CHE MATAKA ENTERTAINMENT CORNER

  File photo from Morgan Heritage website. Peter Anthony Morgan, the lead singer of the popular reggae band Morgan Heritage that he founded with four siblings, dies Sunday at age 46, his family announced. In a statement posted Sunday on social media, the family asked for privacy and thanked people in advance for their love and support. The announcement did not share a cause of death. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that his “heart is heavy” over the news. He called Morgan’s death a “colossal loss” for Jamaica and reggae music. Morgan, known as “Peetah,” was the son of renowned Jamaican reggae singer Denroy Morgan. He and his siblings formed Morgan Heritage in 1994, and the band won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2016 for “Strictly Roots.” One of his brothers, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, moved to Tennessee, where he aimed to introduce Nashville to reggae. The other siblings who helped found the band were Una Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morg...

  Traditional leaders at Nkhulubvi Shrine Paramount Chief Lundu and other esteemed traditional leaders beamed with joy on Monday as the Sungani Zakwathu Cultural Heritage Association unveiled plans for the rejuvenation of the Khulubvi shrine in Nsanje District. The restoration project encompasses the construction of six houses dedicated to Mbukwa, Kombe, Chilamwa, Salima, Nyamkwingwi, and one for the safekeeping of cultural artifacts like clay pots. Additionally, initiatives include the implementation of a drainage system, installation of visitor benches, and the placement of directional signposts leading to the shrine. The impetus for this endeavor arose from the devastation wrought by Cyclone Freddy upon the shrine's structures. Khulubvi holds profound cultural significance within Nsanje District, serving as a gathering place for the annual libation ceremony where supplications, including requests for favorable weather, are made to God through Mbona. The Sungani Zakwathu Cu...

monarch King Charles III. On February 10, just five days following the announcement of his diagnosis by Buckingham Palace, the 75-year-old monarch issued a heartfelt letter addressed to the public. "In light of recent events, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for the abundance of supportive messages and well wishes I have received," expressed the King, as conveyed in a post shared on the Royal family's Instagram page, accompanied by a 2023 photograph of the monarch engaging with well-wishers. "For anyone who has encountered the challenges of cancer, such gestures of kindness serve as the ultimate solace and motivation." The monarch proceeded, stating, "I find immense comfort in knowing that my openness about my own diagnosis has contributed to fostering public awareness and shedding light on the invaluable efforts of organizations dedicated to aiding cancer patients and their families throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. My admiration for their...

FOR THEATRE DEVELOPMENT-Matukuta (centre), Deschamps (right) and Lydia during the press conference Yesterday, the Solomonic Peacocks, organizers of the Easter Theatre Festival, announced that they are fully prepared for the festival's fifth edition, scheduled to take place at the Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) in Blantyre from March 22nd to 24th, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing held at JCC in Blantyre on February 13th, the theatre group's director, McArthur Matukuta, expressed their anticipation for the upcoming event. Matukuta highlighted that this year's festival promises an array of attractions, with participants from 12 countries, including Malawi, set to showcase various artistic disciplines such as theatre, poetry, stand-up comedy, storytelling, and dance. Emphasizing the festival's significance, Matukuta urged increased participation, underscoring its unique dedication to promoting theatre in the country. The festival will operate under the theme 'Your ...

  A remarkable crowd gathered for the Nde’feyo Entertainment Legacy celebration held at Club 24/7 in Blantyre, extending well into the early hours of Sunday. The event lived up to its reputation, evoking nostalgia among revelers, predominantly young, for the heyday of Nde’feyo Entertainment under the leadership of Khumbo Kabuzi Munthali and Ken Zizwa Limwame, now residing in the United States of America (USA). Though absent, the spirit of Khumbo Kabuzi Munthali and Ken Zizwa Limwame loomed large over the festivities, barely a week after a similar gathering at Illusionz in Lilongwe. Guided by the emcee, Blak Jak, the celebration spared no effort in presenting a diverse lineup of artists who once graced Nde’feyo Entertainment's roster, including Maskal, currently based in the USA, and solo acts Onesimus and Piksy, who have since carved their own paths. The event also welcomed the presence of other luminaries such as the 'Machenje' sensation Black Nina, producer Sispence, ...

 The forthcoming biography of the late Grace Chinga, one of the nation's esteemed gospel icons, is nearing completion and scheduled for release in June of this year, as announced by the author, Wonderful Mkhutche. In an interview with a journalist, Mkhutche revealed that the book will provide an insightful look into Chinga's life, from her birth on June 28, 1978, to her passing on March 16, 2016. "We are in the final stages of preparing the book. The Chinga family has graciously shared valuable insights into the singer's life," Mkhutche disclosed. "As we anticipate its release in June, we welcome collaboration from anyone who cherished Grace Chinga's music to contribute to the book's production." Mkhutche, known for his diverse writing talents, including co-authoring Billy Kaunda's autobiography "Hills and Valleys" and Lucius Banda's biography "Lucius Banda: The Man, The Music & The Politics," emphasized the import...

 Popular singer and guitarist, Faith Mussa, has embarked on a new journey by relocating to the United States of America (USA). According to reports, the versatile artist will now establish himself in the USA, where he plans to explore opportunities beyond music. While residing there, he intends to make occasional visits back home for performances. A reliable source recently disclosed that Faith made the move to the USA to expand his musical horizons, citing frustrations with the limited rewards of his craft in his home country. It's anticipated that Faith's wife will join him in the USA at a later date. Renowned for his chart-topping hits like ‘Desperate’ and ‘Mdidi’, Faith has represented Malawi on numerous international platforms with his solo performances. He shared a glimpse of his new journey by posting a picture from the USA on his Facebook page this past Tuesday. Despite mounting curiosity, Faith remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his relocation on Tuesday. How...

