What is Malawian music?
We asked one of our performers, Mwase Makalani to describe traditional Malawian music…
Malawian manganje traditional music is practiced by the Yao people mainly from central and southern part of Malawi. Manganje dance and music is sang and celebrated through puberty, birthdays, child birth, weddings and inaugurations.
Manganje dance and music supports and helps communities to realize the arts and potential each individual brings to the community. You do not have to be a great singer or storytelling but it’s passed on to the children’s from community leaders, parents and through participation.
Manganje dance and music supports and helps communities to realize the arts and potential each individual brings to the community.
So growing up as a young person from the Yao tribe of Malawi I learned to be part of it and supported me to build my confidence, self esteem, communication and team building within the community. And then I realized my potential as traditional story telling, singer and artist. Sticking to my Malawian manganje influence in Australia I have combined with world music learned from other cultures through adaptation.
