Malawi, Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world, but University of Dayton graduate Matt Maroon wanted to change that. Paige Singleton witnessed firsthand the impact of his charity Determined to Develop (D2D). Her experience in Africa and the work Maroon was doing inspired the UD graduate student and her friends to host the first Malawi Music Fest in 2015.
The festival is back this weekend, and this year’s lineup includes Enzo, Manray and Salvadore Ross. Here are a few things to know about the music fest:
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RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT
“My love of Malawi and my interest in it started with a trip I took there the summer between my junior and senior year of college. I went with a group on campus at UD called the Malawi Practicum on Rights and Development. We spent the summer doing various research projects for Matt. We also did our own individual research projects and we volunteered for the nonprofit while we were there,” Singleton told us.
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FORMING BONDS
“It’s the poorest country in the world and all of the people we interacted with were just so kind and generous. They will give you everything they can. They genuinely enjoy being around people and getting to know different cultures. It was really nice getting to know all the different people we interacted and worked with,” she said.
CREATING FUTURE PROSPECTS
"Determined to Develop is definitely making a huge difference. There are so many kids that have the opportunity to go on and further their education and better their own livelihood and well as their families through Matt's sponsorship programs," Singleton told us. The on-the-ground operation is based in the rural community of Chilumba, in the Karonga district of northern Malawi and works side-by-side with members of the community to address their needs and provide assistance in the overall development of the wider region.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
“We got to interact with a few of the different projects Matt was working on there. You see his focus on involving the community and not making decisions without their input. He’s making sure they’re working on projects that truly reflect the needs of the community and what the citizens there want. You can see big differences being made in people’s lives.”
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MUSIC LINEUP
6 p.m. — Acoustic Sets By: Dustin + Rachel and Joey +Simon
8 p.m. — Enzo
9 p.m. — Manray
10 p.m. — Salvadore Ross
In addition to live music, there will also be silent auctions, a photo booth, food and more. Son of a Biscuit will be dishing up their breakfast best.
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WANT TO GO?
WHAT: 4th Annual Malawi Music Fest
WHERE: The "Old" Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Doors open at 5 p.m.
COST: $10 at the door. Admission is FREE with the donation of a new or gently used book bag