January 2025 Fourth Friday – Malawi

Experience the Flavors of Africa at the January Fourth Friday

The Valparaiso International Center’s January 2025 Fourth Friday event, featured a presentation on Malawi by Kate Joyo, owner and chief chef of Kate’s Kitchen in South Bend, Indiana. The event Clebrates the vibrant flavors, traditions, and hospitality of Africa, as shared by a culinary ambassador of African culture.

Born in 1970 in Blantyre, Malawi, Kate Joyo discovered her passion for cooking through her late mother, who taught her the art of traditional Malawian cuisine. After migrating to the United States in 2000, Kate built on her culinary foundation, blending traditional African flavors with innovative techniques to create cross-regional dishes.

As the owner and chief chef of Kate’s Kitchen, an African restaurant in South Bend, Kate has become a beloved figure in her community. Her restaurant serves as a cultural hub where people from diverse backgrounds come together to experience the warmth and spirit of African hospitality.

Kate was accompanied by her brother, Mahara Mhango. 

Mahara Mhango is an Afro jazz and world music artist from Malawi with a unique musical style and thought-provoking lyrics who weaves indigenous African themes into a contemporary musical fabric. Singing primarily in Tumbuka, spoken in parts of Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania, Mahara showcases his cultural roots by combining the poetics of local language with a distinct rhythmic and melodic element of his rare self-taught arpeggiating acoustic guitar style.

Through his distinctive musical style, evocative lyrics, and exploration of profound themes, Mahara has carved out a niche for himself in the Afro jazz and contemporary world music scene not only as a singer and musician but also as an impressive orator and advocate for African culture and culinary traditions. His passion extends beyond music, as he celebrates and promotes Africa’s diverse cultural heritage, shining a light on the rich traditions of its people, including the culinary arts that hold a central role in African identity.

He explores a wide range of issues, including faith, human resilience, African identity politics, and human frailty and angst, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. His messages are thought-provoking and inspirational, emphasizing the strength and determination of individuals in the face of adversity. One song that highlights this is “Chigumula,” a tale about Cyclone Freddy, which ravaged the southern parts of Malawi with such apocalyptic devastation.

Though rooted in African knowledge systems, his music further serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting listeners to engage with and appreciate the rich fabric of human experiences. Mahara’s exploration of African themes highlights the complexities and nuances of cultural, social, and political dynamics within the continent while speaking to the broader human experience. He draws inspiration from natural human sound elements, emotions, and spirituality, infusing them into his musical creations. But above all, Mahara aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Africa and shed light on the diverse experiences and challenges faced by its people.