Since his return from the United Kingdom three months ago, a lot has been said about one of Malawi’s leading gospel musicians George Mkandawire. A common rumour doing rounds is that the musician was deported from the UK after he was involved in a drunk-driving incident. There are also reports that he was into drug trafficking and that he was in the business of selling stolen cars. But in an interview with Society mid week, Mkandawire brushed aside the rumours and gave his side of the story. “The truth is that my visa had expired and I had wanted to renew it but the authorities advised me to come back to Malawi to have it renewed but I didn’t leave immediately because I was not ready. “But while I was getting ready, a person who was close to me, probably a friend, informed the Police. And when I was on my way to Birmingham to perform at a wedding ceremony of some Malawian couple, the Police stopped me and told me they had been tipped about my expired visa. That is what happened. “But I have been hearing stories that I was selling stolen cars, that I was involved in a car accident and my legs were amputated. In the said accident, I was not even driving the car, I was a passenger in a friend’s car so I wonder where people have been getting these stories,” he said. Mkandawire added that he is not moved by the rumours. “All this is happening because this is the position where God put me and I thank God so much because it made me realise who is my friend and who is not, and like the Bible says, we shall be persecuted and criticised for doing good, it is not something new,” he said, and added that he is not the only gospel artist in the diaspora who has been subjected to these taunts. “A lot has been said about some gospel artists who are also in the UK. I feel this is a war against God’s people. I don’t have the strength to prove to anyone that this is true or false. All I can do is to give glory to God because after everything that has been said, here I am today, praising Him and standing strong. And this is the moment that I have really proven that God is my rock,” he said. On a different note, Mkandawire, the star of the hit songs Nkhampenjanga and Thanthwe, disclosed he will be launching his new album Ulendo at the French Cultural Centre in Blantyre on Friday. “This album stems from my experience going back to my last six months. With what I have seen in society and with what God has done for me through these trying moments—during my stay in the UK, to my coming back home and through to the death of my sister Hellen,” he said. Mkandawire explained that he, during his lowest moments, considered his life to be in darkness. “That is why I have even done a song called Nyali where I am crying out to God to get me out of the darkness and bring the light. I know that somewhere, somehow, someone today is going through a trying moment and this track is going to be an inspiration to them,” he said. Mkandawire added: “Life is a journey and without patience, faith and the hunger to walk with Christ, we cannot make it, we are not fully equipped. Those are the two main themes in the album.” Ulendo was recorded at Jazzy G Studios in Manchester, UK and PC Studio and Premium Recordings, both in Blantyre. Supporting artists at his Blantyre launch will include songstress Ethel Kamwendo Banda, honjo-star-turned gospel artist San B, Ndirande Anglican Voices and Sangwani.
Akuluwa m'malo moti akanangovomera nalangiza amalawi za m'mene kulili ku mayiko akuwulaya, akuvutika ndikutsutsa zoti anampanga deport. Koma a reporter nawo awakwacha anzawo. Akanangolemba kuti mnyamata woyimba amene wakhazikika ku UK wabwera kuza launcher album. Amalawi akanakhulupilira napita mwaunyinji wawo ku launching. Tsano iye sanawone kuti anthu ku UK akupanga ma Masters kapena Certificates 10 ndicholinga choti akhale ndi ma pepala nkumakhala.
Akuluwa m'malo moti akanangovomera nalangiza amalawi za m'mene kulili ku mayiko akuwulaya, akuvutika ndikutsutsa zoti anampanga deport. Koma a reporter nawo awakwacha anzawo. Akanangolemba kuti mnyamata woyimba amene wakhazikika ku UK wabwera kuza launcher album. Amalawi akanakhulupilira napita mwaunyinji wawo ku launching. Tsano iye sanawone kuti anthu ku UK akupanga ma Masters kapena Certificates 10 ndicholinga choti akhale ndi ma pepala nkumakhala.
