Page 34 - Number 2 2021 Volume 74

22 The Society of Malaŵi Journal

that she had grown up in. Being a female singer/performer in Malawi in the
60s/70s was frowned upon. It led to conflict with her own father, a highly
respected politician. She was judged by many but fundamentally she was also a
very proud woman.
1985/6, MBC sent a few of their broadcasters to South Korea for further
training. I feel that trip really cemented her skills as a communicator, radio
producer and presenter. She did also laugh at the fact that the Koreans all thought
she was American. She complained about the difficulty of buying new clothes
because she was so big compared to the Koreans!
I recall many trips to MBC studios to help her type up her copyright sheets for
submission to ensure that royalties were paid. She was absolutely adamant that
this had to be done and done properly. Her ex-colleague says that she had
“exceptional standards”. That is why it was of fundamental importance to be a
founding member of the Copyright Society of Malawi – to assist artists to be able
to enjoy some financial benefits for their work. Her legendary shows such as the
“1:20 Show” with her signature sign off “Byeeeeeeeeeeee” will be remembered
by the older generation (I realise that includes me as I approach 50). I recall that
she was also involved in the “Morning Basket”. I also met many colleagues there
she respected such as Owen Lupesya and Dr Benson Tembo, Chaipa Hiwa (whom
she almost treated as a nephew or son – he was very special to her). I saw some
of these same colleagues when she went to South Africa and joined Channel
Africa.
She participated in the choral workshops at Chancellor College with Dr Mitch
Strumpf. When Mitch Strumpf died my mother was very reflective ….and said
that every once in a while she meets someone who remembered her by the choral
workshops that Mitch “drove” them through at Chancellor College for so many
years. He stayed in touch with my mother all the years he moved around
Zimbabwe, Tanzania and finally the country in which he died, Zanzibar. She
recalled every time he visited Malawi – he always made sure that he saw her even
for a minute. She marvelled at his energy.
A few years ago I found an essay on the internet about her contribution
and participation in the choral workshops at Chancellor College…she loved those
times. In the Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities (a book co-
edited by Dr Jonathan Deuck) the chapter written by Dr Mellonee Burnim - said
that “what she executed was well beyond the coaching” she had given her. “While
the sound was uniquely and distinctively her own, Ms Chidzanja sang with
personal conviction that galvanised the audience… The shouts of affirmation,
whistles and spontaneous applause caught me by surprise; I had not anticipated
that in this international setting such an atmosphere of electricity would permeate
the event.” That is what Ms Chidzanja-Nkhoma, Anankhoma could generate!