They work in various media, producing carvings in stone and wood, batiks and paintings. Like most other African countries, Malawi has a rich oral tradition. Since independence, a new breed of Malawian writers has emerged. The despotic rule of Hastings Banda sent many of the country's best writers into exile until the mid-1990s. Not surprisingly, oppression, corruption and the abuse of power are common themes for many of them.
Most work is written in English and nearly everything is published in English.
Notable Malawian poets include Frank Chipasula and Steve Chimombo, whose most highly acclaimed work is The Rainmaker . Traditional music and dance are deeply rooted in social functions in Malawi. Most tribes have their own tunes and dances. Various rattles and shakers called maseche are tied to dancers' legs and arms. The most notable traditional dance in Malawi is the Chewa tribe's Gule Wamkulu , which reflects indigenous beliefs in spirits and is connected to the activities of secret societies.