The reinstated king of the Chewa in Malawi, Kalonga Sosola IX, has ordered his chiefs and subjects not to travel to Mkaika, Zambia, for the annual Kulamba Ceremony, according to Nation Online. In a statement released through his spokesperson, the traditional leader argued that the cross-border travel drains local finances and told chiefs to stop collecting money from subjects for the trip. He urged the Chewa in Malawi to host their own cultural celebrations, noting that local communities face natural disasters without reciprocal support from Zambia. However, the Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) dismissed the directive. Chefo publicity director Mayankho Sande Bango stated that the king lacks the legal authority to bar people from attending the cultural event under the Chiefs Act, Nation Online reports.
In the film sector, the Malawian feature movie "Lissy Blue Heart" made its United States debut at a red carpet screening in Seattle, Washington, as reported by Nation Online. Hosted by the Malawi Seattle Association, the event drew an audience of 150 people. The film is a spin-off of the "Mushroom Shade" television series, directed by Chaz and starring Cynthia Zonde Zulu and Bucci Mwale. Association president Wezi Longwe said the event aims to promote Malawian culture and ensure a reliable flow of local cinema to the diaspora community in the Pacific Northwest.
In music news, South Africa-based Malawian artist Kishen Woleza Banda has released a new song titled "One Africa" to protest against recent anti-migrant attacks in his host country, Nation Online reports. The musician, also known as Mr Humble, said he composed the track to remind people of their shared heritage and tribal roots across the continent, pleading for unity and an end to xenophobic violence.
Meanwhile, the Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) has launched a K25 million fundraising drive to expand its "Healing Minds, Saving Lives" mental health initiative, according to Nation Online. MUM president Vita Chirwa stated that the funds will support awareness sessions to help artists and community members facing mental health struggles, encouraging them to speak out and seek professional help.
Update: Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal will visit Malawi from August 12 to 15 for a charity mission rather than a concert, allAfrica reports. Working with Malawian gospel singer Wendy Harawa, the artist plans to distribute school supplies and feed children through his Busy Global Initiative.