Update: South African amapiano star Mawhoo's upcoming October 16 concert at Scallas Café in Blantyre is facing strong public pushback. According to Malawi24 and Nation Online, a poll conducted by Voice of the Voiceless Malawi revealed that 88.6 percent of over 3,000 respondents opposed the performance due to the recent mistreatment of Malawians in South Africa. The advocacy group formally petitioned the venue to cancel or postpone the show to prevent potential public confrontation. However, Kuwala Events coordinator Newton Chikakuda confirmed the show will proceed, stating that keeping the event on the schedule was a necessary business decision despite the public outcry.
Update: Zambian hitmaker Yo Maps has been confirmed as the headlining act for this year's Sand Music Festival, according to Nyasa Times. Following the event's previously announced relocation to the Kingfisher Inn in Mangochi, organizers Capestars revealed that the beachside festival, themed "Rhythms of the Shore," will run from October 23 to October 25. Standard entry tickets are set at K65,000, with VIP passes available for K150,000, as promoters promise enhanced security and expanded camping facilities at the new venue.
Meanwhile, Malawian R&B singer Kell Kay sparked a regional music debate this week. Malawi24 reports that Kell Kay publicly weighed in on a recent Zambian social media poll that had crowned Zeze Kingston over Driemo as Malawi's biggest star. Appearing on the Zambian Kenn T Podcast, Kell Kay surprised fans by defying the poll's results and instead naming Eli Njuchi as his pick for the top position in Malawian music.