A professional singer-songwriter from Keswick has enjoyed an impromptu performance with Madonna in Malawi.
Annemarie Quinn, an arts programme director at the Jacaranda School for Orphans, near Blantyre, which is funded by the charity Raising Malawi, was able to sing alongside the music megastar and seven times Grammy award winner.
Madonna, 62, was in the south-eastern African country to visit the school and officially cut the ribbon to open the Madame X Dance Studio which the non-profit organisation, co-founded by the Chicago born songstress and actress in 2006, has paid for.
Annemarie, a former Keswick School pupil who is becoming an established performer in Malawi, was able to outline her role at the school before the visit “turned into one huge jam” with everyone joining in the singing of the classic 1972 Bill Withers soul track Lean on Me.
“It was an incredible day – the students performed brilliant traditional dances and drumming pieces, and showcased unique art and fashion designs, and I presented the work I do to Madonna and her family,” said Annemarie, whose family live in Helvellyn Street.
“They arrived in my room and I talked through the arts programme we have implemented and what the students have achieved – we displayed the students’ ability to now be able to read and play sheet music, they played pieces on the guitar and piano, and we displayed a selection of vocal techniques we apply in our choir sessions.
“Madonna was only supposed to stay in my room for a quick five-minute session, as there was so much for her to see around the school, but she ended up staying for 30 minutes and we sang Lean On Me together!
“It was amazing and at the end gave me a huge hug.
“It was brilliant to witness Madonna’s genuine, unfaltering passion for the arts, and the continued support she has given to Jacaranda is wonderful.
The visit ended with more amazing performances from The Jacaranda Students and a huge dance of ‘Jerusalem’ that Madonna’s family joined in with, it was such a special day, what a way to start 2021.”
Also attending the visit was Annemarie’s husband Andy Liles, a former teacher at Lorton Primary School, who now teaches at St Andrew’s International Primary School in Blantyre.
He has previously delivered consultancy work to the headteacher at Jacaranda School on the sustainable development of teaching staff performance.
Madonna ended her visit to the school by giving a speech in which she described Jacaranda as being “a very special place.”
“The reason it’s so special to me – not only because there’s so many amazing, talented children here – but there’s also amazing teachers and the founders are passionate about what you do.
“It’s contagious,” said Madonna, who has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is certified by the Guinness World Records as being the best-selling female recording artist of all time.
“You’re teaching them skills that when it comes to art and creativity and expression – these are the things that keep us alive and keep us going through times of trouble and challenges.
“And you know, this has been a really tough year for everybody. But if you think about it, every year’s a tough year in Malawi, right?
“So what’s going to keep us going is loving what we do and it’s great that you’ve created a place where children can come and continue to learn and love what they do and learn skills from visual arts, to designing clothes, to playing musical instruments, to dance – which is my first love.
“So this place really holds a special place in my heart. Just keep up the good work everybody and that’s it. Believe in your dreams!”
Annmarie is making a name for herself in Malawi and this month releases her new album which is called Blue Sky Thinking.
The title song was chosen as BBC Radio Cumbria’s Track of the Week and has been aired every day this week.
Her father Steve, a self-employed painter and decorator, said that he was extremely proud of his daughter and her achievements.
“She has been a good singer songwriter since she left school,” he said.
“She has done a lot of festivals both here and in Malawi but she is always just under the radar.”
He said that his daughter has played the Lakes of Stars festival in Malawi which he describes as “their equivalent to Glastonbury.”
The Jacaranda Foundation provides 391 orphans and vulnerable children with education, home support and assistance with food. It also serves communities and families to improve the lives of children in Malawi.
In addition to free primary and secondary education, students receive daily nutrition programs, AIDS awareness activities, medical care, music, arts, sports and environment enrichment programmes, and university scholarships to selected high school graduates.