Pamtondo was set up by John Lwanda and (the late) George Claver in 1988 with the aim of recording and disseminating Malawi music. This has involved original recordings and compilations from licensed archival sources.

The first compilations were made in summer 1991 and the first recordings were made, at the MCDE Studios, Blantyre in May and June 1992.

Pamvision was established in 1994 with the aim of making music video recordings and making films. The first recording was of the Chief Chipoka Band in May 1994.

Dudu Nsomba Publications, set up by John Lwanda in 1993, publishes books on Malawi, in particular, and Africa in general. The first book, Kamuzu Banda of Malawi, was published in September 1993.