A Diaspora Voice at St Chad’s: Royal Academy Soprano Tiwungane Leoni Malewezi Welcomes Malawian Bishops

BIRMINGHAM — A historic gathering of the UK’s Malawian Catholic community at St Chad’s Cathedral on Saturday 16th May was marked by a deeply moving liturgical contribution from rising operatic talent Tiwungane Leoni Malewezi.

The special Mass, celebrated by the Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, Bishop of Karonga and Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), brought together hundreds of the diaspora faithful. In a profound display of ecclesial communion, the resident Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, also attended, sitting in choir to honour the visiting prelate and the Malawian community.

For Malewezi, a first-year undergraduate soprano at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, the liturgy was a profound spiritual responsibility. Entrusted as the cantor to lead the Responsorial Psalm, she effectively carried the prayers and devotion of the entire UK Malawian Catholic diaspora through her voice. At The Racial Justice House, we view platforms and sanctuaries as places where the voices of the marginalised must be intentionally elevated. Leoni’s role on 16th May was a living embodiment of this mission. In leading the Responsorial Psalm, she did not just sing; she carried the prayers, the history, and the faithful devotion of the entire UK Malawian Catholic diaspora.

From Cathedral Chorister to the National Stage
Malewezi’s musical journey began early at Holy Cross Primary School in South Ockendon, Essex, where teachers first identified her rare vocal gift. Her musical and spiritual formation deepened significantly when her family relocated to the North West. Attending St Edward’s Catholic College in Liverpool—a school renowned for its choral tradition—she developed her technical foundations as a chorister within the Liverpool Archdiocese.

Family members recall that when she originally auditioned for the cathedral choir and was asked about her motivations, her response was instant and singular:

“I want to be chorister because music is my life.”

Her upbringing gave her a unique dual identity. Born in the UK but having spent part of her pre-school years in Malawi, she bridges two worlds. Furthermore, she carries a significant national legacy; she is the granddaughter of Malawi’s late first Vice President, the Right Honourable Dr. Justin Malewezi, and the daughter of Reverend Deacon Justin and Dr. Emmie Malewezi of the Liverpool Archdiocese. Her very names reflect this heritage: Tiwungane meaning “together as an anthill” in a reflection of community unity, and Leoni inheriting the name of her great-grandmother, Leonie Chizalema.

The Theology of the Voice
Saturday’s high-profile liturgy in Birmingham represents the latest milestone in a musical calling that Malewezi views strictly as a ministry. Her father, Deacon Malewezi, notes that her perspective was permanently shaped during her early years as an archdiocesan chorister.

After singing the Psalms during an evening prayer service at the cathedral years ago, a young Leoni noticed an elderly congregant weeping continuously in the pews. When she later asked her father why the music had caused her to cry, he explained that her voice was merely a conduit. The Holy Spirit was using her voice as a vessel to deliver God’s message directly to the hearts of the congregation.

This philosophy of serving as a spiritual conduit remains the anchor of her career. Despite the intense competitive pressures of securing a place at the Royal Academy of Music following her A-Levels, Malewezi attributes her success to a rigorous combination of disciplined hard work and persistent prayer.

Future Horizons: The Sanctuary and the Opera House
As a young Black classical artist navigating the elite conservatoire circuit in London, Malewezi represents a vibrant future for both the classical music industry and the contemporary Church.

Her long-term ambitions remain twofold. Whilst she aspires to perform professionally on the international opera stage, she remains resolutely committed to her calling within the sanctuary, ensuring her voice continues to serve the Church that formed her.

Reflecting on the success of the 16th May liturgy, community organisers expressed immense pride in her representation, viewing her flawless leading of the Psalm as a testament to the strength, faith, and cultural richness of the Malawian Catholic community in the United Kingdom.

Social Media Feature:
To follow Tiwungane Leoni Malewezi’s ongoing musical journey, classical recitals, and university life at the Royal Academy of Music, follow her official Instagram account: @leonimalewezi