By Jimmy Chazama:
In a drive aimed at developing the country’s melodies and stories in the creative sector, Copyright Fund on Friday disbursed over K300 million to 26 beneficiaries through the 8th and 9th calls for applications.
Copyright Fund is spearheaded by Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma).
Some of the recipients of the eighth call unveiled in Lilongwe included Ngugi International Foundation (K 9 million), Afritrix Pictures (K10 million) and Chingalire Rural Growth Centre led by seasoned musician and traditional leader Ben Mankhamba (K9 million), fashion designer Xandria (K15 million) and Mdauku wa aTonga (K15 million).
“We tried several times but our applications did not go through but this time we have made it. We are looking forward to implement a top notch schools festival as part of laying the foundation for art to flourish,” Mankhamba said Sunday.
The ninth call launched last month will see the recipients attending the Canex Wknd 2026 to be held next year in Nigeria.
Some of the beneficiaries that have made the grade included rapper IKK, Film Association of Malawi (Fama), Nyasa International Film Festival, content creator Taurai and Amapiano star Temwah.
The recipients for ninth call have received K15 million each.
“This support goes beyond just attending an event, it connects communities, attracts investment and shows that Malawi is moving from relying only on agriculture to embracing the creative economy,” Fama President Dorothy Kingston said.
Copyright Fund Committee Chairperson Robert Kapyepye said the disbursement of over K300 million to two calls on the same time marked a huge milestone for the creative sector.
“We believe the future is bright for the creative sector.
The general call for projects and the export readiness call for Nigeria mean more,” Kapyepye said.
The Copyright Fund was established by the government to provide financial support to creative arts and heritage projects, with the purpose of strengthening enterprises, expanding market access, creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange an promoting cultural diplomacy.