‘We are taking steps to minimise poor shows’

Of late, Entertainers Promotions’ shows have been unsuccessful due to various reasons. The latest one on Sunday, Mega Gospel Concerpt, which was dubbed Utsi Tuluka, also had a poor turn up despite attracting a lineup of big artists. HOWARD MLOZI speaks to Entertainers Promotions director Tonderai Jai Banda on the way forward:

Q

: Back to back, you have been unsuccessful in your shows. What is happening?

A

: Not at all. We are not losing focus  or giving up. As team entertainers, we are not even detered by the poor patronage but going forward with extra energy to ensure that we continue giving Malawians, including the international audience, quality entertainment. In fact, we have upped our game by procuring standard equipment such as lighting system, TV and dressing rooms that will be added to our stage. We are not resting. Only that, of late, Blantyre has not been supportive of our events. But that’s part of the game.

Q

: What went wrong in the poorly patronised shows?

A

: We cannot say we are going wrong. It is part of the business. Not all days are Sundays. We did our part, but Blantyre did not come out to support us. But we are not blaming anyone because that is part of business. And this will not stop Entertainers Promotions from promoting music in the country. We were born to do this. In fact, the mission was started a long time ago and I am determined to carry it on.

The poor audience to some extent serve as a lesson to us.

Q

: What lessons have you learnt and what have you put in place?

A

: Within Team Entertainers, monitoring and evaluation of events is an ongoing thing. We evaluate every show to identify strengths and weaknesses. Currently, we are taking steps to rectify poor audiences. However, we must put the record straight that while the audience is attracted by many factors to patronise shows, good sound and equipment remain a priority. No music fan wants to attend a music show whose sound is poor or stage is dilapidated. We do not compromise when it comes to quality sound, equipment and stage because we want to give Malawian artists the best platform and experience.

To us, it does not make sense for our own artists to be treated to an international stage only when an international artist comes to perform in Malawi. It begins with us, with our own resources to value our artists by giving them treatment such as standard stage, which every international artist deserves.

Q

: What is the way forward?

A

: We are concentrating on Sound and Light Concert, which is slated for September 29th to 30th at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima. Aside the Utsi Tuluka Mega Gospel Show, we also have Sound and Light Concert every year to promote Malawi music.

Basically, the idea of Sound and Light was conceived two years ago to give local artists a big stage with all standard requirements such as lights, good quality equipment and contracts that befit an international event. We want to help build international brands right here in Malawi and export them to other countries.

Q

: Any future plans for Entertainers Promotions?

A

: We are dreaming big. We want to be one of the best music promoters and stage masters in the Southern African bloc. We want to tell both local and international artists that they should not stress when it comes to big stage and equipment once they want to perform in Malawi because we are there for them.

Aside, promoting events, Entertainers Promotions want to unleash and promote youthful talents by exposing them to stage experience and big concerts.n