Screen & Streaming: MultiChoice Malawi’s new DStv packages take effect November 5, with the Starter bundle at K25,000, Sports at K60,000 and Ultimate at K106,000. Literature: Malawi mourns poet and academic Jack Mapanje, who has died aged 82 in Britain. His influential work explored power, freedom and belonging; he was detained for more than three years under Kamuzu Banda. Film: FAMA plans to premiere Nigerian film Ikenga in Lilongwe on November 26, with Nollywood stars expected. The event promises exposure, but questions remain about investment in a sustainable local film industry. Arts Education: Madonna’s Raising Malawi says its programmes have reached more than 500,000 children in 20 years, supporting healthcare, schooling and arts education.
AGP Executive Report
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Literary Loss: Poet, linguist and academic Jack Mapanje has died aged 82 in the UK. Imprisoned for more than three years under Hastings Kamuzu Banda, he left a powerful body of work, including Of Chameleons and Gods and The Chattering Wagtails of Mikuyu Prison. Arts for Children: Madonna’s Raising Malawi says it has reached more than 500,000 children in 20 years, supporting healthcare, free education and arts programmes. Film: Malawi’s film industry is building momentum: Sona: State of the Nation Address, a K250 million production, is nearing completion ahead of its November 27 premiere in Lilongwe, with screenings planned for Mzuzu and Blantyre. Music: The death of Twin M’s Arron Masauli has renewed questions about the support artists receive during difficult times, after past pleas for help drew online ridicule. Emerging Talent: In Dzaleka refugee camp, Congolese-born DJ La Pearl is pursuing her music passion despite criticism of women performing in clubs.
Malawi Film: Production is nearly complete on Sona: State of the Nation Address, a K250 million film featuring Che Mandota and Anne Matumbi. It premieres in Lilongwe on November 27, followed by a Mzuzu screening the next day. Music: Tributes to Twin M’s Arron Masauli have revived questions about how struggling musicians are treated while alive, after the singer faced public ridicule while seeking help. Dzaleka Talent: DJ La Pearl, a Congolese refugee who performs in Dzaleka camp, is building a career despite criticism for being a woman in the club scene. She says music helps her connect with people and put hardship aside. African Creators: The NAACP Image Awards has introduced 10 new categories for African film, television, streaming and music, opening a fresh platform for Malawi’s creative talent.
Music: Twin M singer Arron Masauli has died, prompting tributes to the hit-making duo—and renewed questions about the insults and lack of support he faced during difficult times. African Creators: Malawi’s filmmakers, musicians and other creatives can submit work for 10 new African categories in the NAACP Image Awards, open to talent across the continent. Dzaleka Talent: Female DJ La Pearl is among five young refugees building creative careers in Dzaleka camp, where music has become her way to connect with audiences and push past stigma. Fashion and Culture: Chimwemwe Kankhande has won the Face of Malawi Sun contest and will serve as the hotel’s ambassador for a year, with the programme focused on mentorship and women’s leadership. Theatre: Actors in Blantyre staged a humorous, educational play as part of a kidney-awareness event, showing how performance can carry a public message.
Dzaleka’s Rising Artists: Young refugees are building creative careers in Dzaleka camp, including DJ La Pearl, a Congolese-born performer who has persisted despite criticism of women DJs. African Creators: The NAACP Image Awards has opened 10 new categories for African film, television and music, welcoming submissions from across the continent. Malawian Stars: Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are among the nominees for the 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, with winners to be announced in December. Stage and Style: Ntam actors used a short play to raise kidney-health awareness in Blantyre, while model Chimwemwe Kankhande was crowned Face of Malawi Sun and will serve as the hotel’s ambassador.
Live Music: Theresa Phondo’s Lilongwe concert drew a strong crowd despite Nigerian singer Ada Ehi missing the show over travel and visa problems. Zambian singer Pompi and local performers joined Phondo, who performed songs from her catalogue and latest release. Books and Creativity: Jacaranda Foundation opened its 38th Malawi library in Blantyre, giving learners access to 1,250 books and space for activities including drawing and chess. Malawian Arts: Creatives gathered for the School of Arts’ third cohort, while a 12-year-old artist teamed up with a former Mum performer. Culture and Heritage: A feature on Nkhata Bay looks beyond the lakeshore, exploring Tonga history and community life that shape the district’s identity.
