Malawian Musicians Step Up to Support Citizens Stranded in South Africa

Malawian musicians are increasingly stepping forward to support fellow citizens stranded in South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks, with Kell Kay, Loiso, and Patience Namadingo all joining the humanitarian effort.

Award-winning singer Kell Kay has donated K5 million, along with other relief items, to support the repatriation and welfare of affected Malawians.

Rising artist Loiso has also won praise after donating K1 million from the performance fee he earned at the KUHeS Social Weekend – Patheba Sipokhala event. His gesture attracted widespread attention because he has never performed in South Africa, yet he chose to help Malawians caught up in the crisis.

When announcing his donation, Loiso wrote:”I have donated part of my performance fee for the show tomorrow to help in the repatriation efforts of my brothers and sisters in South Africa.”

His contribution made him one of the first Malawian musicians to publicly support the fundraising campaign and sparked calls for more artists to join the cause.

Meanwhile, international gospel star Patience Namadingo has now travelled to Durban, South Africa, where hundreds of displaced Malawians are staying in temporary camps.

On 23 June, Namadingo hinted that he wanted to help, writing:

“My heart is very heavy. Thinking of the Malawians stranded in South Africa. There must be something I can do. Something I will do.”

On 28 June, he confirmed that he had arrived in Durban, posting:

“More details to follow tomorrow. Tonight we start working.”

Although he is yet to reveal the full details of his mission, Namadingo’s arrival at the camp has raised hopes among many Malawians that more assistance is on the way.

As more musicians use their influence and resources to support the affected families, many people are hoping that others in the entertainment industry will also join the ongoing efforts to bring stranded Malawians back home safely.