Trendy mag june issue 01 2020 free

1TRENDY MAGAZINE ISSUE NO 1 | JUNE

TRENDY MAGAZINE ISSUE NO 1 | JUNE2
The dream of coming up with a Magazine was there but IQuest made
it to be bold. The first time TRENDYsets had a meeting with IQuest the
vibe got high because the plan that was layed out was superb . We
started working on it a week later and the first challenge we had was to
come up with good writers. Fortunately enough people started com-
ing in with their articles which made us to look for more. We believe
that this being our first edition it will be a stepping stone for the next
edition. On behalf of TRENDYsets i would like to thank all stakeholders
who have worked with us on our first edition
Kumbukani Souvenir Luhanga
Managing Director|
@Jabu_Tha
Jabulani Maseko
Creative Director |
Samuel Lungu
Creative Director |

Who is Onjezani Kenani really?
OSK: I am a writer who is an accountant but currently working as
an auditor. Born in 1976, grew up in Malawi, studied accountancy
at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic campus, worked in the
government and the private sector between 2001 and 2008, left
Malawi in 2008, worked in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Switzer-
land, the Netherlands but now back to Switzerland, but residing in
France, married, with two children aged 15 and 11.
TRENDYsets: Wooow that is great! Let’s start with your journey of
writing; when and how did you start it ?
OSK: I started writing in 1989, when I was 13 years old. I fell in
love with reading at the age of 8. I read books like Mtima Sukhuta,
Mwana wa Mnzako and Ndiwe wekha mlamu by Jolly Max Nta-
ba, Ikakuwona Litsiro and Njala Bwana by Willie Zingani and many
more, including the works of J.W. Gwengwe – Kathyali Psipsiti, his
We have people who are working in diaspora
but still show keen interest in issues happening
in Malawi; Onjezani Stanely Kenani is one! This
guy comments a lot on national issues despite
him living outside Malawi. We had an exclusive
interview with him all the way from France

poems etc. Later I started reading Ma-
lawi News short stories. I also dived
into Pacesetters, and I particularly
liked The Border Runners by James
Irungu and James Shimanyula and lots
of others. The more I read the more I
wished I could write. So one day I de-
cided to write a short story and enter
a school competition (I was at Boma
Primary School in Kasungu town). To
my surprise, it came out at number 1. I
haven’t looked back since.
TRENDYsets: So inspiring! You have
experience in writing and there are a
lot of youths who have aspirations of
reaching a higher level, what is your
advice to them?
OSK: Read a lot and write a lot. Do
not expect success and recognition to
come easily. Work hard. I wake up at 3
a.m. to write. I work up to 6 a.m., then
go to the gym. At 8:00 I am at my desk
at the office. I forget about writing,
and work until 6 p.m. So when I hear
people say “I’m too busy to read”, or
“I cannot find time to write,” I say to
them: If you expect to find time, forget
about being a writer. You must create
it; That is, you must create the time for
you to do what you like most. You have
to have a passion for it.
TRENDYsets: Powerful! The time when
you had a column in the news paper,
how were you coming up with a topic
lets say for that week? Did it happen
randomly?
OSK: I used to comment on what I felt
was the biggest news of the week, de-
pending on the headlines.
TRENDYsets: Great! Now you talked of
working in various countries like Ken-
ya, tell us more about your journey in
terms of work
OSK: I have worked in three different
kinds of institutions: government (Ma-
lawi), private sector (Malawi and Bo-
tswana) and multilateral institutions
(African Union in Ethiopia and Kenya
and the United Nations in Switzerland
and the Netherlands).
TRENDYsets: What has your experi-
ence been working in diaspora in an
environment where you are a foreign-
er
OSK: At first it was not easy, especially
in my early days of arrival in Europe.
The culture is entirely different from
Africa’s. In the bus people do not chat,
everyone prefers to be left alone. Even
in the office, it’s so quiet, you hardly
hear people talking. All my friends
were in Africa. But after staying here
for 10 years I’ve become used to the
life of this place. In Botswana, Ethiopia
and Kenya it was easy settling down,
since it’s all Africa. I’m at home any-
where in Africa.
TRENDYsets: Great, so there you are
working as?
OSK: I am am Auditor
TRENDYsets: Great ,,, i have seen you
tackling national issues more espe-
cially on facebook and you have fans
here in Malawi; dont you think that
is dangerous to your life kapena poti
you are abroad?
OSK: I was outspoken long before
I left. I was vigorously opposed
to Bakili Muluzi’s third term
bid, for example. So I would
still be outspoken even if
I was in Malawi. Remem-
ber there are people like
Timothy Mtambo and
Gift Trapence, they speak
even when they are on
the ground. If you are too
afraid to speak out when
things are going wrong
in your country then
you should ask yourself
whether you love your
country enough.
TRENDYsets: If you
were given a chance
to work on the challenges that Mala-
wi is currently facing, what would be
your first area to handle?
OSK: Corruption. I am an advocate of
putting in place the strongest punish-
ment for the corrupt, including seizure
of corruptly-acquired property. Sec-
ondly, instilling discipline, hard work
and patriotism in civil servants, even if
it means firing more than half of the
civil service to remove dead wood.
TRENDYsets: Wow that’s great! At
some point will you come back to Ma-
lawi for a position in government lets
say being an MP or vying for a presi-
dency seat? Do you have such aspira-
tions?
OSK: I will come back, no doubt, but I
am not interested in politics.
TRENDYsets: Bwana Kenani it was nice
talking to you , we really thank you for
your precious time
OSK: I am very much humbled Kumbu ,
thanks to you too