Wowowo, hold up Mulopwana, what's up? According to the above interview this dude, George didn't refute the rumors that he was deported. What happened to him is not something new or strange, it happens. It's really unfortunate how some people think, don't you feel a little bit guilty that you contributed to somebody's misery (the deportation of someone). I don't know who the hell is this George guy but just reading this I feel sorry for him. Unfortunately over there in UK I heard that people do such kinds of stuff, reporting to authorities about someone's status. It just reminds me of my old days when I was in Bend and some haters too tried that same thing to their fellow Malawians but guess what, all the cops told them was that unless they commit a felony there is nothing they can do about that, that's not their territory.
To brother George all I can tell you is LET YOUR HATERS BE YOUR MOTIVATORS!!!! I wish you all the best and Keep Your Head Up.
True, he did not refute the deportation thing but he knew that he was staying illegaly. I wanted to stress on the fact that he should have atleast enrolled in one of the cheaper schools and may be do social care studies. With that may be he couldnt be deported. I for one cant wish somebody bad predicament therefore cant report to the authority. Anyway people missed him back home. He has to re-relaunch his promising career. I wish him all the best.
Mulopwana wrote: Anyway people missed him back home. He has to re-relaunch his promising career. I wish him all the best.
And that justifies what was done to him?
I agree with Brandy on that one. The difference between the US and here is that the US authorities know that it would be practically impossible to deport every illegal "alien". The British do it just to fill a quota to show the right-wing asswipes that they are doing their job of curbing immigration.
To the story... I hear this happens a lot particularly in Manchester.
Typical of malawianas.I remember how some people supported the crucifixion of Nyasaland by JRC.
For George,remember what Jesus said when he was confronted by Pharisees on tax........let what belongs to ceasar be his and Gods be His.What I want to say is even if pipo kept quiet about your xpired visas,it was not good for you,you were breaking some laws in queens land.And am sure nobody hates you,they are just real friends whom knowing how things could end up with you decided to play snake in the grass.
Next time buy the advise of registering with any school,and your stay will be longer.
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If Iam not for myself,who will be for me?And if Iam only for myself,what am I?
do men of God think they are immune to man's own laws?just curious because they are quick to break mans laws and comprehend to God's.i know Gods law is supreme but does it say dont obey mans laws.
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all i have is my word,and i dont break it for nobody.
I don't understand what you people mean by "men of God". What makes him so different from me or anyone else. I don't get it. What! Because he prays so much or what. Or he goes rto church a lot. What is it?
I don't understand what you people mean by "men of God". What makes him so different from me or anyone else. I don't get it. What! Because he prays so much or what. Or he goes rto church a lot. What is it? I think it's absolutely rubbish if you ask me.
if you believe you will know.
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all i have is my word,and i dont break it for nobody.
I don't understand what you people mean by "men of God". What makes him so different from me or anyone else. I don't get it. What! Because he prays so much or what. Or he goes rto church a lot. What is it? I think it's absolutely rubbish if you ask me.
Just watch and let it be...
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If Iam not for myself,who will be for me?And if Iam only for myself,what am I?
For George,remember what Jesus said when he was confronted by Pharisees on tax........let what belongs to ceasar be his and Gods be His.And am sure nobody hates you,they are just real friends whom knowing how things could end up with you decided to play snake in the grass.
The dude isnt refuting anything but Malawians almost everywhere have a tendency of hating anybody who is prospering and they do what they can to pull you down. Why should somebody report to the authorities about my status as if am not aware of it myself? I believe George was planning to go back at some point when he was good and ready. Anybody who reports on a brother has no love and is definately not a friend.Just haters who thrive by soiling others. These days if you are taken, chances of you coming back are very slim because you are scrutinised from head to toe.....everybody knows that but i guess this should also tell us that trust comes at a high price.
I don't understand what you people mean by "men of God". What makes him so different from me or anyone else. I don't get it.
Because he believes in God above all else!!!! "All I can do is to give glory to God because after everything that has been said, here I am today, praising Him and standing strong. And this is the moment that I have really proven that God is my rock,” he said.
mulopwana not evrybody that is illegal has to enroll in school or do some kind of education.you say you feel sorry for the guy but yet you are happy he's back home because people missed him?how do you relaunch promised carreer without money especally music?this guy went to mangalande to better his life.any way george if you happen to cross the ocean again try to keep your status to ur self.amulopwana osayiwala "karma"
YTP, I do agree that we have alot of the PHDs amongst us,if you read my first sentence.What I dont agree with george is that its part of trials,hence the xample of tax.But at the same time its a blessing in disguise for him....... he's home and dry.
