By Rahim Abdul
A Dedza-based musician, Howokire Lweya, is preparing to use the power of music to promote mental health awareness and inspire positive change among inmates at Dedza Prison through a unique outreach event scheduled for July 6, 2026.
Lweya said the upcoming event, dubbed Mental Health Awareness Dedza Prison Show, is aimed at using music as a tool to transform lives and encourage healthy thinking among people from different walks of life.
The artist explained that beyond entertainment, music has the ability to influence attitudes, heal emotional wounds and offer hope to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Lweya noted that the event has been deliberately planned around Malawi’s Independence celebrations, describing the period as an opportunity to reflect on freedom, personal growth and second chances for those serving prison sentences.
According to the musician, inmates often face emotional and psychological challenges that are rarely discussed openly, making mental health awareness an important part of rehabilitation efforts.
Through performances and interactive sessions, Lweya intends to share messages of resilience, self-belief, and personal development while working alongside mental health professionals who will provide guidance and counseling to the inmates.
He believes that supporting prisoners’ mental well-being can help prepare them for successful reintegration into society once they complete their sentences.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Dedza Prison Officer-in-Charge, Chimwemwe Mike Shaba, who has previously expressed interest in nurturing various talents among inmates, including music and other creative skills.
Shaba has indicated that the prison administration is collaborating with different stakeholders to ensure that inmates are given opportunities to develop their abilities, which can serve as a source of hope and empowerment during and after incarceration.
Lweya has since appealed to individuals, organizations, and well-wishers to support the event, either by partnering with the initiative or donating items that can benefit inmates, saying collective efforts can make a lasting impact on the lives of those behind bars.