Malawian Hip Hop artist, Toast finally released visuals for his single
“Dance In The Rain” yesterday (29th May).
The song is one taken off from Toast’s recent released EP “Don’t Try This
At Home” and captures his personal four year musical journey.
The music video features cameos from well known personalities like;
Kwesta, KeiM, Bucci, Hazel Mak, Cynthia Zonde, Dali, Emtee, Eli Njuchi,
Priscilla Kayira, among others.
Audio produced by Henwood. Red Ink Media film, shot by Ron Cz.

• FASHIONABLE JACKET/ COAT
• ACCESSORIES
• LEGGINGS
• CLOSED FOOTWEAR
• ALL BLACK
• WHITE SHOES/SUEDE
• PANTS
• OVER-BUNDLE

TRENDYsets: Welcome to this exclusive with
TRENDYsets I am proud to have you here …
Suffix: Thanks alot boss
TRENDYsets: We have known Suffix as a great
musician ,, but ena don’t know the real you ,,,
Briefly tell us about yourself
Suffix: My real name is Aubrey G. Ghambi, first
born in a family of 4, I am holder of a bachelors
degree in Economics, I am an Artist and I am
Christian.
TRENDYsets: How did you start music?
Suffix: In 2009 when I was in form 4 a good friend
of mine persuaded me to write a song together, I
was just amazed by how the studio softwares i.e
Adobe, FL studio works and I was prompted to
join them
TRENDYsets: There is song you talked about be-
ing ku CU and then BIU ,,, tell us more about your
academic life
Suffix: I was selected to study Economics at CU
in 2010, got withdrawn in 2013 and went to BIU
where I got exempted because I had already done
1st to 3rd year and thats where i graduated
TRENDYsets: There are great songs that you
did zoti anthu amazifila such that when you go
pa stage you always get a positive response …
what’s your secret in as far composing the songs
is concerned?
Suffix: I try as possible to connect with ppo i.e
by writing the music that really speaks and could
Pierce their soul and also by stage presents.
Suffix is one the best rappers that Malawi boosts about , his songs are believed to carry great mes-
sages that make him to look so hardworking and talented,, TRENDYsets had a very nice interview
with him

