Music of Malawi

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The music of Malawi has historically been influenced by its triple cultural heritage of British, African, and American music. Malawians, known for their history as travellers and migrant workers, have contributed to the spread of their music across the African continent, blending it with various musical forms. A significant factor in this musical amalgamation was World War II, during which soldiers transported music to distant lands and brought it back, leading to the popularity of guitar and banjo duos as dance bands by the war's end. Both instruments were imported. Additionally, Malawians working in mines in South Africa and Mozambique influenced the fusion of music styles, giving rise to genres such as Kwela.

In the colonial period, Malawi witnessed the emergence of a few well-known singers. Notable among them was Tony Bird, a folk-rock singer-songwriter born in Nyasaland, whose music blended Malawian and Afrikaner traditions. His popularity led to tours with Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the 1980s.

Under President Hastings Banda, the Malawian state censored music deemed sexually or politically subversive. This policy limited the international recognition of artists between 1964 and 1994. Following the first multiparty elections in 1994, artists gained the freedom to express themselves publicly, fostering the growth and development of Malawian music into the diverse forms heard today.

Since 1994, the country has experienced steady growth in its music industry and local celebrities. Due to past suppression, many emerging artists are young, with figures like Young Kay receiving support from industry veterans, contributing to the evolution of Malawian music.

Internationally, numerous Malawian artists have gained recognition. Notable names include Wambali Mkandawire, Erik Paliani, Lucius Banda, Tay Grin, Esau Mwamwaya, Tsar Leo, and Lawrence Khwisa (LULU). In a historic moment, Malawian music received recognition at the 58th Grammy Awards in 2015 with the nomination of Zomba Prison Project's "I Have No Everything Here" for Best World Music Album.