A different approach

Change is an inevitable occurrence in all spheres of life. The music industry is no exception.

However, people react differently to change for fear of the unknown. The same can be said of Bernadetta Mlaka Maliro, who has just joined the mainstream gospel industry. To a certain extent, her new ministry has been received with mixed reactions by both gospel fans and musicians.

In an interview on Wednesday, Bernadetta acknowledged that her move was likely to open a can of worms, but she is not deterred.

“In normal circumstances, some people are happy with change and others are not. Some regard you as a threat, others as an opportunity. That’s the way life is, but the most important thing expected from change agents like me is to stand firm,” said Bernadetta.

Asked whether she is regarded as a threat or opportunity in gospel music, Bernadetta said that question could be best answered by those who feel her pressure.

“I cannot deny or confirm that I am a threat to some artists in gospel music. But what I know is that I have come to stay and ready to take the ministry of Jesus Christ to the next level. By the way, I am really new in the music industry because I have been there before,” said Bernadetta.

Bernadetta completed her music tour on Sunday with a launch of her debut album Yahweh at Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel. She first launched the album at Gymkhana Club in Zomba and then Robin’s Park in Blantyre and Lilongwe’s Sheaffer Marquee before winding up in Mzuzu.

Her tour was not only aimed at launching her new album, but also music ministry. Her final show on Sunday attracted massive support from fans, including former Vice President Khumbo Kachali.

Judging from the support she received during her tour and several bookings she has confirmed, Bernadetta said the gospel industry has welcomed her.

“Apart from the massive support that my ministry’s launch received, I have been booked by several artists to support their shows. Better still, requests are still coming. All these just confirm that the gospel fraternity has received my ministry,” she said.

Bernadetta served as member of Parliament (MP) for Chikwawa Central Constituency from 2009 to 2014.

However, she has joined the gospel industry after her political fallout. Asked whether her joining of gospel music was a desperate attempt to sustain her name, the former law maker had this to say:

“Politics and gospel music might seem to be two different worlds, but the talent to serve them is given by God, who can bless one with so many talents to serve the nation either as a politician or gospel musician. So, this is the way I am. I double as a politician and gospel musician.”

She added that she was ready to grab any opportunity that may arise in her life as long as it was in line with her values of serving the nation.

Today, in the ever changing world of music where everyone is dumping whatever he or she was doing to become a musician, the subject of impact comes into play. Not every Jim and Jack can join the gospel music and be expected of making significant contributions.

Quizzed to spell out her contributions to the gospel music industry, Bernadetta said she was set to bring a difference to the industry.

“First and foremost, I would like to create my own brand as Barnedetta Mlaka-Maliro. I want people to identify me as such with a diversified music approach, especially live performances.

“I will be staging live performances from a unique approach so that people should distinguish me from others,” said Barnedetta.