Politics, emerging artists triumph

The ending year saw musicians drumming up support for political leaders as the country inched towards the May 20 Tripartite Elections as candidates in presidential, parliamentary and local government polls.
Some musicians put aside their ethic of being non-partisan by jumping on podium to sing partisan songs as one way of helping some candidates earn votes.
Like what he did in 2004 general elections when he composed a song titled Yellow in support of United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential candidate Bingu wa Mutharika, this year Lucius Banda also campaigned for UDF presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi. The Soldier did a song Dzuka Malawi for the youthful presidential candidate which said: Chipani chathu cha UDF chinatipezera multiparty/Dzuka Malawi dzuka mzanga tikavotere tsogolo…
Soldier’s involvement in politics also saw him contesting and winning the Balaka North parliamentary seat. He was later chosen UDF leader in the House.
Phungu Joseph Nkasa, who praised Bingu in 2008/2009 through the song titled Mose wa lero, performed in support of then president Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP) and at one time Nkasa was seen touting the presidential candidature of Mark Katsonga of People’s Progressive Movement.
Nkasa was not alone on Banda’s side as Black Jack, Fredokiss, Third Eye and other urban artists teamed up to record a song Odi Uko as one way of wooing young voters.
Self-acclaimed professor Joe Gwaladi also drummed support for president Banda through a song titled Musadzabalalike Tsiku Lovota.
Perhaps as an indication that he was just performing to earn money, Gwaladi released another song titled Tisafooile Tsiku Lovota, urging eligible Malawians to vote for Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), adding that: A Peter Mutharika ngati sawina ine ndidzimanga.
Dan Lu who shot into music spotlight with Shupie was also on Banda’s campaign trail with a song titled PP Yanyamuka.
Lucius, Lulu and Paul Banda performed at some of Muluzi’s rallies, Skeffa Chimoto performed at PP’s manifesto launch in Lilongwe. Nkasa also performed at some of PP’s rallies.
During campaign, renowned music promoter Jai Banda defended artists’ political rally performances.
“There is nothing wrong for artists to show such political colours because they are human beings before they are artists. At the end of the day, it is up to the voter to make a right choice,” said Banda.
However, the musical stage was not only crowded with political campaigners as 2014 was a year that up and coming artists shone.
The list of up and coming artists that emerged in 2014 include Inkosi Mwanache of Wamisala Osagenda fame, Crazie G, Martse, Eddie of Napepe fame, Saint the maker of One last Kiss, Blaze who is behind the hit called Sakumakwana, Mzuzu-based K-Man who did Together we can make it and female reggae dance hall singers Merrium and Vigil.
2014 was equally a breakthrough year for Gwamba, Nesness, Pro-Voice and the Mzuzu-based dancehall outfit The Black Face Family.
The line-up of 2014’s emerging headliners is incomplete without the mention of rappers Young D, Ga Cypher, Big Lu and Excess of Ill City crew. Afro-Pop singer Bucci. AceJames, Nyasa Queens, Lady Pace and Enweezy also made headways with their rare singing talent.
On the gospel scene, Mada Ngoleka, Jimmy Phiri, Jew Chapomba, Stevie Wazisomo Muliya, Harris Chiwalo, The Fanatics, Ennoh Mwana Wa Igwe, are some of the emerging artists that put up a gallant fight both in studio and stage this year in order to book a space for themselves.
As the country’s budding talent continues to find it hard to penetrate the music industry, some of the established musicians believe that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.
Gospel musician-cum-producer Lloyd Phiri said there was a huge difference between money and ability-driven art.
“The good thing about good talent is that it speaks for itself. No matter what hassles and hurdles it faces, it still breaks through. The secret to success in music is patience and creativity,” said the veteran musician.
Another problem that haunted Malawi music was failure by some promoters to identify good music for promotion.
“Basic knowledge of music such as tempo and how tones or chords are conveyed in a particular song is vital when it comes to reviewing and promoting good art. Our country needs music promoters who have knowledge and keen interest in what they do to convey a comprehensive representation of both the work they present to the public and their credibility,” said music expert, Dr Robert Chanunkha of Chancellor College.
He said it is only creativity, originality and collective efforts that could translate the current generation of artists into greats.