Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed home-grown leading banking institution, NBS Bank Plc, popularly known as the ‘Red Brigade’ has given K5 Million to Carmen’s stage production ‘Listen’ which is expected to be staged in the country’s capital city, Lilongwe in July this year.
Malawi-based Zimbabwean contemporary traditional music artist Carmen Hwarari is set to launch her second album in December titled Listen, which celebrates African heritage while addressing pertinent societal issues.
Hwarari, who is also a topnotch music teacher, released her debut project I Call To You back in 2017 just before she left her home country, Zimbabwe formerly Southern Rhodesia for Malawi.
The sensational Bulawayo-born and bred music prodigy believes the 10-track new offing celebrates the African heritage and addresses pertinent societal issues.
Hwarari said: “The project is a multi-faceted musical journey that explores the rich tapestry of African culture and human experiences. It delves into themes of identity, societal norms, women and children’s rights and the transformative power of love.”
Carmen, a passionate musician and artist from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe who shares her expertise as a vocal, traditional dance, and mbira coach said:
“It is inspired by my own personal life journey, my pride and love for Africa as whole as well as general wellness and mental health issues that we kind of tip toe around and these manifest in what we see as a bitter society through suicides and so on, hence Listen becomes a therapeutic tool.”
Some of the songs on the album includes; Arisei Africa, collaboration with Dereck Mpofu, MaAfrica, which feature veteran poet Alber Nyati, Sondela, Broken Glass, Ng’zwile and Weakness, among others.
The Bank is committed to sponsor the event following a plea by Kweza Events on behalf of the collaborative artistic stage production poised to captivate audiences in Malawi.
The production was successfully staged in Zimbabwe on December 16, last year.
NBS Bank Plc’s Acting Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, James Chikaonda said the sponsorship displays support for the art’s mental health advocacy.
“NBS Bank Plc’s sponsorship signifies a commitment to supporting initiatives around mental health and cultural diversity. By aligning with Carmen’s vision, NBS Bank Plc is endorsing artistic expression and advocating for important social issues,” said Chikaonda.
Carmen thanked NBS Bank for the support saying it will provide invaluable support to the arts industry in the country.
“Together with NBS Bank, we can create memorable experiences that enrich lives, celebrate cultural heritage and contribute to the cultural landscape of Malawi,” she said.
Besides her music career, Carmen has taught music at various international schools in Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Malawi where she has performed extensively collaborating with many Malawian artists.
The event will also see local performances by renowned poet and musician, Qabaniso Malewezi and Sansi player, Patrick Chimbewa.
In addition to the main production of ‘Listen’, the cast members will conduct a series of masterclasses, workshops, and speaking events in Malawi providing unique opportunities for local artists and community members to engage with and learn from the cast, fostering artistic growth and cultural exchange.
“By aligning with Carmen’s vision, NBS Bank Plc is endorsing artistic expression and advocating for important social issues.”
James Chikaonda
NBS Bank Acting Head of Marketing and Customer Experience.
