South Africa's sensational musician Zahara real name Bulelwa Mkutukana arrived in Malawi Saturday through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre for two performances. She is expected to perform at Comesa Hall in Blantyre Saturday night and on Sunday in Lilongwe.

The setting and scenery are new for both sets of actors. However, the platform presents an opportunity for ex¬posure and a new direction that could alter theatre and bring something unique on stage.

Gospel music is one industry in the country that demands seriousness such that when one is caught in controversy, they might as well kiss goodbye to it.

Apart from the absence of an arts policy to direct activities in the industry, Malawi also needs more curators to develop the arts industry.

Cynical, wry and shrewd in his songs and touted as a kingmaker and the people's parliamentarian, Joseph Nkasa is celebrated as much as he is distrusted for dining with the same politicians that he bashes.

Alleluya Band leader Coss Chiwalo has made a stunning confession, admitting for the first time that he has made great progress in music not because he is talented but through sheer grit – hard work that has given him an opportunity to progress in the industry.

Once the stage master that entertained scores of masses. Once the comedian at thrilled audiences with his rib-cracking jokes. Now the prophet that ministers to lost soul and guides His flock back to the barnyard.

Once the hub and focal point of entertainment activities in the country, the once mighty French Cultural Centre in Blantyre now lies in ruins, stripped and plundered to its bare minimum by looters who have found it an easy target due to lack of security at the premises.

The country has recently witnessed the coming in of several beauty pageants aside the Miss Malawi pageantry which has been running for decades.

Once upon a time, Malawians would gather at different venues in their numbers or tune in to MBC Radio to watch or listen to the hilarious comedies from Izeki ndi Jakobo.

Writing a song is very much a craft and whatever one already knows about music, from an advanced concept to simple appreciation of a good rhythm, provide valuable material to shaping a good piece.

As per tradition at the beginning of every year, Weekender returns with an analysis to stocktake how arts associations in the country have performed in the just ended year; the challenges, successes, lessons learnt and future plans.

From their homes to the studios, rushing with their creations, their sounds, songs some of which have become instant hits to working on well decorated music videos – that's the art that makes a musician tick.

I should start with greetings for the New Year which is just a few hours away. Starting from last week, I took you back on the journey of 2011 where the Pen drummed out a number of issues regarding our industry.

Art thrives on the absurd, on the concept of ideas being allowed to roam and run wild, on the inhibited mind, on freedom, on liberty and autonomy.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! So the old carol goes. In the minds of many Christmas is a time of joy and happiness. Christmas is about carols, chocolates, children, and community.

The sun had just risen. However, Awong'o's beer-drinking place was already bustling. Blaring music to which some drunkards wobblingly danced, punned from an aged quivering galamu. It was quacking music that was mixed with racketing talking and singing the drunks' filthy mouths spluttered. However, a stone's throw away from the drinking shed quietly sat a stout man called Asilo.

Most musicians of his calibre and age are dead but veteran musician Giddes Chalamanda is still strong at 79 years and continues to entertain the masses with his music.

Malawians have thrown their weight behind young and emerging music talent, while they are refusing to let go some of the old guns. At least this could be the interpretation, if the recent information sourced from stakeholders in the music industry is anything to go by.

Every time a new artist is born, the artistic world rejoices because it also signifies the growth of the artistic realm in which 'fresh faces' would be plying their trade. This was what happened about two decades ago when George Mkandawire registered his name in the gospel music book.