Live Music: Theresa Phondo’s Lilongwe concert kept its energy despite Nigerian gospel star Ada Ehi missing the show over visa and travel problems. Pompi and a line-up of Malawian performers stepped in, while Phondo delivered songs from her back catalogue and latest release. Rising Talent: Fifteen-year-old footballer Mtameni Mkaka has begun a two-year football and education programme at Marcet University academy in Barcelona, a move his father calls a dream come true. Reading Culture: Jacaranda Foundation has opened its 38th Malawi library, giving learners in Blantyre access to 1,250 books, with more than 50 schools still waiting for libraries. Malawi on the World Stage: Temwa Chawinga became the first Malawian to reach the Ballon d’Or top 10, earning recognition for her standout season. Domestic Football: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers remain separated by just three points in the FDH Premiership title race.
Football: The 2026/27 FDH Premiership title race is tight, with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers separated by three points after Week 19. Chess: Mpilo Mizere has won another four years as Chess Association of Malawi president, pledging to unite the chess community. Books & Creativity: Jacaranda Foundation opened its 38th library in Blantyre, giving local learners access to 1,250 books and space to explore music, art and chess. Music: Lilongwe had a busy live-music weekend, while Massavega returned with a new single, “Jah Man.” Bien also brought Pan-African star power to Kumbali, with the crowd singing along; a former Mum leader has teamed up with a 12-year-old artist. Arts & Sport: Creatives gathered for the School of Arts’ third cohort, and Zimba will represent Malawi at Miss Tourism International. Temwa Chawinga made history as the first African in the Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10.
Music: Lilongwe had a busy music weekend, Massavega returned with new single “Jah Man,” and Bien’s Kumbali performance gave fans a night to remember. Emerging Creatives: Artists gathered for the School of Arts’ third cohort, while a former Mum leader teamed up with a 12-year-old artist. Pageant Spotlight: Zimba is set to represent Malawi at Miss Tourism International. Malawi on the Global Stage: Temwa Chawinga became the first Malawian to reach the Ballon d’Or top 10, a landmark for the football star.
Women in Sport: Deputy Sports Director Mary Waya urged women to volunteer with sports associations as 51 graduates completed a leadership programme in Lilongwe. Boxing: Mayamiko Mozland extended his winning streak to six with a fourth-round TKO of Angola’s Antonio Malaya. Football: Malawi’s women’s regional leagues have kicked off, with 24 teams chasing promotion to the NBM Women’s Premiership. The Under-15 team also finished its international festival campaign with a 2-0 win over Rwanda. Malawian Music: Lilongwe is gearing up for a busy music weekend, while Massavega has returned with a new single, “Jah Man.” Global Recognition: Temwa Chawinga’s historic place among the top 10 in the Women’s Ballon d’Or has strengthened calls for her to win CAF’s Women’s Player of the Year award.
Women’s Football: Malawi’s regional women’s leagues have kicked off, with 24 teams chasing promotion to the NBM Women’s Premiership next April. Rising Stars: Boxer Mayamiko Mozland scored a fourth-round TKO over Angola’s Antonio Malaya for his sixth straight win. Malawi’s Under-15s finished 79th overall at the FIFA World Cup & Festival in Baku, ending with a 2-0 win over Rwanda after five victories in 10 matches. Temwa Chawinga: Her sister Tabitha says the forward deserves CAF’s top women’s award after becoming the first African in the Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10 and shining at the WAFCON and in the US league. New Music: Dancehall veteran Massavega has returned with “Jah Man,” released on the Hi Ho Ha riddim, and says more projects are on the way.
Football Spotlight: Tabitha Chawinga says her sister Temwa deserves the 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, citing her WAFCON Golden Boot, strong NWSL season and historic top-10 finish in the Women’s Ballon d’Or. Live Music: Lilongwe has a packed weekend, with Skeffa Chimoto, gospel singer Adah Ehi, Pompi, and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela among the acts scheduled to perform. New Release: Dancehall veteran Massavega is back with “Jah Man,” a new single on the Hi Ho Ha riddim. He says more projects are in the works.
Live Music: Lilongwe has a packed weekend ahead, with Skeffa Chimoto, gospel singer Adah Ehi, Pompi, and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela set to perform. New Release: Dancehall veteran Massavega is back with “Jah Man,” a new single on the Hi Ho Ha riddim. Young Talent: Twelve-year-old Beyani Mhango has teamed up with gospel musician Chimwemwe Mhango on “Ndananga,” a song about repentance and salvation. Arts Development: Creatives have gathered for the School of Arts’ third cohort. Malawi on the World Stage: Temwa Chawinga became the first Malawian to reach the top 10 of the women’s Ballon d’Or rankings, while Maureen Keira Zimba is set to represent Malawi at Miss Tourism International in December.