TRENDYsets: Last time you were be-
ing managed with Bob Phondo now I
heard that you parted ,, who is your
manager ?
Suffix: I don’t really have a manager
now I just have a team
TRENDYsets: When you see the musi-
cal effort or circle in Malawi be it from
the producers , promoters or the artists
,, are we there or we still have a long
way to go?
Suffix: I think we are getting there but
we truly need help from corporates and
the government itself to really invest in
this music industry
TRENDYsets: Recently I saw you with
Esther ,, should we expect another
track from you two people ?
Suffix: Maybe in future, she was here to
record a song for her upcoming album
with Faith Mussa so she called to say hie
TRENDYsets: Most of the songs by you
makes people to sit down and think
about the message you are trying to
give ,, songs like ndikanakhala judge ,
drowning etc ,, is it done intentional to
have deep lyrics or it just comes out of
talent ?
Suffix: I guess it’s both. Thank God for
the ability to use words that can chal-
lenge people
TRENDYsets: Which artist in Malawi in-
spires you most
Suffix: Alot man…the list is so long but
Patience Namadingo, Kelvin Sings, Eli
Njuchi…just to mention a few
TRENDYsets: If you are to do a collabo
with an international artist panopa
which one would you choose?
Suffix: Lecrae
TRENDYsets: Many gospel artists find
it hard to be consistent with being into
Gospel music or sticking to God ,, ama-
pezeka alowelera ,, how do u make
sure that you don’t lose the track
Suffix: I am plugged to a local church,
I am consistently meeting with my pas-
tor and some good friends for account-
ability…I am vulnerable also so I need
this like everyday. I am sorrounded by
friends who not only cares about my ca-
reer but my Soul also
TRENDYsets: Any massage to the up-
coming artists?
Suffix: Keep pushing, but seek advice
from the ones that have been around
before you..stay humble
TRENDYsets: Tell us anything that peo-
ple don’t know about you
Suffix: I am working as an Accountant
even though I did Economics
TRENDYsets: Any plans for 2020?
Suffix: Might drop an Album this year
TRENDYsets: What are your last words
to your fans?
Suffix: The love and support they show
me, I don’t take it for granted GOD bless
them
TRENDYsets: Bwana Suffix it was nice
talking to you ,, thanks alot for your
time
Suffix: Cheers Man
******

F
irstly, Martse came out with a track titled
“Adidas”. This track talked more about
Fredokiss. The whole massage in Adidas
is that of against Fredokiss. The track is very
provoking and at the same time it potrays more
fighting words over Fredokiss.
Martse makes Fredokiss as his laughing stalk be-
cause of losing in an election position. He says
ghetto too is against Fredokiss and thus why they
did not vote for him. Yet Fredokiss takes himself
as a Star but the elections had had humbled him
completely.
Despite of the highly life that Fredokiss lives on
but it did not benefit him in the past election.
He also points out at the material things that Fre-
dokiss has cars like Jeeps and Harmers but all this
is nothing to the people.
Above everything, Martse therefore put him self
in a position of being the main star in this situa-
tion over Fredokiss. He says, he just want to have
his own time for relaxation because Fredokiss is
the one who fist provokes him.
The second view is that of Fredokiss with the
track titled “Dadada!”. Dadada answers back
Adidas song. Fredokiss says he won’t be against
anyone because he doesn’t have time for jealous
people. People with nothing to do. With him, he
has no time to focus on those who can’t reach
his level.

The fact that Fredokiss lost the elec-
tions, to him is nothing. For his life is
till the same. As he is making progress
and much money. So no one can any-
one ever reach his level. He also talks
of his cross on which no one can car-
ry it. Hence he keeps on being a role
model to many for he represent all the
ghetto youth and many more..
SHORTANALYSIS
B
oth of these guys are on a very
big competition. Each one is
trying to show up his capability.
Their pride is real. As they brag much
of what they have (material things like
Cars, clothes money etc).
Everyone is trying to be a Star over the
other. You know, these two are fight-
ing for supremacy. Perhaps they are
both pretending to be humble to the
world but deep down both of these
guys want to be at the top. However
nobody knows what it takes to be on
top_and how deep it is from the bot-
tom.
The only good thing about these two
guys is that they both come from ghet-
to and they made it to the top out of
ghetto. It paints in a very inspiring pic-
ture to the world. Ghetto is nothing
but hard work is what accounts. For
we have both Martse and his friend
Fredokiss starting from low into
hero’s. Therefore, we conclude
that hard work pays.
It is never bad for the
young stars to aim high
but what makes it bad
is the way these
two guys are comparing them selves.
They are busy comparing them selves
to the other. Instead of getting busy
on preaching good messages in their
songs that can bring the total impact
to the people_national wide. To us,
we are taking it an abomination thing
because it doesn’t make sense and it
is all useless to see big cerebrates act-
ing as upcoming artists. It would make
more sense if the two were making
good positive collaborations rather
than what we are seeing in Both Dada-
da and Adidas.
For the sake of entertainment, there
is nothing bad with the guys for it’s
all about entertaining us. Their
videos are quite good more es-
pecially for Fredokiss” with very
good back ground. All I can say
is to congratulate our two guys.
The talent is real. More grace_
and keep on entertaining us but
on good vibes_We promise to
always be at the back of these
both guys. For entertain-
ment is not only about
entertaining but also
educating and
bringing in
r e a l
vibe. All we could say is that we love
you our guys and keep the fire burn-
ing!!!
In summary, there is a good balance
of these two songs. In such a way that
the video for Martse is not that ok_Its
poor while Fredokiss’s is quit very lit.
While Martse’s audio is very sharp un-
like for Fredokiss. So it gives a good
stand of an equal game.

