On Friday, June 27th, 2025, something quietly powerful happened at Zaluso Arts in Area 47, Lilongwe. Just over 50 people, most of them men, showed up not just to attend an event, but to take a step towards vulnerability, healing, and community. How Are You, Really? marked the first-ever pilot of Unplugged Wellness Circles, a program under our broader creative development initiative aimed at tackling mental health head-on, not with pity, but with purpose and panache.

Unplugged Wellness Circles were born from a simple truth: men are struggling, and often in silence. In a society that rewards toughness and punishes tenderness, emotional expression becomes a quiet casualty. But we believe mental health isn’t a side note, it’s foundational. So we created a space that felt human. Creative. Safe. And real.

The pilot was a blend of conversation, sound, storytelling, and shared emotion. From the bold intimacy of the ripple method to the honest conversations around money, pressure, and survival, each moment mattered. And none of it would have been possible without you.

To our program partners, 21st Generation, led by Grey Mafuta, Tadala Kupunda and Zwange Kumwenda thank you for working with our to bring this . Our incredible team of therapist, Gilbert ‘Eagle’ Kamanga and Kate Chipili, thank you for holding the space down so compassionately. To the Zaluso Arts team, led by Otiyela Mtema, who transformed emotion into visual expression through our interactive “Emotion Wall.” To Kweza, guided by Q Malewezi, Karen and team, thank you for holding the sonic backbone of the experience.

To AB Malinga of Melodix Studios, and our soulful performers, Way2Savage, Mic Mash, Matt Alegeo and band, thank you for offering your art in its rawest, most human form. Your unplugged sets didn’t just entertain, they anchored the day’s theme with grace.

To every single one of the 50+ attendees who showed up, leaned in, shared, or simply sat in quiet understanding, you are the reason this work matters. We are grateful. We are moved. And we are just getting started. Special shout out to Belita Kajamu and the DoorBell team for making this event a company activity.

See you at the next one.

Photo Gallery: https://thesoireefoundation.org/gallery/unplugged-wellness-circles-pilot/

Feedback Form (we would like to hear from you): https://short-link.me/1684m