-Pop, R&B/Soul, and other music.
The performers of the ensemble have appeared at a number of esteemed occasions, including Tumaini Festival (2022), Zomba City Festival (2021), and Lake of Stars (2019).