Allow me to first of all introduce Rudo. Rudo Mkukupa Chakwera is a prominent Malawian gospel and Jazz singer well known for her amazing vocals. She is the daughter of late Isaac Mkukupa, a renowned Jazz Musician.
I met Rudo under circumstances I still can’t fully explain. But one thing is certain; We were meant to cross paths. We first worked together through Girlfriends In Faith, the mentorship network I founded for University girls. When Rudo shared her passion and vision for her Charity, I knew instantly: we had to work together. And so we started.
On July 9, 2025, we began a journey that speaks directly to the core of who I am, an Arts enthusiast, a Storyteller and as a Digital Creator. It's a journey rooted in arts, storytelling and culture.
Together, we set out on a journey to meet Malawi’s Veteran Musicians based in Malawi's central region; legends who had been eagerly waiting for this day to come. It is the start of something bigger than a visit or a meeting; it is the beginning of a mission.
It should be emphasized that these artists are far from ordinary. Their voices and talents shaped Malawi’s music scene as far back as the 1960s. They crafted the melodies that raised generations; the songs our parents cherished and the ones some of us grew up enjoying.
Yet today, many of them live in silence. Forgotten by the industry they helped build.
The questions echo:
Where are they now? What became of their music? What does their future hold?
Rudo carried these very questions in her heart and from them was born a project to reconnect with and honor these pioneers. Ladies and gentlemen, these musicians deserve more than nostalgia. They deserve respect, visibility and celebration. They gave us the soundtrack of our lives. These are not just vocalists and jazzmen. They are keepers of memory; custodians of rhythm and messengers of history. Their melodies told our stories before we could write them. Today, most of them live quietly in rural villages, far from studios and stages, perhaps tending maize or potato fields, with nothing left of music but fading memories.
I was deeply moved to uncover the story behind one of the favorite tracks from back in the days: “A-Molotoni.” Hearing of it again, and learning about its roots, brought a surge of emotion; the kind that reminds you why you do what you do. This journey is not just a mere journey. It's a calling.
Meeting and hearing these veterans tell their stories sparked something in me; curiosity, joy and an undeniable pull to be part of this mission. This is a mission of not only honoring the past; its about educating the future. The work with these veterans is in a way an act of cultural preservation and arts education. By among others, capturing their stories, their songs and creative processes, we will build a living archive that can inspire the next generation of artists and educators.
So, what’s next? We will soon find out.
But for now, know this: our veteran musicians deserve the honor that’s coming.
This is not just work. This is purpose!
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