A
rtists are people that use the gifts they
have to make a living or as something
they do besides their actual career. Some
artists are born with these gifts and some acquire
skills to become one.
Painters, Musicians, Poets, Models, instrumental-
ists and Dancers… etc. These people use their tal-
ents differently, every one of them has a specific
crowd or audience they attract and not every one
of them is a celebrity. Being a celebrity one has
to be a commercial artist… they have to go main-
stream and not remain hidden in a box and they
say I am a celebrity. The main emphasis in this is
not who a celebrity is but this is another part of
being an artist.
We have artists within Malawi that have made it
big and are now based in other countries either
because of how they marketed their talents be-
yond the borders or they might be doing other
things like school, business or as a leisure. They
do not drop the mic, pen and and drawing board
but combine that with what they are doing.
Gwamba and Emtee on set; Own Time Music vid-
eo shoot

Selling is more like marketing
your skill, talents and anything
that some people might like the
stuff , incase of art it means they
will get attracted to what you of-
fer and stick to it. These are then
known as fans (fanatics).
Art is more like another form of
communication that one uses to
get the attention of other peo-
ple either to send a message or
entertain them. A person might
listen to your music in a foreign
country not that they under-
stand your language fully but
because they can relate to the
musical elements, the style and
also the setting to that of their
country.
Africans we share a lot of simi-
lar traditions, cultures and part
of our language and we are also
assimilating to the western type
of lifestyle. This makes it easy
in some way for a person to
market their talent in a foreign
country. People buy things they
feel like has won their heart or
impressed them. Learning about
their culture and way of living
and then indorsing it with your
talent in some way makes them
fall in love with what you do and
they get attracted to it, they add
your songs to their playlist, if
you are a designer they follow
your brand and also tell others
about you and if it’s a piece of
drawing and spoken word they
wait to attend your show and art
exhibitions.
Being in the western countries,
we have people of different rac-
es but the most common thing
people are associating with
them is the fashion trends. Peo-
ple are dominating to the kind
of lifestyle and they link that to
their artistic works.
How one dresses, sings, raps,
dances,designsclothesandeven
recites their piece of poetry they
have someone in mind and this
makes their stuff something one
can relate to anywhere around
the world.
In every place there is that
unique circle that a person fits
in like a jigsaw puzzle and so
does every artist. These are the
people that help you to get far
whether it is someone that spot-
ted your work and they want to
manage your work, one needs
these managers in their life.
These people link you up with
different people in the society
and that of the corporate world.
Every artist needs to make up a
name for themselves to go far.
You can never make it out alone
not even when you are well
known in your country. Even a
king is just a stranger in a foreign
land. This is because nobody
knows you.
One has to be known, have an
audience or crowd that appre-
ciates their talent, one has to
have a manager to help them
out in case they need to sign
out on deals they do not under-
stand, get signed to any record
label because you need to have
a team that will back you up in
your shortfalls and mostly re-
spect it that you are not in your
land and do what the roman do.
******
Zani Challe ft Buffalo Souljah Hazel Mak
Above are artists who have made a name for themselves in diaspora
Gemini Maejor and J Something of Micasa

