A Story of Unyielding Courage: Motherhood, Postpartum Depression, and Music
Lilongwe, Malawi — On stage, she is a force. Her voice soars over beats, commanding crowds from Lilongwe to New York, Cape Town to London, Kinshasa to Beijing. Her hits—Mudya, Yesu Wanga, and Ntumeni—have lit up airwaves, amassing millions of views and placing her firmly among Malawi’s musical elite. But behind the accolades, the international collaborations, and the streaming success lies a quieter, more intimate reality Temwa is only now beginning to share: the fragile, often unseen side of motherhood.
In an emotional social media post that has stirred hearts across the continent, Temwa, Malawi’s chart-topping star known for her collaborations with Tuksin SA, Zeze Kingston, Gwamba, Namadingo, and Lawi, opened up about her struggle with postpartum depression.
“I wish more people were transparent about motherhood,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “There’s a lot of load we carry… mourning your old life, the emotional weight, struggling to love your new body, the changes in relationships… and still, society tells us we’re ungrateful for even voicing it.”
It was a rare and courageous glimpse into the inner world of a woman many have only seen shining on screen or via the earwaves. Known for her electrifying Stool Studio session with Madness Entertainment that produced the viral hit Ndilikuti, Temwa has long been celebrated not just for her vocal prowess, but for pushing boundaries in sound and message. Yet here, she wasn’t a performer—she was a mother, speaking her truth with raw vulnerability.
“Even with a great support system,” she continued, “a loving family, a supportive partner—you can still feel like this.”
In a society that often romanticises motherhood and silences the pain behind it, Temwa’s honesty has sparked a necessary conversation. Her words have resonated with women across Malawi and the diaspora who have endured similar struggles in silence. In breaking hers, she’s opened space for others to breathe and be heard.
Temwa doesn’t downplay the beauty of motherhood, but she speaks honestly of its challenges. “Motherhood is rewarding,” she said, “but it’s also a journey that demands so much grace, so much patience.”
Balancing studio sessions with midnight feeds, and music video shoots with unpredictable days of childcare, Temwa is navigating a new rhythm—one of resilience, sacrifice, and grace. Still, she thrives. Her recent duet Mvetsera with Zeze Kingston continues to climb the charts, adding to a growing portfolio that is as emotional as it is empowering. Her collaborations—whether with Namadingo, Lawi, or other celebrated artists—have not only amplified her voice but placed Malawian music on an increasingly global stage.
To many, she is the sound of a new Malawian generation—fierce, experimental, spiritual, and unapologetically bold. To fellow mothers, she is now also a voice of solidarity, strength, and survival.
Temwa’s musical journey has seen her share stages with some of Africa’s most respected artists and gather millions of views across platforms. But in this moment—stripped of glamour, lit only by honesty—she may have offered her most powerful performance yet.
“Sending love to all the new mothers in Malawi,” she wrote to close her post. “I love you and you’re not alone.”
In telling her truth, Temwa has done more than break a silence. She has become a mirror for others, a balm for unseen wounds, and a beacon of hope. In her, Malawi has not just an artist—but a warrior, a mother, and a voice that refuses to be silenced. She is unyielding courage in motion—and, without a doubt, a true goodwill ambassador for the many unheard voices behind the music.