Killer Mike with his awards at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024. The Cinderella Man success story of Killer Mike and his years-in-the-making album Michael got a nice bow at the Grammys this past Sunday. The rapper swept all three rap categories he was in contention for, taking home two trophies for his Andre 3000 and Future-assisted cut “Scientists and Engineers” and beating out the likes of Drake & 21 Savage, Nas, and Travis Scott for Best Rap Album. It completes a decade-long arc of Mike betting on himself, pursuing reinvention, reclamation, and validation. But despite Michael being one of the more critically acclaimed rap releases of 2023, Mike’s victory over some of his more commercially successful peers has sparked debate, particularly among young rap listeners and their media proxies, like streaming personalities Kai Cenat and Adin Ross. Cenat and Ross then found themselves engaged in a war of words with Joe Budden, restarting the eternal youth-versus-age divide w...

File photo from Maskal's facebook page. Prepare for an exhilarating experience as Club 24/7 in Blantyre gears up to host the Nde’feyo Legacy Celebration show this Saturday night, promising a night filled with pure entertainment. This event is far from your typical show; it's a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of Nde’feyo Entertainment, reminiscent of its heyday when it dominated with electrifying live performances featuring its roster of talented artists, many of whom have since embarked on solo careers. The festivities kicked off last weekend at Illusionz in Lilongwe, drawing a sizable crowd eager to revel in the sounds of Maskal, among others, who now resides in the United States of America. Reflecting on his return to the stage in his homeland, Maskal, the creative force behind hits like 'Zili Ndi Iwe', expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. Armed with his albums such as Nthawi and Umunthu, he vows to deliver another memorable p...

Kamtukule was also recognized. Pic from Kamtukulesi FB page At the recent 15th edition of the National Schools Youth Arts Festival (Nasfest), the Light of Youth Creative Organisation (Lyco), under the leadership of Executive Director James Kitchen, conferred prestigious awards to several noteworthy individuals. Among the distinguished recipients were Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, and Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule. The event, hosted at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, showcased Lyco's commitment to acknowledging the outstanding contributions of various stakeholders across diverse sectors. Kitchen, whose organization has been orchestrating this international youth cultural celebration since 2017, emphasized that the awards have always been an integral aspect of their event, serving as a means to honor the noteworthy efforts of individuals within different spheres. Chimwendo Banda was lauded for his dedication to youth empowerment, whi...

                                     Julian Marley (Photo: Facebook via @JulianMarley) Securing victory in the category of Best Reggae Album at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Julian Marley and Antaeus triumphed with their collaborative effort, 'Colors of Royal'. Their win marks a notable achievement amidst a competitive field, which boasted three former recipients of the prestigious accolade. Competing against esteemed contenders including Beenie Man (with 'Simma'), Buju Banton ('Born For Greatness'), Burning Spear ('No Destroyer'), and Collie Buddz (with 'Cali Roots Riddim 2023'), Marley and Antaeus emerged victorious at the premiere ceremony of the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, United States. Notably, Julian Marley, a three-time nominee in the category, was unable to attend the ceremony due to his ongoing tour in Australia. Alexx Antaeus, the producer behind 'Colors of Roya...

S inger and maestro McLuther Mambala has just inked a sweet deal with Nox Entertainment, propelling him into a thrilling musical journey across the vibrant landscapes of Turkey in April 2024, accompanied by a powerhouse band. Mambala, whose musical brevity has left audiences awe-inspired and earned accolades from the likes of Erik Paliani, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming tour, eager to proudly wave the flag of Malawi. "We set sail in the first week of April, currently in the visa hustle for the entire band. This is monumental for me, and I'm optimistic that this tour will swing open more doors for Malawian artists," Mambala said Grateful for the opportunity, Mambala extended his appreciation to fellow Malawian artist Kitson Strings, now based in Turkey, for spearheading the groundbreaking deal. "On keys, we have Dan Khoviwa, laying down the bass is Judah Mkandawire, Titus Mizaya will be on the drums, and I'll be belting out vocals and rhythm g...

  Malawian music sensation DNA is gearing up to drop a new music video this Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. In an exclusive chat with Che Mataka Entertainment Corner on Monday afternoon, DNA spilled the beans on his upcoming release, the video for "Ndizitolere," a track from his 2023 album, "Chekaliwo." “I can confirm to you that the production of the new video is done, and everything is set for the big reveal this Wednesday. Fans can catch the premiere on Times Television and find it easily accessible on YouTube," DNA excitedly shared. The Mukandipepesere hitmaker also addressed fans' concerns about the lack of video releases from his previous albums. “Let me promise my fans that going forward, I will focus more on releasing new videos from my past albums as well as from the forthcoming albums. I understand there have been complaints, and I am taking a step to address it,” DNA assured. In "Ndizitolere," DNA passionately expresses his love fo...

    Aston Barrett pictured in 2015. His death comes less than two weeks before the release of Bob Marley: One Love, the biopic of Marley in which Barrett will be played by his son, Aston Barrett Jr. Photograph: Martin Argles/The Guardian Breaking the news on X (formerly Tweeter) , Jamaica's Minister for Culture, Olivia Grange, shared her profound sorrow:  "I share with you my deep regret at the passing of Aston Francis Barrett, affectionately known as 'Family Man' or 'Fams.' He departed this world at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida, USA, early this morning." Posted Grange. Born in 1946 and raised in the musical crucible of Kingston, Barrett's roots run deep, laying the groundwork for reggae and dub. A musical journey that began by crooning along to soul tunes on the radio evolved into crafting his first bass guitar from plywood, a curtain rod, and an old ashtray. In a 2007 interview with Bass Player magazine, he described playing th...