Provoice emerged victorious in the Buffalo Bicycles Jingle Competition recently, winning MK1,500,000 and a Buffalo Bicycle Utility S2. The Utility S2 is a heavy duty, 2 chains and 2 speed bike that offers a simple and durable choice between gears: high gear for flatter terrain and low gear for hilly terrain useful for the Malawian landscape. It can carry up to 100kg on its carrier.
Born Lameck Mwenebanda, Provoice has been on his musical journey since 2011, starting in reggae and dancehall. He grew up surrounded by music, shaping his ability to turn thoughts into melodies. His stage name, an interesting backstory itself, came about during a conversation with a producer who jokingly said his voice sounds “prophetic.” The thought stuck and he played around with it and ended up combining and shortening it to Provoice.
Provoice speaking the handover of his prize said that he is grateful to Buffalo Bicycles for this opportunity and to everyone who voted for him. He went on to say he was humbled to have an opportunity to use his voice to represent a brand that is impacting lives in Malawi.
The competition, organised by Buffalo Bicycles in partnership with Zodiak Radio, challenged artists; Provoice, Ben Mankhamba, SlY C, EmmQ and from MUST Gracious Marenga, Love Mhango and Ufulu Kachuza to create a jingle that is both engaging and culturally resonant. The goal was to produce a tune that reflected Malawian identity while promoting Buffalo Bicycles’ mission of mobility and empowerment.
Buffalo Bicycles collaborated with the Malawi University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bingu School of Culture and Heritage to vet the jingles and make sure they are culturally acceptable and that they encourage and promote diverse cultures.
Over two weeks, listeners cast their votes for their favourite, with Provoice ultimately being crowned the winner.
Charity Ndovie, Business Development Officer at Buffalo Bicycles, expressed excitement over the overwhelming public response. “Provoice’s jingle truly captured the spirit of what Buffalo Bicycles stands for, freedom, empowerment, and mobility,” she said.
Anthony Kinnaird, Country Director for Buffalo Bicycles Malawi and World Bicycle Relief, highlighted the competition’s deeper purpose. “This initiative reflects our commitment to local communities. We wanted something that not only engages young people but also embraces cultural identity,” he explained. “We’re now exploring ways to expand this concept with an even stronger cultural component.”
Buffalo Bicycles, which operates 22 shops across Malawi, is known for its durable bicycles that come with a five-year warranty and after-sales support. With initiatives like the Jingle Competition, the company continues to blend innovation with cultural heritage, driving both mobility and creativity across Malawi.
