KIM, KBG seeks to spark ambition in Malawi creatives
Musicians KIM of Diamonds and KBG, who are among the 2023 Mandela Washington fellows and currently in United States of America (USA), have said their mission is to drive determination in fellow creatives in the country as well as empower them to dream big.
KIM real name Kimberley Kaunda , who is based at University of Texas in Austin, said through her social media page that by strengthening “our local music industry, we can effect positive change in the lives of young talents and our nation as a whole”.
“Collaboration is key, as music knows no boundaries. As a Mandela Washington Fellow 2023, I want to empower young African talent on a journey of musical transformation as a young African leader,” she said.
The Lilongwe-based singer-songwriter and consultant said music is her lifeblood and that she was thrilled to share that she was living her dream as well as working in her dream job.
She said she has preserved and found her true calling and that today with three albums, two Extended Playlists (EPs) and several singles, she is driven a greater purpose—to bring impactful change to the Malawian and African music industry.
KIM shared more on Music Business Academy for Africa, a program focused on understanding and operating within the African music business landscape.
“In 2021, I became an A&R consultant and community manager for Nvak Foundation & Nvak Collective, empowering emerging artists worldwide through education, mentorship, and direct grants. It was a life-changing opportunity,” she said.
The musician said enrolling in the Music Business Academy for Africa further solidified her position in the market and that she made it to the top 10 of the Music Business Academy for Africa programme which allowed her to network with brilliant young minds in Lagos, Nigeria.
“Now, as a young African leader selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, I see the urgent need for innovative and impactful leaders in the Malawian music industry. We must build a supportive and connected community, breaking beyond our borders to reach global audiences,” she said.
KBG real name Kelvin Before Gumbi, who was recently invited to take on photography at Des Monies Arts Festival, said as a Mandela Washington Fellow 2023, he will document his experience through pictures and small video clips so that those who are interested in the programme can see what it is all about.
“There are a lot of young people doing amazing things across Africa and we should make it a point to learn and network if African young leaders want to take this continent to the next level,” he said.
Based at University of Drake, KBG spoke vastly about systems looking at transportation, infrastructure, education, creative industries and food.
US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Namita Biggins said recently that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali) which is the US government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders
