🎤 UMP Festival To Honour the Late Wisdom Chitedze 

The Urban Music People (UMP) Festival 2025 is set to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late Malawian urban gospel artist, Wisdom Chitedze. 

In recognition of his impact on music, youth empowerment, and education in Malawi, the festival will posthumously present him with the esteemed UMP Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, the main stage at the festival will be named the “Wisdom Stage” in his honor . 

Born on March 29, 1979, in Blantyre, Wisdom Chitedze was known for blending hip-hop and R&B with local languages to address social issues and inspire young people. His notable works, including “Tipewe,” “Misonzi,” and “Odala Mayi,” remain influential in Malawi’s music scene. Chitedze collaborated with several prominent Malawian artists, such as David Kalilani and Dominant One, leaving behind a legacy that continues to uplift and motivate . 

Beyond his musical career, Wisdom was a devoted husband and father, a man of faith who served as a church deacon, and a respected professional. At the time of his death on November 27, 2011, in South Africa after a battle with cancer, he was the Internal Audit Manager at Standard Bank and held an MBA and ACCA certification, while pursuing a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

If you’re a Gen Z and are struggling to remember Wisdom, check out David Kalilani and Lawi’s “Ulendo” on Spotify — a song dedicated to the late artist. 

UMP Festival 2025 will take place from October 21 to 27 in Cape Maclear, Malawi. The newly named “Wisdom Stage” will serve as the central platform for performances by artists inspired by Chitedze’s work. A special Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to his family during the festival . 

For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.umpfest.com.