BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-To say there was ever a dull moment at the Mo626 Southern Region Inter-College Social Weekend would be far from the truth.
From the very first beat to the final song that echoed into the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere was electric, an explosion of music, colour, creativity, and youthful energy that transformed the venue into a living, breathing celebration.
This was not just another college gathering. It was a carefully curated experience where culture met entertainment, where expression met opportunity, and where students from across the Southern Region came together to celebrate life beyond lecture rooms.
The weekend kicked off in style with the Tiphwasuke Costume Party, a vibrant opening that immediately set the tone.
Students from Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Catholic University (CU), and Kamuzu College of Health Sciences (KUHeS) showed up in their numbers, each group bringing its own flavour, identity, and competitive spirit.
Adding excitement and incentive to the day, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc rewarded the top three best-dressed men and women with K250,000 each.
The competition intensified as the afternoon progressed, with participants confidently showcasing their outfits, drawing cheers, laughter, and applause from the crowd. It was not just about winning; it was about being seen, being expressive, and being part of something bigger.
But the costume party was only the beginning, a teaser of what was to come.
From the moment guests began to arrive, it was clear this would be no ordinary night. The entrance became a runway of creativity, students stepping out in bold, daring, and sometimes humorous costumes. Some embodied pop culture icons, others leaned into abstract artistic concepts, while a few pushed the boundaries with elaborate, handcrafted designs that drew admiration from every corner of the venue.
As the clock struck 10 PM, the mood shifted. The lights dimmed, the sound system roared to life, and the crowd surged forward in anticipation. The stage, which had quietly waited in the background, suddenly became the centre of attention.
The first major wave of excitement hit when ‘Sizinantole’ hitmaker Malonie Kyz made a surprise appearance. His entrance was met with an eruption of screams as students rushed closer, phones raised high to capture the moment. His performance was energetic and engaging, effortlessly connecting with the audience as they sang along word for word, turning the space into a unified chorus.
Without losing momentum, Ace Jizzy, alongside Bee Jay, took over the stage. Their chemistry was immediate and infectious. As soon as the opening beats of ‘Jah Bless’ dropped, the crowd responded with explosive energy. Students jumped, danced, and sang along, their voices rising above the music. The duo kept the energy high, and when they performed fan favourites like ‘Tina’ and ‘Mpokompoko,’ the excitement reached another level. It was a moment of pure connection between artists and fans, raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
Then came a shift in tempo, as the night eased into a smoother, more melodic vibe.
R&B sensation Kelly Kay stepped onto the stage, bringing with him a wave of calm confidence and musical depth. His performance was more than just singing; it was storytelling. Moving seamlessly through hits like ‘NdiVailira,’ ‘Loss,’ ‘Finca,’ and ‘Ndatopa,’ he captivated the audience, many of whom swayed gently while others sang along with emotion.
A standout moment came when he performed ‘Mwano’, his collaboration with the late Martse. The mood softened, and for a brief moment, the high-energy party turned reflective. The crowd responded with appreciation, some raising their phones with flashlights on, creating a sea of light that flickered across the venue. It was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to connect across time and memory.
Just as the audience settled into this emotional rhythm, the unexpected happened: Malawian music icon Gwamba made a surprise appearance. The crowd erupted once again; the calm was instantly replaced by excitement. His presence reignited the energy, adding yet another memorable highlight to an already eventful night.
The surprises did not end there.
IKK then stepped onto the stage, bringing a distinctive sound and stage presence that kept the momentum going. Known for his versatility and ability to engage diverse audiences, he delivered a performance that blended rhythm, lyricism, and crowd interaction. Students responded enthusiastically, feeding off his energy as he moved across the stage with confidence and ease.
By this point, the night had already delivered multiple peaks, but it was far from over.
Joe Ikon followed with a performance that can only be described as explosive. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, the energy shifted dramatically. Fire effects lit up the stage, confetti filled the air, and the crowd surged forward, drawn into the spectacle.
Known for his tireless energy, Joe Ikon delivered hit after hit without slowing down. Songs like ‘Nkhawa Ndilibe,’ ‘Ndasangalala,’ ‘Oneni,’ and ‘Sekelela’ turned the venue into a high-energy dance floor. He danced, he jumped, he engaged, constantly interacting with fans, calling for responses, and keeping the energy alive. His stamina was unmatched, and the crowd mirrored his intensity, refusing to let the momentum drop.
As the night progressed, the musical journey continued to evolve.
Crispy, alongside Mario Bros, brought a transition into the world of hip-hop, trap, and urban sound. Unlike the high-intensity performances before him, Crispy’s approach was calm yet commanding. He walked onto the stage with a quiet confidence that immediately drew attention.
His set, featuring tracks like ‘Umpeze,’ ‘Wakutuma Nda?’ ‘Step by Step,’ ‘Kwambiri,’ and ‘Olowelera,’ resonated strongly with fans who appreciated his style. The crowd vibed differently, less jumping, more rhythmic movement, yet equally engaged. It was a reminder of the diversity of musical tastes within the audience and of the event’s ability to cater to all.
By the time the clock edged toward 3:30 AM, fatigue might have been expected, but instead, a second wave of energy swept through the venue.
Amapiano took over.
Zeze, the self-styled Amapiano king, stepped onto the stage and instantly transformed the atmosphere. The beats dropped, deep and infectious, and the crowd responded instinctively. The entire venue became a dance floor, with students moving in sync, lost in rhythm.
His set, featuring songs like ‘Ndilila M’Mvura,’ ‘Kusangalala,’ ‘Achisale,’ ‘Mvetsera,’ and ‘Kagwele Uko,’ kept the energy alive well into the early hours. There was no sign of slowing down, only smiles, laughter, and bodies moving to the music. It was the perfect closing act to a night defined by continuous highs.
The 2026 Mo626 Inter-College Social Weekend marks the second edition of the event, following a successful debut last year, also sponsored by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc. With each edition, the platform continues to grow, not only in scale but in impact.
Speaking at the event, NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Mphepo-Hiwa emphasised the Bank’s commitment to engaging young people in meaningful and relatable ways.
“As a Bank, we believe in inclusive banking, meeting people where they are and connecting with them through platforms that matter to them. The Mo626 initiative allows us to engage students beyond traditional banking spaces, while celebrating their creativity, energy, and aspirations,” she said.
She added that such platforms are not just about entertainment, but about building lasting relationships with young people, understanding their needs, and creating solutions that speak to their lifestyles.
As the music faded and the crowd slowly dispersed, one thing remained clear: the Mo626 Inter-College Social Weekend was more than just a series of performances. It was an experience. A shared memory. A celebration of youth, culture, and connection.
Following the success of the Southern Region edition, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc is expected to roll out similar experiences in the Central and Northern regions, extending the excitement and opportunity to students across the country.
And if this edition is anything to go by, one thing is certain: wherever Mo626 goes next, the party will follow.
