Jazz maestro Erik Paliani on Monday connected with lecturers and students in the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Malawi (Unima) in Zomba.
Paliani, who on Saturday had another classic outing sharing the stage with fellow veteran acts in Ben Mankhamba and Stanley Nyandoro Mthenga in Lilongwe, engaged in discussions and participated in a jam session with students.
“It was just a visit to find out what Unima can do to bring real jazz education but we were introduced to a music programme. This shows that there is growth.
“I am happy that Unima, through the School of Arts, Communication and Design, has introduced arts degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in music. This creates a beautiful background for us to create a jazz programme,” the ‘Chitukutuku’ star said.
“Dr Okeno initiated the meeting as he knows a lot of musicians and academics that I worked with in South Africa. He felt that I could, somehow, share that knowledge with Unima new students.
“The college is slowly taking strides to introduce jazz education. I am happy that they have introduced two new music programmes. This will create a pool of students who will further that knowledge,” Paliani said.
One of the lecturers in the department, Kondwani Simbota, described the interaction with Paliani as timely indicating that more artists are needed for jazz performances in Malawi.
“It is time to start involving academics and developing more jazz performers. It is easier to collaborate with musicians, who can read and write music,” Simbota said.
He said Paliani was determined to transfer his knowledge in the interest of improving Malawi jazz.
“The University of Malawi’s music and dance degree programme is collaborating with industry leaders as it prepares to spark an industry revolution,” Simbota said.
He said Paliani also went to the department to meet with music lecturers, adding that the meeting is part of the music and dance department’s strategy of working with industry players.
“A jazz seminar followed, in which music students learned the fundamentals of jazz. The interaction marks a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to collaborate with the music industry.
“Industry experts will be featured as they are at the core of the teaching in the programme,” Simbota said.
Additionally, Simbota said there would be more outreach initiatives.
Meanwhile, arts degrees have commenced at Unima.
Dean of the School of Arts, Communication and Design, Professor Mufunanji Magalasi, said recently that the school was coming in to fill the gap in arts and media communication training. Apart from music and dance, other degrees are in fashion and design, fine art, drama and theatre studies, film and photography and entrepreneurship and creative industries.