O
ur contributor Perfect had a conversation with a 16
year old video producer who has worked with both
new and established artist.
Perfect: Who is Vinny Visuals?
Vinny Visuals: I am Vincent Kamlanje a.k.a Viny Visuals , born
in 2004, based in Blantyre. Viny Visuals is a Malawian music
video director.
Perfect: When did you start producing videos and what in-
spired you?
Vinny Visuals: I started in 2015. By the time I was growing I
always wanted to be a filmmaker and when my dad bought
me a computer in 2015 i thought it wise to just start.
Perfect: Interesting. Now how was your experience shooting
your first video. How did it feel?
Vinny Visuals: I felt really great man, watching the way I cut
the clips and everything i did in the video i felt amazing.
Perfect: For the 5 years you have been in the industry, how do
you define your journey?
Vinny Visuals: I can’t say is was hard but both easy and
hard. I always thank my dad for getting me my first com-
puter.
Perfect: Which videographers do you look up to?
Vinny Visuals: I look up to Sukez and TG OMORI. These
two guys inspire me a lot.
Perfect: in terms of Malawi’s creative industry, do you
think we are there?
Vinny Visuals: eeehh we have a long way to go but I can
say most of us creative are working extra hard using
what we have ti come out with the best we can.
Perfect: Which artists have you worked with so far and
which of you production is still your favorite?
Vinny Visuals: Eli Njuchi, Fredokiss, Ritaa, Piksy, Viceroy,
Kesia and many others. both upcoming and established.
And about my favorite production is a very tricky ques-
tion, every project I’ve worked on so far has mean a lot
to me.
Perfect: What’s your advise for young men women who
would like to take Videography?
Vinny Visuals: Just go for it and work hard for it... It is
never too late.
Perfect: Finally, What’s your plans for the future?
Vinny Visuals: Wanna make company one of the best es-
tablished videography company in Africa.

T
o us Chancellor college has
become the best producers
of models , this week’s mod-
el Tinashe Kamanga is doing a de-
gree in Theology at the college. She
started her serious career in model-
ling when she got selected to Chan-
co in 2017. The 19 year old Tinashe
has participated in most amazing
and big fashion shows including the
Africa fashion and arts festival which
have so far exposed her to alot of
clients. Being asked on the stand of
modelling in Malawi she said: Ma-
lawi is now improving as compared
to the past years l can’t it’s yet there
but it’s in the process .Tinashe look
up onto Naomi Campbell and Mad-
die Yusuf as her international and
local role models respectively.

book
now
out
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, ALSO ON +265 884 09 42 85

Talking to RJ the DJ was amazing in way that we could get a new and inspiring statement out of
every question that we asked
Who is RJ?
RJ: RJ is a very passionate female DJ who started having
the passion for this job at 13 , her real name is Rejoice
Msindo. Before standing on her own she was work-
ing with Power 101 , she has also worked with various
stakeholders on the same , in short RJ is fully into Dee-
jaying career
how do you make yourself unique in the industry?
RJ: I take pride in my team. My manager and support
system encourage me to look at things differently.To
not fall into the norm but think way out of the
box.Researching and having a plan that suits
the environment. But it also means being
flexible. Making sure I am ready to take on a
new course should the need arise.
The Market keep on changing for ex-
ample in times like this the pandemic
is here , no shows etc ,,,, How do you
seek opportunities in such cases?
RJ: Thats where thinking outside the
box comes in. Lately djs have taken to
doing live streams for the masses. As
time progresses I am sure a way to get

