Jaa Kev Madness Slams National Bank Over Delayed Forex Access
Published on August 12, 2025 at 9:44 AM by Evance Kapito
Malawian entertainment industry figure Kelvin Ngumuya, popularly known as Jaa Kev Madness, has blasted the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) over what he described as a frustrating and unacceptable experience when trying to access foreign currency.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaa Kev recounted applying for US$3,000 in forex at the end of July, just before leaving Malawi for his sustenance abroad. He claims the application process took two full working days, and bank officials instructed him to return to confirm whether the process had been completed before traveling.
“When I went back, they told me the process had failed but assured me the forex would reflect in my account within days. Two weeks later nothing. Yesterday, they emailed me saying they had deposited US$500 in my card, but when I tried to make purchases, it didn’t work,” Jaa Kev wrote.
He accused the bank of ignoring his follow-up emails and questioned their priorities.
“National Bank, you have horrible customer service. We shouldn’t have to beg for our own money. What if I needed it for emergency medical reasons? You’re forcing us to buy dollars at ridiculous black market rates. These guys think we are fools aise, forex akumasankha owapatsa.”
The National Bank of Malawi has not issued any public response to the allegations. The incident comes as Malawi grapples with a serious forex shortage, pushing many individuals and businesses to rely on the black market.
