Malawi
Located in Lilongwe, the MCA offers aspiring young musicians the opportunity to equip themselves with extensive knowledge through a quality, relevant music education, empowering them to pursue a professional career in the music industry.
About MCA Malawi
Music Crossroads Malawi employs a team of highly accomplished faculty members comprised of experienced musicians as well as educators. With a wide range of specializations, the team provides the best quality music education to our students. Through our programmes we encourage students to challenge themselves and to discover their own distinctive, musical voice. Due our holistic approach to learning delivered through a blend of monitored practice, theoretical study, live concerts and masterclasses, students are provided with all the necessary tools to become true professionals.
Academic learning complements practical music classes with modules of music theory, rhythmic reading and writing, harmony, keyboard harmony and music styles of Africa. We provide a solid training in music production, offering workshops and seminars in sound technology, event planning and management, stage performance, band management, music business and management and ensemble performances.
Malawi courses
- 2 Year Professional Certificate
- Short Courses
- Audio Engineering
- Instrument Repair
- Music Business
- ICT
- Weekend Classes
Malawi Projects
Ethno is a global music exchange program that brings together young musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds to share and learn traditional music through workshops, jam sessions, and performances.
Founded in 1990 by Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), Ethno promotes intercultural understanding and creativity by offering participants the opportunity to teach and learn each other’s music orally, fostering collaboration and unity.
With programs held in over 40 countries, Ethno celebrates the richness of world music, encourages cross-cultural dialogue, and helps preserve musical traditions while inspiring new, contemporary expressions. Music Crossroads Malawi has been implementing this annual event as Ethno Malawi.
The MOVE ( Musicians and Organizers Volunteer Exchange) project funded through NOREC (Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation) is an international exchange program designed to foster collaboration, capacity building, and skill-sharing among young people from different countries.
MOVE is thus a partnership between Music Crossroads Malawi; Sustenidos (Brazil); JM Norway and Trondertun(Norway). MOVE enables participants to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, gaining valuable professional and personal experience while contributing to community development.
The project emphasizes leadership, social impact, and sustainability, offering participants a platform to develop new skills, broaden their perspectives, and enhance global cooperation.
The Daughters Band is an all-female music ensemble based in Malawi, known for their vibrant performances and commitment to empowering women through music.
Formed under Music Crossroads Malawi, the band blends traditional Malawian sounds with contemporary genres, promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated industry.
The Daughters Band not only showcases musical talent but also serves as role models for young women, advocating for social change and inspiring the next generation of female musicians in Malawi and beyond.
The Hear Us Children Musical was formed by Music Crossroads Malawi in 2010. The group uses folk-music and traditional dances as a tool to address social issues affecting young people, such as child rights, education, and environmental awareness.
Through their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics, The Hear Us Children aim to amplify the voices of the youth, promote positive change, and inspire their peers to take action in their communities.
In addition, the hear Us Children promotes the use of arts and music education to develop and build various physical, intellectual and social competencies of children to navigate and affect their social environment.
The “Girls in the Arts Project” is an innovative initiative aimed at empowering young girls through engagement and participation in various artistic disciplines.
Recognizing the transformative power of the arts, this project seeks to create a platform for girls to explore, express, and excel in diverse artistic endeavours.
By fostering creativity, building skills, and promoting inclusivity, the project aims to inspire confidence, leadership, and a sense of identity among girls, contributing to their holistic development.
The “Girls in the Arts Project” aspires to be a catalyst for positive change by harnessing the transformative power of the arts to empower and inspire young girls.
Through creative expression, skill development, and community engagement, this initiative aims to contribute to the holistic development of girls, fostering a generation of confident, empowered, and culturally aware individuals.
The Malawi Folksongs Project is an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Malawi through its traditional music. By collecting, documenting, and sharing folk songs from various regions, the project seeks to celebrate the diversity of Malawian musical traditions and ensure their transmission to future generations.
Engaging local communities, the project also focuses on fostering appreciation for folk music and its significance in social and cultural contexts. Through workshops, performances, and recordings, the Malawi Folksongs Project aims to revive interest in traditional songs, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural identity.
Pakwathu Entertainment Hub is a vibrant cultural center located in Area 23, Malawi. It serves as a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their Works and connect with audiences.
The hub hosts various events, including live music performances, and dances, fostering collaboration and creativity within the arts community and catchment area of the Music Crossroads Academy.
The hub is a platform that offer various opportunities for the youth to explore and make business with music and arts in general.
The YIPmade Vocational Skills Program under Music Crossroads Malawi is an initiative designed to empower young people in Malawi by providing them with practical vocational training and entrepreneurial skills.
Focused on fostering self-reliance and economic independence, the program offers courses in various trades, including Fashion and Design, Welding and fabrication, and computer skills, tailored to meet local market demands. By equipping students with valuable skills and knowledge, YIPmade aims to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The program also emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation, encouraging young people to explore their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
The ICT program at Music Crossroads Malawi is an initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy and access to technology among the youth, particularly focusing on school leavers , primary school kids and even the working class who wish to gain ICT skills.
This program seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing training in information and communication technology, equipping participants with essential skills for the modern workforce. Through resources, and access to digital tools, the ICT program promotes the integration of technology in education and encourages innovative approaches to learning.
By fostering a culture of digital proficiency, the program aims to empower individuals, improve educational outcomes, and support economic development in the community .
The Pakhonde Ethno Music Festival is an annual dynamic cultural event held in Malawi that celebrates the rich diversity of music traditions from all cultures.
Bringing together artists, musicians, and performers from various backgrounds, the festival provides a platform for showcasing traditional and contemporary music styles. Participants engage in performances, and collaborative Music sessions, promoting cultural exchange and understanding among attendees.
With a focus on youth involvement and community engagement, the Pakhonde Ethno Music Festival not only entertains but also fosters appreciation for the world’s musical heritage, encouraging participants to explore their creativity and deepen their connection to cultural roots.
The Directors Merit Awards is an annual competition organized by Music Crossroads Malawi, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the exceptional talents of music students within the program.
This prestigious event encourages participants to showcase their skills in various musical genres through performances and creative expression. By fostering a spirit of healthy competition, the awards promote artistic development and provide students with valuable feedback from teachers and industry professionals.
Additionally, the Directors Merit Awards serve to inspire young musicians to pursue their passion, enhance their musical abilities, and gain visibility in the broader music community, ultimately contributing to the growth of Malawi’s vibrant music scene.
The Future is Female project is a collaborative initiative between the Pakhonde Ethno Music Festival, Zomba City Festival, and Tumaini Festival within the concept of The European Spaces of Culture program aimed at empowering women in the creative arts and music sectors in Malawi.
This project focuses on creating opportunities for female artists and musicians to showcase their talents and engage in skill-building workshops. By promoting gender equality and supporting women’s voices in the creative industry, Future is Female seeks to challenge societal norms, foster community support, and inspire the next generation of female artists.
The project ultimately aims to create a more inclusive cultural landscape, celebrating the contributions of women to Malawi’s vibrant arts scene.
Malawi Team
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Gayighayi Mathews Mfune
- Country Director
Gayighayi Mathews Mfune is a qualified and experienced Arts and Culture Manager having initiated and accomplished many assignments and held… -
Sanderson Mphapo
- Head of Pedagogy
Sanderson Mphapo is the Head of Pedagogy at Music Crossroads Malawi. He teaches Music Theory and Bass Guitar. He is… -
Winnie Mhango
- Administration
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Don Chisenga
- Communications