As part of our Year End Appeal this Sunday, December 15, Afropop Worldwide is excited to present a Pop-up live performance featuring Malawi's top solo artists, Praise Umali, Maggie Kadrum, and Chikondi Wiseman, at Uka Coffee in the cultural hub of Kweza, Lilongwe, Malawi.
This event will be part of our annual year-end programming and fundraising appeal, providing fans and industry professionals around the world with the opportunity to connect with these authentic artists and experience the diversity of African music.
At Afropop Worldwide, we believe African and diaspora artists deserve the world stage—and we’re here to make that happen. For decades, we’ve worked to amplify their voices, tell their stories, and connect them with global audiences. With over 500 podcasts under our belt, this Instagram Live performance series continues that legacy.
Mukwae Wabei Siyolwe, host of AfropopUP shares, “This is an incredible opportunity for audiences around the world to connect with the rich musical traditions of Malawi in real time. We’re thrilled to bring these artists to the forefront.” Founder Sean Barlow echoes the sentiment, saying, “Afropop has always been about building pathways for African artists to thrive. This performance is just the beginning of what we hope will be a much bigger movement.”
Maggie Kadrum is an Afro-jazz vocalist who hails from Malawi. Her musical journey began as a detour when she wasn’t selected to attend university. Because of this minor setback, she found solace and purpose in music. According to Maggie, music chose her and guided her towards her true calling. Today, she is known for her remarkable blend of jazz with an African nuance, captivating audiences with her brilliant vocals and vibrant performances.
Inspired by the legendary Angelique Kidjo and the remarkable Sibongile Khumalo, Maggie aspires to inspire young Malawians to pursue their dreams against all odds. In addition to her vocal talents, she showcases her acoustic guitar and bass skills, adding depth and versatility to her musical repertoire.
Her music celebrates African heritage, expressing emotions, stories, and dreams in a way that transcends cultural boundaries.
Maggie Kadrum writes and performs her music in Tumbuka, her native language and English. Through her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, she preserves her cultural heritage and showcases the power of diversity in music.
Maggie Kadrum has graced various stages within Southern Africa, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent. She has performed at music festivals, cultural events, and venues, receiving accolades for her powerful voice and engaging stage presence. Her performances have left an indelible mark on the music scene in Malawi, making her a sought-after performer in the Afro jazz genre.
"The excitement surrounding our live performances through Instagram is palpable," said Mukwae Wabei Siyolwe host of AfropopUP. "This is an excellent opportunity for audiences around the world to experience the rich musical traditions of Malawi in real time. We hope that this event will inspire further engagement and support for African artists.
Intensely devoted to challenging the norm, Lilongwe-based singer, songwriter, and producer Praise Umali is redefining what it means to make ‘Afro-Pop’ music.
Praise has diversified his sound and experimented in ways that challenge ideas of what it means to be a Malawian musician. His music carries Indie, Afro, and Folk sounds with strong acoustic undertones and is influenced and inspired by the works of Jon Bellion, James Arthur, Faith Mussa, Lawi, and JP Saxe.
Praise draws inspiration from many corners of his life, He writes for both himself and his audience, in hopes that someone will hear his story and find the strength to keep writing their own.
His unfiltered form of writing was shown in his debut Album “SEPTEMBER” which features songs like his debut single ‘Proud’, which made waves in 2020, and ‘You’ll be Good (2021)’ a song that has become an anthem for pushing through and persevering.
Afropop Worldwide's founder Sean Barlow expressed enthusiasm about this live performance initiative, stating,
"At Afropop, we believe that the global stage belongs to African and African Diaspora artists. By connecting these artists with an international audience, we aim to build pathways for their success. This performance marks just the beginning; we are committed to mentoring and promoting Afro artists in innovative ways and look forward to further expanding our reach in the coming years as part of our move to make Afropop an American institution for future generations ."
Chikondi Wiseman is a fusion singer/songwriter from Lilongwe whose repertoire captures the essence and evolution of being an artist from Afro/RnB soul to reflective ballads. Her angelic yet mature vocals and haunting melodies will leave you wanting more. The youngest of the trio, that combination of artists would make for a surprising and inspiring day.
The performance promises to celebrate African music while also serving as a call to action for supporters to contribute to Afropop Worldwide's year-end appeal. Donations will directly support their mission to uplift and create opportunities for African and diaspora artists around the world, ensuring that their work continues to thrive.
About Afropop Worldwide:
Afropop Worldwide is a dedicated platform committed to raising the profile of African and African Diaspora music through innovative programs and media. Established to foster cultural exchange and provide artists with growth opportunities, Afropop Worldwide hosts a vast array of podcasts, live performances, and networking events designed to connect musicians with audiences worldwide. Their mission is to create sustainable avenues for artistic expression and community engagement, ultimately benefiting the artists and their respective home countries.
Tickets at the Door: MK 1000 Plaza Seating 12 Cafe Seats: MK 20000 EACH SHOW
CONTACT INFORMATION
UKA Cafe at KWEZA
Mukwae Wabei Siyolwe/Maxine Beech mukwae@afropop.org and Maxinebeech@gmail.com
If you can´t make it to Uka Coffee in Malawi, Don´t forget to tune in on Sunday, December 15, 2024, on Instagram LIVE password: Afropopworldwide from 7-9 pm CAT Lilongwe and 12-2 pm EST New York
This event is part of Afropop Worldwide Year End Appeal.
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