AGP Executive Report

Cultural Festivals: Chibuku has donated K3 million to Mulhako wa Alhomwe, backing the celebration of Malawi’s heritage as the festival approaches. Gospel Music: Gloria Kampingu will headline the Anakubala Gospel Celebration in Mitundu on October 17, with local artists and church choirs also on the bill. Scorchers: Malawi’s women thrashed Zimbabwe 9-0 on aggregate to advance in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, setting up a clash with Kenya. Live Music: Fuel shortages kept audiences away from an Alliance Française acoustic show in Blantyre, highlighting the strain on artists and event organisers.**

Gospel Music: Gloria Kampingu Manong’a will headline the Anakubala Gospel Celebration at Mitundu Primary School Ground on October 17, alongside Dr Favoured Martha and other artists. Live Music: Fuel shortages kept numbers down at Alliance Française de Blantyre’s acoustic night, but Papa Mtume and African Mingoli still took the stage. Lilongwe’s Afro Fest brought Malawian and Nigerian acts together, though fans waited until about 10pm for performances to begin. Film: Malawian movie Sona is set for premieres in Lilongwe on November 27 and Mzuzu on November 28; the Blantyre date and venue are still to come. Creative Enterprise: Akhada Baskets is helping Malawian weavers find wider markets for handmade goods while supporting traditional skills. Football: The Scorchers thrashed Zimbabwe 7-0 to advance in the LA 2028 Olympic qualifiers, winning 9-0 on aggregate.

Craft & Culture: Akhada Baskets has grown from one Salima weaver’s sample into a business connecting Malawian artisans with steady markets and helping preserve traditional skills. Live Music: Fuel shortages kept numbers down at Alliance Française’s acoustic night in Blantyre, but Papa Mtume and African Mingoli still took the stage; organisers say fuel constraints are hurting the creative sector. Malawian Film: Sona is set for premieres in Lilongwe and Mzuzu in November, with the production about 90% complete. Festival Buzz: Lilongwe’s Afro Fest brought Nigerian acts Bayanni, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille and Teni together with Malawian performers, though the show started hours late. Creative Industry: A Lilongwe forum planned for November will bring artists, investors and policymakers together to discuss jobs and investment in Malawi’s creative economy. Football: Temwa Chawinga scored a hat-trick as the Scorchers beat Zimbabwe 7-0 in Harare, advancing 9-0 on aggregate to face Kenya.

Music: Lilongwe’s Afro Fest united Nigerian stars Bayanni, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille and Teni with Malawian performers. A packed crowd kept its energy despite a six-hour delay. Film: Malawian movie Sona is set for a November 27 premiere in Lilongwe, followed by Mzuzu on November 28; Blantyre details are pending. Sports: The Scorchers carry a 2–0 lead into Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier return against Zimbabwe in Harare, with NBM urging fans to keep backing the team. NICO says its K75 million netball cup is helping develop future stars. Creative Industry: Lilongwe will host the Creative Economy and Investment Forum from November 25–27, bringing artists, investors and policymakers together to address barriers facing creatives. Live Events: Mandevu Farm’s October 15 Mother’s Day fête promises local food, gule wamkulu, dance contests and family activities. On Stage: Singer Zeze Kingstone faces backlash after video showed him throwing banknotes into a crowd at a BICC performance.

Creative Economy: Malawi will host a national creative investment forum in Lilongwe from November 25–27, with Standard Bank pledging K300 million to help artists tackle barriers to funding, skills and intellectual-property protection. Music: Zeze Kingstone is facing public backlash after video showed him throwing kwacha notes into a crowd at a BICC performance; reports say misuse of currency may prompt scrutiny, but no police complaint has been confirmed. Netball: Nico Group has raised its One NICO Top 12 Cup sponsorship to K75 million, backing player development and umpire training. Culture: NBS Bank has committed K200 million to the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18. Football: The Scorchers beat Zimbabwe 2–0 in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, giving Malawi a strong start to the tie.

