Who says there is no fun in learning? These thirty young musicians from different parts of Malawi who participated in the 2012 Malawi Music Project from 10th through 17th December will agree learning is great. Not only were they taught about HIV/AIDS and its related issues, but they also had a chance to showcase their musical talents and skills and learn from each other.

The week long youth camp was held at the Adult Literacy Center in Area 14 in the capital city of Lilongwe. The students took part in HIV/AIDS awareness/education workshops, music theory classes, music business/band management classes, stage performance/awareness, instrument instruction classes, song writing/arranging, creativity, self-esteem and professionalism lessons.Their instructors were volunteers from Peace Corps Malawi and staff members from Music Crossroads Malawi.

The students were divided into six bands of five people each. Each band was then given a Peace Crops Volunteer or Music Crossroads staff member who served as a "band manager" and was there for creative input, technical support and encouragement. The bands were required to apply skills they had learned from the daily workshops and trainings in composing one song containing relevant messages of HIV/AIDS.

The 16th of December marked the peak of the camp when the bands took their skills to stage in a band battle using the song they had rehearsed during the week. The concert competition took place at the Madsoc Little Theater in Area 2. Each of the bands performed their one song for a panel of local and international judges in hopes of winning top honor and musical prizes. Also present at the concert was the U.S. Ambassador Jeanie Jackson, The Director of Peace Corps Malawi Mr. Kevin Novotny, The Director of Music Crossroads Malawi Mr. Matthew Mfune, famed Malawian musician Peter Mawanga and other representatives and volunteers from partner organizations within Lilongwe, all showing their continuous support of the project.

The Malawi Music Project's overwhelming and lasting success is due to the passion and dedication of the U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers serving in Malawi, and the ever strengthening partnership that has been developed with Music Crossroads Malawi, the local youth empowerment NGO in Area 23, Lilongwe. Each year the project has seen tremendous growth and improvement due to the hard work of volunteers, staff and young Malawian musicians who work tirelessly throughout the program to improve their knowledge and apply skills to their craft and ultimately their life. 

Plans are already in motion for the project to continue well into the future as a joint endeavour of Music Crossroads Malawi and the U.S. Peace Corps.

Posted by MC Malawi