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If Iam not for myself,who will be for me?And if Iam only for myself,what am I?
YTP, I do agree that we have alot of the PHDs amongst us,if you read my first sentence.What I dont agree with george is that its part of trials,hence the xample of tax.But at the same time its a blessing in disguise for him....... he's home and dry.
Pope,
A blessing in disguise? How? Getting a free flight home?! He is home alright but DRY? Dunno!!!! I got you on the tax xample but i see no justification in having someone report on me....cos surelly i know my status is already rocky but i have to plan and execute at my will......i dont need some dumb a** report on me cos he isn't happy with his own miserable life. Imagine being confined in some detention hell and get all that crap! No freedom of getting your belongings or doing that last minute chore you always forget. And above all, who needs the trauma of all this when life is already harsh without the addition of "friends"??
Yes he is home and dry. I am his fan and I missed his music alot when i was home on vacation. People in gospel circle assist each very much, so dont worry guys he will come over it unscathed.
As for Game, stop speaking in parables. You mean he was not supposed to be staying in UK because it was illegal and therefore cheating before God. So as a man of God he was wrong and should have known. Is that what you were saying in your posting Game?
"Today I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighters gun,do not let the olive branch fall from my hand,I repeat: do not let the olive branch fall from my hand"-Yasser Arafat at the UN-1974
As for Game, stop speaking in parables. You mean he was not supposed to be staying in UK because it was illegal and therefore cheating before God. So as a man of God he was wrong and should have known. Is that what you were saying in your posting Game?
men of God are supposed to be squeaky clean,snow white thats when you qualify to be called a man of God.define for me the term give to ceasar what belongs to ceasar and to God what belongs to God.and it was jesus who said this,so he did not contradict his beliefs and the law of man.
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all i have is my word,and i dont break it for nobody.
men of God are supposed to be squeaky clean,snow white thats when you qualify to be called a man of God.define for me the term give to ceasar what belongs to ceasar and to God what belongs to God.and it was jesus who said this,so he did not contradict his beliefs and the law of man.
Thanks game!!! m' manja umo....Khwa....Khwaaa!! I wouldnt have explained better.
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If Iam not for myself,who will be for me?And if Iam only for myself,what am I?
Pope, A blessing in disguise? How? Getting a free flight home?! He is home alright but DRY? Dunno!!!! And above all, who needs the trauma of all this when life is already harsh without the addition of "friends"??
Am told his best friends are in malawi.
__________________
If Iam not for myself,who will be for me?And if Iam only for myself,what am I?
It just shows that Malawians are yet to develop socially.
How many Americans or Indian in Malawi would call the authorities on a fellow country member - none...Most people stick together in foreign lands. Not Malawians..Its a shame, really. Its it pathetic that people do these things to eachother. I am so embarrased to be a Malawian when I hear these stories.. People from other african countries are always shocked when they here that Malawians call immigration on eachother....
I hope one day we will realise that each time you screw up someones life, it affects the country as a whoel b/c that person was in a position to assist someone else from Malawi... Regardless of whether he was deported or not who really cares....Everyone living abroad know how life really is..... Look at the Mexican banding together in the US they are coming out and saying were illegal .... and the have the support of the legal Mexicans as well.... really..this is messed up ...
How many Americans or Indian in Malawi would call the authorities on a fellow country member - none...Most people stick together in foreign lands. Not Malawians..Its a shame, really. Its it pathetic that people do these things Look at the Mexican banding together in the US they are coming out and saying were illegal .... and the have the support of the legal Mexicans as well.... really..this is messed up ...
There's just no love lost between Malawians. And some find this amusing to the point of wishing it to happen again!!!! And yet we moan right here of not helping our poor nation when we dont even have love for a brother