07/10/2024
Minister of Local government Chimwendo Banda to grace the launch of the nation's first folktales and folksongs database.
Malawi National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) and National Library Service will launch the Malawi Folktales and Folksongs Database on Wednesday, 9th October, 2024 at Crossroads Hotel Lilongwe.
Programs manager Christopher Magomelo other partners at the launch include Music Crossroads Malawi, Department of Museums and Monuments, Tumaini Letu and Rei Foundation Limited.
This project, initiated in 2012, has successfully documented and preserved a collection of folktales and folksongs from various districts across Malawi. Folktales and folksongs are an important part of our Intangible Cultural Heritage and National Identity.
Magomelo says the database is in three languages; Chichewa, English and Kiswahili, making it accessible to a wider audience both locally and internationally.
Currently, the database holds 257 folktales and 217 folksongs all stored electronically.
He says the database will ensure that Malawian culture is preserved and stored for future generations, and is easily accessible to the public online and via computers at the National Library.
The event will be presided over by the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Honourable Richard Chimwendo Banda, who will officially unveil the database.
The launch event will include a variety of activities like a special folksong adaption perfomance by Temwah, storytelling sessions, folksong performances, and screening of historical footage.
''Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience the database firsthand through computers displayed by the National Library.'' Magomelo says.
Following the official launch, a community launch will be held on Saturday, 12th October, 2024, at the National Library, Lilongwe from 10:00 AM where children will have a chance to learn how to use the database and enjoy storytelling sessions.