Music: Dancehall pioneer Massavega is back with “Jah Man,” a new single on the Hi Ho Ha riddim, and says more projects are in the works. Young Talent: Twelve-year-old Beyani Mhango has teamed up with gospel musician and former Musicians Union of Malawi leader Chimwemwe Mhango on “Ndananga,” a song about repentance and salvation. Pageantry: Miss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is preparing to represent the country at the Miss Tourism International pageant in the Philippines this December. Fashion: A profile of House of Xandria highlights designer Xandria Kawanga’s blend of couture, sustainability and inclusive fashion. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien brought a memorable night of music to Kumbali in Lilongwe. Football: Temwa Chawinga made history as the first Malawian—and first African—in the women’s Ballon d’Or top 10.
Pageant Spotlight: Miss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is preparing to represent the country at Miss Tourism International in the Philippines this December, with organisers working on her training, wardrobe and travel. Creative Industry: Fifty artists have joined the School of Arts’ third cohort, backed by K150 million from Nico Group to help creatives build businesses and protect their work. Malawi on the World Stage: Football star Temwa Chawinga became the first Malawian to reach the Ballon d’Or women’s top 10. Football: Young forward Mwisho Mhango made his Hannover 96 debut in Germany, a milestone for the Ascent Soccer graduate. Fashion: House of Xandria’s Xandria Kawanga continues to put Malawian design on the international map, blending couture with sustainable and inclusive fashion. Music Heritage: The death of musician Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s musical legacy. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien brought Pan-African energy to a packed Kumbali concert in Lilongwe.
Creative Business: NICO has committed K150 million to the School of Arts’ third cohort, where 50 creatives are learning about finance, branding, intellectual property and turning their work into businesses. Fashion: House of Xandria has grown from a handmade dress shared on Facebook into a celebrated Malawian label, known for sustainable designs and inclusive fashion. Football: Temwa Chawinga’s Ballon d’Or top-10 finish made her the first African woman to reach that mark, while Malawi’s U-15 boys beat Hungary 2-0 to advance at the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien brought a pan-African sound to Kumbali as Lilongwe fans sang along.
Creative Economy: Fifty Malawian creatives have begun NICO’s third Investment School of Creative Arts in Mangochi, with K150 million in support and training in finance, branding, intellectual property and business development. Football: Malawi’s U-15 boys beat Hungary 2-0 to reach the Tier C Round of 16, where they face Luxembourg. Global Recognition: Temwa Chawinga made history as the first African woman to finish in the Ballon d’Or top 10, placing tenth. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien brought a packed Kumbali crowd in Lilongwe to its feet, calling Malawi a pleasure to visit and perform in. Arts and Heritage: A planned K250 million silver-screen gala signals fresh investment in film, while the death of musician Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music heritage.
Music Events: Questions are being raised about children aged 14 to 16 drinking and smoking at music shows in Blantyre, with content creator Ken Alufisha urging adults to take responsibility. Malawian Excellence: Temwa Chawinga made history as the first African woman in the Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10, finishing 10th and earning praise at home. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien drew a crowd to Kumbali in Lilongwe for a night that left fans singing along. Arts and Heritage: The death of musician Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music legacy, while a K250 million budget has been set for a silver-screen gala.
Global Recognition: Temwa Chawinga made history by placing 10th in the Women’s Ballon d’Or, the first African woman to reach the award’s top 10. The Kansas City Current forward’s achievement is being celebrated as a milestone for Malawi and a boost for aspiring players. Live Music: Kenyan artist Bien brought a lively crowd to Kumbali in Lilongwe, giving fans a memorable night of music. Culture: A three-day memorial celebration in Karonga brought sport and the arts together, with live performances by Black Missionaries, Skeffa Chimoto, Goma Nyondo and Lusubilo Band, alongside poetry, children’s presentations and Gule wa makolo. Music Heritage: The death of Chris Mbendera has renewed attention on Malawi’s unfinished work to preserve its musical history.
Youth Football: Rumphi District Council praised the National Bank of Malawi Under-23 Championship for giving young players a chance to showcase their talent and develop. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien drew an enthusiastic crowd to Kumbali in Lilongwe, where Malawi performers, circus acts and traditional dance built a lively night around his set. Culture in Karonga: Chakwera FC won the MJ Mwaihomba Memorial League, part of a weekend that also featured live music from Black Missionaries, Skeffa Chimoto and others, alongside poetry and traditional performances. Music Heritage: Chris Mbendera’s death has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music history. Netball: Prison Queens won the Eastern Region NICO Cup, earning a place in the national finals. Global Recognition: Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga featured among the women’s Ballon d’Or top 10 contenders.
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