Art in different disciplines such as music, theatre, dance, poetry, visual art and fashion offers entertainment but it also serves as a reflection of society and its evolution tackling important issues aimed at bringing about change. To-date, many countries in Africa including Malawi have not seen the importance of the creative sector in development despite its people brimming with ideas and talents. During an engagement with President Lazarus Chakwera at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre recently, Associate Professor Zindaba Chisiza at the University of Malawi (Unima) made a presentation on Mapping Malawi’s arts and cultural industries.
The presentation was based on a research Chisiza did with Professor Gowani Chijere Chirwa. The presentation showed that the creative industry contributes K28 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) representing 0.4 percent.
Chisiza said fashion and design is one of the art disciplines that has done well in the sector thus far. Against all odds, fashion continues to make headway in Malawi with several fashion designers feeding into the market with products. One of the designers who has stood out in recent times is Xandria.
Having dressed several renowned people, she has had to expand her reach by creating a platform for other designers to progress. She fashioned a programme known as All Shades of Beautiful Fashion after noticing the immense but unexposed talent in the country including among persons with disabilities. Now in its fifth edition, .