By Jimmy Chazama:
Malawian band Flames, made up of reggae and dancehall artists, is set to tour Jamaica next month.
The Lilongwe-based band has already kicked off its rehearsals ahead of the tour. The band’s opportunity to tour Jamaica follows an invitation by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.
Flames Band, which has notable artists such as Don Tarz, Born Afrikan, Anne Matumbi and Blasto, leaves the country for Jamaica on February 9 2025, when it is expected to perform at festivals.
Minister of Labour, engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, who recently visited Jamaica alongside Matumbi and Born Afrikan on a private trip, hailed the initiative, saying it would accord local talents a platform to expose their skills.
“We were given an opportunity for our local talents to showcase their talents; so, now, we can utilise this to have our artists perform outside and even network,” Mumba said.
The minister is not new in the realm of arts as he once worked with legendary Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire, including organising tribute concerts.
“I have passion for arts. Working with Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire was something special, I learned a lot and I hope these artists also work hard in their artistry,” Mumba said.
The minister, who had time sampling the band’s practice, called for support for the initiative, which aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Matumbi, whose visit to Jamaica gave him an opportunity to interact with Yellowman, said they were geared to raise Malawi’s flag during the trip.
“Jamaica appreciated our music when we went there with the minister and now we want to give other artists a chance to show their talents. While in Jamaica, we also made collaborations and, soon, we will release some tracks,” he said.
Matumbi said Jamaica celebrates reggae music every February, providing an ideal backdrop for this cultural exchange.
Jamaican artists have inspired many Malawian artists and they continue to do so.
A number of Jamaican artists have also performed in Malawi with the recent showdown being that of legendary Burning Spear, who performed in the country for the first time last year
