At this years World Citizen Artist Awards, Zambian songstress Yvonne Mwale could secure herself the second place. At her performance in Kingston, she experienced Jamaica’s love for Africa.
Yvonne Mwale just brought home her next international award: At the World Citizen Artist Awards 2018 she took the second place and was invited to perform her winning song during the annual Bob Marley celebration at 56 Hope Road in Kingston. A location with an outstanding history. It used to be the home address of Bob Marley and is today the location of the Bob Marley Museum. At 6th February, crowds of Bob Marley fans, Rastafarians and music lovers gathered there to remember the life and music of Jamaica’s music icon Bob Marley. Part of the program was Yvonne Mwale, who performed her song ‘Kuwingamo’. The track promotes peace and humamity and is part of her current album ‘Msimbi Wakuda’ which is internationally distributed by Soulfood Music. After the musical performances, Yvonne was awarded by Valerie Won Lee, founder of the World Citizen Artist Awards, with a cheque which is used to support children in need in Jamaica. Yvonne Mwale thanked the Word Citizen Artist Awards, the Bob Marley Foundation as a host and the audience in a short speech. The audience awarded her performance with a big applause.
During the celebration on the grounds of the Bob Marley Museum, Yvonne Mwale was a much requested artist. Many visitors of the celebration enjoyed sharing some words with a true African lady. Since most Jamaicans are of African decent, most of them never had the opportunity to visit “The Continent”. Therefore, the excitement was big to enjoy genuine African culture first hand. That was not different with local media in Jamaica: various TV stations invited Yvonne for an interview and are happy to now play her music videos. “I was shocked how friendly the people welcomed me and how much they love Africa! I’m sure that wasn’t my last time in Jamaica.” says Yvonne Mwale after her performance.
But before being on stage for the big celebration, more efforts where needed. After an 11 hours flight across the Atlantic Ocean, her first days were packed with meetings with representatives of the World Citizen Artist Awards and the Bob Marley Foundation. On Monday, the day before the concert, it was time to head for the legendary Tuff Gong Studios, founded in 1970 by Bob Marley. Songs like “No Woman, No Cry” or “Buffalo Soldier” were recorded there. Later, artists like Shaggy, Lauryn Hill or Snoop Dog recorded at the Tuff Gong Studios. Yvonne came here to meet her backing band and to rehearse for the upcoming concert.
The morning before her performance, Yvonn Mwale gave a workshop with kids and youths from Kingston to inspire and encourage them. The workshop ended with a joint singing and dancing session.
The days after the concert, Yvonne could finally enjoy the few remaining days to enjoy Jamaica’s stunning nature, beaches and the famous Blue Lagoon.
Currently, Yvonne Mwale and her team are working on preparations to record her upcoming fourth studio album.