paid and make a living through live
streams will come through if it hasn’t
already.It’s a very uncertain time for
a lot of people. But we keep together
and push
What is one mistake you see a lot of
up and coming DJs making? / What
advice would you give to aspiring
DJs?
RJ: Mistakes are good so I won’t call
out anyone on those. Everyone learns
differently and it varies according to
the kind of output one wants to give.
All I can say is set a direction and and
go with it. Focus and push. Research
and work hard. Don’t be afraid to ask
for help and advice from different
people
Mostly which type of songs turns on
your audience’s vibe when u play?
RJ: Oh that’s a tough one. I guess it
depends on the audience at the time.
I obviously can’t play amapiano at a
corporate function. So I guess it takes
me reading the event and the people
then give them the best I can
if you would rate Malawi’s effort to-
wards entertainment more especial-
ly on the Deejaying part what figure
would you give out of 10 ? And any
need to improve it ?
RJ: The djs in the country have pushed
so hard and I have so much respect
for them. Rating would be hard cause
if we are honest we still have a lot of
work to amongst ourselves.I guess
improvement would be the industry
actively coming together and putting
in the work
Which song doesnt get old to you as
a DJ?
RJ: Any song (laughs) Music to me is
timeless. Nothing gets old
plans for 2020?
RJ: Survive Covid and get back to mov-
ing the crowds.The plans are many.
Just waiting to get them back in mo-
tion and have a great year
You have worked with alot of DJs in
Malawi which one inspires you ,,,
and internationally who is your best
DJ?
RJ: I am inspired by all. Their approach
to the industry and how to deal with it
is very encouraging. Legends like Ken-
ny Klips have been a great support.
Internationally DJ Zinhle is
the one.Of course there’s
many others but she has
been someone I looked
up to from the start
Do you have any fears in
as far as your career is
concerned?
RJ: My biggest fear is I
might not be able to
do all the gigs I want
because I will be
too busy doing
all the oth-
er gigs I
want!
But there’s always a bit of fear of the
unknown. The usual what ifs. But i
have faith it will all work out
last words?
RJ: Thank you so much for always
supporting me. I really appreciate it.
Don’t forget to like and follow me on
all social media platforms @rjthed-
jmw. Stay safe. Wash your hands.

I love when your Hyde comes out to play
We entwine like fine-cut jewelry
gleaming under a light bulb
pink and blue sparkles
we fit in rich society
envied by others
in our overpriced countenance
i take my color pink
from the pink star diamond
and you, the impure Hope
my hope diamond
under the light you shine blue,
a hue i fall all over for
and when the lights are snuffed
you glow red of fire
bubbling volcanoes about to erupt
sure burn me!
i still stand flawless
ready to take the lava
i melt with our facade
dressed in couturier hats
printed “Relationship goals”
fighting to harden more
as the moon waits
to be blinded by the sun
i shower you with saliva
a hedge for my flying bullets
slowly fueling your magma
gently bubbling over
spilling venomous phrases,
slaps kneading my cheeks
and tonight in my ashes
i sleep soundly
happy to wake a phoenix

These are the days of our lives
Where we plan about the future
As we live the present
Where we toast to the future
And open our presents
Where we laugh and smile
After a heated argument
Where we run a mile - or two
Coz that is our agreement - to be fit
Where we hold each other tight
Like how a cloth holds us
Where we feel the love is right
Even when we see the faults between us
Where we love to the fullest
And try to not worry about tomorrow
Where we jump the highest
Just to get a glimpse of tomorrow

AS THE SAYING GOES
THAT, A SMOOTH SEA
DOES NOT MAKE A
SKILLED SAILOR

A
t a time when most grad-
uates are struggling to get
jobs in the cruel job mar-
ket, Allan Chowe is an exception.
Chowe started making products
from beads while in college and
has not applied for a job as other
graduates are doing. Operating
under the name Achobe Arts, Al-
lan Chowe is making a living out
of bead products. The 27-year old
Bachelor of Business Communica-
tion graduate from the University
of Malawi, the Polytechnic makes
bracelets, bangles, necklaces, ear
rings and waist beads that he sells
from his base in Chiradzulu dis-
trict.
Chowe explains that he started
making products from beads out
of curiosity in 2013. He said that
he had a bangle which he bought
in town when he was in secondary
school in 2010, but it was wearing
out and in the process of trying to
mend it he developed interest to
start making bangles.
“I was trying to mend a broken
bracelet that I had purchased in
town. I was trying to mend it when
I was doing my first year at the
Polytechnic, but I failed. I man-
aged to fix it in 2014 when I was in
second year. The process of mend-
ing that bangle resulted into my
first piece of work,” he says.
He adds that a classmate saw the
bangle he had fixed and wanted one
for herself. This lady turned out to
be Chowe’s first customer. Later the
lady came back with another order
and this spurred Chowe to start
making bangles for sale on campus.
Chowe says that most students at
Poly were now coming with orders
for bangles and he started using the
business to supplement the upkeep
he was getting from home.
Later the business became his main
source of upkeep and he started
selling in other colleges. When he
saw that there was potential in the
business, he developed a passion to
grow his skill and start making a va-
riety of bead products like necklaces
and ear rings. He got many custom-
ers through recommendations from
those that had bought his products
and when his business was growing,
so was his passion in beading.
“I started researching on the bead
products. I could watch videos on
YouTube and that enriched my skills.
I saw a video on YouTube of a certain
woman from South Africa who left
her Accounting job and ventured
into this beading business. That in-
spired me, and I started planning to
settle into this business when I was
in third year around 2016,” explains
Chowe.

