Next Level Malawi initiative, led by United States of America (USA) artists, ended on Saturday with a showcase event at Café 92 at Kuseli in Lilongwe.
The showcase, attended by, among others, US Embassy Charge D’affaires Amy Diaz and Kweza Executive Director Q Malewezi, was an afternoon of celebration of the work the participants of talented Malawian artists alongside USA artists’ educators had put in over a 10-day period during ma s t e r c l a s s e s whose graduation was on Friday.
The event also saw performances from artists such as Lukie 247, who is an alumnus of the American Music Abroad Programme, which also brought American musician Tamar Kaprelian to Malawi.
Kweza Arts Hub Manager Alfred Ochieng described the Next Level Malawi programme as crucial for the country’s development and that the showcase lived up to its billing.
“We had rappers performing three to four songs which they worked on with their artist educator Polaryss, hip-hop dance class had a 20 minute performance together with artist educator Queen Gabby and a beat battle comprising of about 10 beats that the beat making class produced under the guidance of DJ Hoppa,” Ochieng said.
He also said that the graffiti class under the tutorship of Nosey42 did a live art on site.
Diaz hailed the six US artists namely Queen Gabby (dance), Polaryss (MC), DJ Hoppa (beatmaker), Nosey42 (aerosol/street art), Masta Minch (videographer) and site manager MeccaGodZilla for their tremendous work.
“Under the Next Level Academy, these artists have been sharing their immense talents through classes in hip-hop dance, street art, beatmaking, m-ceeing and videography,” she said.
Diaz said the six artists had planted a seed by sharing their skills and life journeys.
She also hailed the artists, who had participated in the Next Level Malawi, for taking a bold step to grow their talent and complete the programme.
“The US Global Music Diplomacy initiative provides funding to celebrate American music as a force to encourage educational access, economic equity and societal opportunity and inclusion.
“The US Embassy supports the Next Level programme in Malawi because we believe in the potential of the creative sector, especially young artists, to contribute to Malawi’s economy,” Diaz said.
She zeroed in on hip-hop saying it has the power of being a vehicle for positive change.
“The graduates have been given all these skills and knowledge but it is up to you to make something out of your participation. As an Embassy, we are here to support you through the various opportunities we have for funding and further training,” Diaz said.
She said through other exchange programmes, they have managed to send some of the country’s creatives like Gwamba, Sukez, Kim of Diamonds and Suffix to learn how to continue enterprising and use their talents to influence positive change in society.
Next Level is an initiative of the US Department of State and Meridian International Centre and its mission is to use hip-hop music, dance and art to foster cross-cultural creative exchange in diverse communities.
The Next Level Academy Malawi is implemented by Kweza Arts with support from the US Embassy in Malawi.
