…and Mr Splash speaks out!

Jah people, reggae king Bob Marley teaches us that time is the master.

And that ticking master has allowed us to see rare things that were almost fairytales not long ago. These encounters includes Saturday’s Joy of Jazz concert featuring Grammy Award winner Earl Klugh, the jazz maestro who will whet our appetite with Tropical Legs and other hits.

Thumbs up Standard Bank for pairing so great a star with Peter Mawanga, a no less local whose jazzy Afro-tunes have been muted by a syndrome Lambani Dube (born Limbani Banda) lambasted just last week—radios’ and television stations’ fascination with poor production.

Talking about the outcry for the electronic media to revert to strict standards, time gifted me feedback from Geoffrey Kapusa, the award-winning presenter of MBC’s Music Splash which subsists on Malawian music videos. Having weighed this and that, I hereby splash on his feedback on last week’s entry.

James

Thanks for the space. In fact, the objective of Music Splash is to promote Malawi music videos. In doing that I find it hard to promote the already good music for marketing purposes. By the way, one trainer taught us that television is about the good, the bad and the ugly. Unless there is competition, then you have no choice.

But given the opportunity for showcasing Malawian music, let those who are developing also have some space. Talking about developing music, I believe that many unknowns, the not-so-good and inspired talent, are claiming their share after appearing on Music Splash—and they have been encouraged by their fans. Thus not every day are we entertained by what we know as the best? At times, the worst have also made us laugh. From bonya to sausages, is that not life?

My take

Thanks, Mr Splash. Emerging talent really deserves the spotlight, but there is need for strict criteria and quality control measures when it comes to what goes on air or into the trash can. Obsession with the bad and the ugly kills the good who personify the minimum quality both rookies and veterans ought to meet. Let the debate continue. For now, splash on!