Creative Economy: Malawi has unveiled a new artists’ forum with the Ministry of Sports, UNDP and Standard Bank, which contributed K300 million. It aims to tackle barriers including finance, business skills and intellectual-property protection. Artist Spotlight: Zeze Kingstone is facing online backlash after video showed him throwing banknotes into a crowd at a BICC performance. Reports say no formal complaint or police statement has been reported. Netball: Nico Group has raised its One NICO Top 12 Cup sponsorship to K75 million, backing competition and wider efforts to rebuild the sport. Kukoma Diamonds retained the Southern regional title and will advance to the national finals. Beach Soccer: Malawi beat Seychelles 6-2 away, taking a four-goal lead into Saturday’s return leg in Salima as they chase a third straight Afcon appearance. On the Arts Calendar: Malawi’s film ANEMWE is set to reach screens in December, while a Mubas Choir concert will raise money for instruments and Reggae comes home to Matchansi.

Creative Platform: Johannesburg-based iQHAWE magazine is preparing its next issue with backing from Création Africa, a programme supporting creative entrepreneurs in Malawi, South Africa and Lesotho. The platform spotlights the people working behind the scenes in the arts. Cultural Festival: NBS Bank has committed K200 million to this year’s Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18 at Chonde Heritage Centre in Mulanje, under the theme “Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development.” Music With a Message: Amapiano artist Zeze Kingston is teaming up with Banja La Mtsogolo for a six-month campaign using a new song, video and university visits to promote safer sex among young people. On Screen: Malawian film ANEMWE is set to reach screens in December. Creative Economy: A new study puts the arts and cultural sectors’ contribution to Malawi’s economy at K28 billion.

Women’s Football: Minister Ben Phiri wants every school to have a girls’ team, while the Scorchers carry a 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe into the Olympic qualifier’s return leg, thanks to goals from Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Culture & Heritage: NBS Bank has pledged K200 million to the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18 in Mulanje under the theme “Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development.” Music: Amapiano star Zeze Kingston is teaming up with Banja La Mtsogolo on a campaign using a new song and university visits to promote sexual health. Babatoni player Gasper Nali is also taking Malawian music to the UK, with 11 gigs planned. Creative Economy: A new study puts the arts and cultural sectors’ contribution to Malawi’s economy at K28 billion, underlining their growing importance.

Music & Outreach: Amapiano star Zeze Kingston has teamed up with Banja La Mtsogolo for a six-month campaign using a new song, video and university visits to promote safer sex. Global Gigs: Mzuzu’s Gasper Nali is taking Malawi music to 11 UK shows, building on recent performances in Europe. Creative Economy: A new study values arts and cultural sectors’ contribution to Malawi’s economy at K28 billion, as event organisers warn fuel shortages and higher travel costs are hurting attendance. Heritage: NBS Bank has pledged K200 million to the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18 in Mulanje. Live Events: Standard Bank Live at Kumbali is gearing up for an October show, while Mubas Choir plans a concert to raise money for instruments. On Screen: Malawian film ANEMWE is scheduled to hit screens in December.

Music & Youth: Amapiano star Zeze Kingston has joined Banja La Mtsogolo’s six-month safe-sex campaign, with a new song, video and university visits planned to promote protection against HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Cultural Heritage: NBS Bank has pledged K200 million for the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18 at Chonde Heritage Centre under the theme “Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development.” Live Events: Fuel shortages and rising transport costs are disrupting event plans, with promoters expecting lower attendance at Sand Music Festival. Screen & Stage: Malawian film ANEMWE is set to reach screens in December, while Mubas Choir will hold a fundraising concert for instruments. Arts Economy: A study puts the contribution of Malawi’s arts and cultural sectors at K28 billion. Reggae is also coming home to Matchansi, and Standard Bank Live at Kumbali is gearing up for October.

Scorchers’ Surge: Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scoring. The team takes a two-goal cushion to next week’s return leg in Harare. Cultural Heritage: NBS Bank has pledged K200 million to the Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival, set for October 16–18 at Chonde Heritage Centre in Mulanje. This year’s theme is “Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development.” Creative Sector: Fuel shortages and rising transport costs are threatening event attendance and raising operating risks for promoters, including those organising the Sand Music Festival. Live Music: Standard Bank Live at Kumbali returns to Lilongwe on October 24, with Kenyan singer Bien joining local acts Driemo, Praise Umali and Maggie Kadrum.

