Malawian heads Jeunesses Musicale International
Music Crossroads Malawi country coordinator, Gayighayi Matthews Mfune has been elected to head Jeunesses Musicale International (JMI) Africa, an institution that oversees Music Crossroads project.
Mfune was unanimously supported by all Music Crossroads Southern Africa (MCSA) members at the meeting in Mozambique last month just days after Malawi’s band Konkalaz won this year’s Music Crossroads championship.
Music Crossroads Southern Africa (MCSA) was initiated in 1995 by JMI, the world’s largest youth and music network, and it comprises Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Zambia.
In an interview, Mfune said the appointment would contribute a lot to the growth of the country’s music industry and help Malawi gain international recognition.
“Music crossroads Malawi is a full member of JMI and therefore has all the benefits as member of the worldwide network. It means that Malawi is highlighted. Most of our programs will gain international recognition as well as forging partnerships,” Mfune said.
“Will benefit in all the international activities and opportunities, and as a chair, it means also that we have the chance to have all the information and activities that we can participate in on the right time. We will also be able to represent our aspirations in the JMI Assembly and be heard,” Mfune explained.
As a chairperson, Mfune is expected to, among other duties, identify new perspective members within Africa together with the support of the head office, representing JMI Africa at the general assembly and identifying funding possibilities within Africa and disseminating them throughout the network.
Mfune is expected to be in office for the next three years.
“Its an exciting position but at same challenging. But all the same, its time our music gains the needed international exposure and it is good now that we are having access to top positions of such international organizations. It means we will widen our focus and chances of learning and exposing our talent to the world,” he added.
JMI Africa is a regional JMI body focused on harnessing Africa’s presence within the network, sharing skills, expertise and experience amongst its members to strengthen youth and music development within the content.
Malawi’s flag carrier’s in this year’s Southern Africa Music Crossroads contest, Konkalaz of Lilongwe emerged winners after outclassing other contestants to become a fourth group from the country to win the championship.
The band won itself a music tour in Europe and is expected to leave the country for the tour between May and June this year where among other things, will have several performances as well as music trainings.
The Konkalaz followed the foot steps set by Tikhu Vibrations, Conga Vibes, Mafilika and Body, Mind and Soul bands who have once won the Music Crossroads championship.
Some of local products of Music Crossroads include the Part of Life singing sensation Dan Lufani, dance-hall lady icon Wendy Harawa, Khumbo and Tionge Hango.
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