Folksongs project launched

Rei Foundation has signed an agreement with Malawi National Commission for UNESCO and Music Crossroads Malawi to begin the Malawi Folksongs Project, which will see members of these organisations travel around Malawi to record and preserve folksongs from all over the country. The preservation of these folksongs will contribute to music education in Malawi; promote an appreciation for the folksongs of the communities, groups and individuals concerned; reinforce them with a sense of identity and continuity.

There is great need for the safeguarding of the folksongs as many have disappeared because of lack of preservation. The project will save many folksongs which might otherwise have been lost, while contributing to the development of the music industry in Malawi.

Women performing a folksong. Photograph by Ingrid Ytre-Arne.

Women performing a folksong. Photograph by Ingrid Ytre-Arne.

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