Events Under Pressure: Fuel shortages and rising taxi and motorcycle fares are putting Malawi’s entertainment plans at risk. Promoters say higher travel costs could cut attendance and ticket sales, including at the Sand Music Festival, though organisers are making transport plans. Upcoming Gig: Standard Bank Live at Kumbali is set for October 24 in Lilongwe, with Kenyan singer Bien joined by Driemo, Praise Umali and Maggie Kadrum. Organisers say the concert will pair international talent with local acts. Scorchers Fever: Corporate Box and VIP tickets have sold out for Friday’s Olympic qualifier against Zimbabwe at Bingu National Stadium, as interest grows after Malawi’s historic WAFCON run. Creative Economy: A study says Malawi’s arts and cultural sectors contribute K28 billion to the economy, highlighting their growing importance.

Live Music: The Mubas Choir will perform at Odel Auditorium on Saturday, raising funds for instruments and showcasing the group’s availability for public and private bookings. Festival Pressure: Fuel shortages are threatening Malawi’s creative sector, with Sand Music Festival organisers warning that higher transport and equipment costs could cut attendance and revenue at the October 23–25 event. Creative Economy: A university study puts the annual contribution of Malawi’s arts and cultural sectors at K28 billion. On Screen: Malawian film ANEMWE is scheduled to arrive in December.

Choral Music: MUBAS Choir will stage a concert at Odel Auditorium on Saturday, raising funds for instruments and promoting the group for public and private bookings. Creative Industries: Fuel shortages are threatening festival logistics and attendance, with Sand Music Festival organisers warning of higher costs and possible losses ahead of the October 23–25 event. Marketing and Media: Malawi agency Blitz Interactive has formalised an affiliate partnership with dentsu Africa, expanding the network’s local reach in media, creative and marketing services. Women’s Football: The Scorchers host Zimbabwe on Friday in an Olympic qualifier, with National Bank backing the team after raising its sponsorship to K1.3 billion.

Festival Pressure: Fuel shortages threaten Malawi’s creative sector, with Sand Music Festival organisers warning that costly transport and equipment logistics could hurt turnout and push the October 23–25 event into losses. Live Music: Black Missionaries and Anthony Makondetsa are set to bring reggae to Matchansi’s 6th Lounge on October 9, as the venue takes live entertainment closer to local audiences. Creative Economy: A new study estimates that Malawi’s arts and cultural sectors contribute K28 billion to the economy, highlighting their value beyond entertainment. Screen Debut: ANEMWE is scheduled to hit screens in December. Pageant Preparations: Miss Teen Malawi representative Leonorah Cooke is preparing for the Cambodia competition, with local designers helping create her wardrobe after a public fundraising campaign fell short.

AFCON Football: Malawi’s Flames suffered a 3-1 loss to Angola in Luanda, their first defeat in the 2027 qualifiers, leaving coach Kalisto Pasuwa under fresh pressure as qualification hopes tighten. AFCON U-23: The Junior Flames’ AFCON dream also ended after a 1-1 draw with Eswatini, with the hosts progressing 2-1 on aggregate. WAFCON & Women’s Football: Airtel Malawi rewarded the Scorchers with 5G routers and data after their historic WAFCON silver run, and Malawi now hosts Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors in the Olympic qualifier first leg on 9 October. Tertiary Sports: The National Bank of Malawi TESSAM Games Top 8 line-up is set after regional qualifiers, with KUHeS, LUANAR, UNIMA and others earning spots for 17–18 October. Entertainment & Film: ANEMWE, a new Chichewa film built from theatre talent, is set for a December release. Arts & Culture: A Malawi fashion brand, Thethana, is a finalist in Création Africa, aiming to take heritage-led slow fashion further. Sports Media Support: Football legends backed sports writers with a K2m donation ahead of SWAM’s AGM in Salima. Fuel Crisis (Impact): Fuel shortages are hitting commuters hard, with reports of steep fare hikes and even petrol smuggling arrests across the border.