In January 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the closing conference for the Sound Connects Fund (SCF) project in Maputo, Mozambique. This marked the culmination of an inspiring three-year journey that has left a lasting impact on Malawi’s creative and cultural industries, as well as on me personally.
The SCF project has been a beacon of growth and collaboration, designed to empower cultural organizations and creatives across Southern Africa. Implemented by the Music In Africa Foundation and Goethe-Institut, and funded through the ACP-EU Culture programme, SCF supported 36 organizations across nine countries. Our work at Ntha Foundation was among those fortunate to receive this transformative support.
Reflecting on the entire experience, it feels rewarding to see how much our initiative, Music4Malawi (M4M), has grown since its inception. The SCF allowed us to expand and formalize the project, from humble beginnings to now being a recognized platform nurturing young creatives in Malawi’s music and arts space. With the initial €10,000 grant in 2021, we were able to implement the Music in Africa Live Project, offering workshops and digital skills to music creators. By May 2023, this scaled into a €68,000 grant that enabled us to establish a live music production studio and scale M4M further.
Maputo’s conference was not just a celebration but also a space for reflection and connection. Creative minds from across Southern Africa gathered, and I found myself deeply inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation shared by fellow grantees. The conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural and creative industries in shaping our economies and communities.
Our work under the SCF umbrella focused on amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, supporting women and youth in creative entrepreneurship, and preserving Malawi’s rich cultural heritage. From live showcases to funding creative works and sponsoring local awards, the ripple effect of these efforts continues to uplift our local creative ecosystem.
One of the proudest moments for me was seeing how the initiative directly impacted young creatives, offering opportunities that many wouldn’t have had otherwise. Our workshops, talent management programs, and partnerships like the Maso Awards have opened doors and set new benchmarks for excellence in Malawi’s arts and entertainment industry.
As the project closes, I carry with me not just the experiences but also a renewed sense of purpose. The connections made in Maputo reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration, and I’m excited to channel this energy into future projects for Ntha Foundation and beyond.
To my fellow creatives – keep pushing, keep creating. The journey might be long, but the impact of our work will echo for years to come.
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