Programming Wedding Music in Malawi

I just had the fabulous pleasure of going to a wedding in Malawi where two of my friends tied the knot! It was a two day event with a traditional ceremony on the first day, and the Church-wedding and official dinner on the second (not that we lacked food at any time outside the official dinner though! #AfricanHospitality). I did the programming of the music for the dinner and had been working closely with the couple for a while to develop a playlist that would represent the vibes they wanted. 
  

The list stretches from jazz through James Brown to contemporary R’n B, African popular music and more. I’ve attached the playlist on the pictures below if you’re looking to get married, or just need some playlist inspiration!

I also had the fun of working alongside a local DJ. Him and his crew did the music for the Berikani-berikani (if you’re familiar with it) and the dancing after the dinner. Which was great—cause then I could go and dance!

Great view from the venue for the dinner, Malawi Sun, Blantyre

Snowdrift News 1 – Music News

2010 was an action filled first year for Snowdrift Productions and Harald Haltvik (aka. DJ Snowdrift). Here is an update from the projects of 2010, especially the latter ones:

1. Pre-Production:
Snowdrift has been working with a handful of songwriters at various stages of developing their original material. The activity has mainly revolved around arrangements and production planning and has run through the whole year.

2. Runway mixtapes:
DJ Snowdrift has made mix-tapes for several events by hair-stylist Andreas Constantinou throughout 2010. The aim of the collaborations has been to create a complete experience in sound, vision and modelling around the hair-styles that have been exhibited. Dave Sander of 1ClickPhotography has captured the events beautifully through the camera.


With some of the models after a show.


Model line-up after show.
(Photos by Dave Sander)


3. Hope For Justice charity gig:
Big happening at the charming Old Tramshed in Saltaire. Featuring DJ Agent M & DJ Snowdrift, Starling, Marmozets, The Coopers, Dolly Peters, Mark Stevens and Kate Walker. One amazing night!


DJ's view: panorama of the Old Tramshed.

4. DJ-ing:
DJ Snowdrift has appeared at several events in the UK through 2010. The repertoire has been from the 60’s and 70’s and containing Soul, R’n B and Funk, with the occasional added flavas’ of neo-soul, modern R’n B and Hip-Hop. Most of the events have been collaborations with the one and only Steven Lynch, aka. DJ Agent M.

Stephen Lynch - DJ Agent M

Harald Haltvik - DJ Snowdrift

5. London Jazz Festival:
On the more relaxing note I had a great time attending a concert by one of my former lecturers. Mr. Jeremy Monteiro, aka. “Singapore’s King of Swing” played in Soho one night during London Jazz Festival.


Jeremy Monteiro Trio at London Jazz Festival