Chowe developed a business plan
while in his fourth year in May 2017.
At that point he had made up his mind
to pursue beading as a business. Lat-
er that year, at the Poly final year stu-
dents awards he scooped the entre-
preneur of the year award.
He said that his business was born out
of passion and desire not the lack of
jobs as many other graduates.
“I made up my mind to push my busi-
ness and ensure it becomes and en-
terprise while still in college. I wasn’t
forced to start making products from
beads out of a lack of jobs,” he ex-
plains.
Chowe said that in 2018 his business
struggled due to a lack of customers.
But he experienced an upturn in for-
tunes the following year when peo-
ple started ordering his products for
engagement ceremonies and other
functions. He stresses that most of his
clients were those had seen the prod-
ucts from their friends and through his
advertising in WhatsApp groups.
In 2020, Achobe arts started using
models to showcase and market prod-
ucts on multiple social media plat-
forms which ensured that he reached
wider base. He developed a working
relationship with a few photography
firms and models who started show-
casing his products.
Chowe explains that he had planned
to reach many customers in 2020 by
showcasing his products in fairs, fash-
ion shows, cultural exhibitions and art
galleries.
“I planned of expanding my market
base from social media advertising to
another level so that Malawians should
know the Achobe brand. The Covid19
pandemic has affected my plans but I
am still pushing to make sure we make
progress and achieve some of those
targets,” he says.
Currently operating from his base in
Chiradzulu Boma, he plans to have a
physical location or a shop in Blantyre
or Limbe in future to ensure that most
of his potential customers and Malawi-
ans get to know his brand.
However, despite the progress over
the years Chowe explains that it has
not been plain sailing. As the saying
goes that, a smooth sea does not make
a skilled sailor, Chowe has met and de-
feated storms to grow this far.

He explains that the biggest challenge
to his growing venture is lack of mate-
rials.
“We do not have quality and sophisti-
cated beads in Malawi. I am currently
working with a friend in Tanzania who
helps in supplying me with beads and
I was trying to import from India and
China when the Coronavirus happened
and rendered that impossible,” he
complains.
Another challenge he has encountered
is community expectations from him
as a graduate.
“People feel like am wasting the
knowledge I acquired in college by not
pursuing a white-collar job in town and
settling for beading. That lack of trust
and support kills you, but I have belief
in my business hence am not discour-
aged by what people say,” he calms the
storm.
He cites lack of capital as another chal-
lenge that has affected his growing en-
terprise. He says that the lack of work-
ing capital has restrained him from
employing helping hands to hasten the
production process. He however plans
to employ other people in future to
help with the production process.
“The lack of capital however has made
me to be saving the money little I get
from my sales to buy materials for the
business to continue expanding. I have
a lot of products in stock that will go
into sell once we find a permanent
place in town. I am earning a living
out of beading, but I make sure I save
much of the income from the sales
and invest it back into the business,”
he says.
Chowe says that lack of an established
market has also crippled the growth of
his business. He has been relying on
recommendations from customers to
get new clients.
The beading entreprenuer also cites
lack of government will to develop the
art industry also contributes to a gen-
eral lack of appreciation for art in the
country. This results into people trying
get good products but at a very low
price.
“If our politicians included promotion
of the art industry in their manifestos
then we could have created jobs or
business for almost 60% of the jobless
young men and women in our coun-
try. This however does not pose as
a challenge to me but a mountain to
conquer. This spurs me to do more in
order to employ others in the near fu-
ture,” he says.
Chowe cautions the youth not to feel
ashamed of doing small scales busi-
nesses. He says that what matters is
planning and investing in their lives to
ensure a better and prosperous future.
As Chowe continues to grow his bead-
ing skills so is his confidence that his
business has the potential to compete
with any bead product in town. He be-
lieves that soon the Achobe brand will
be a household name and people will
be calling every product made from
beads “Achobe.”
********

Trendy mag june issue 01 2020 free

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