Chris Loka: Managing artists with zeal
Unless they are supernaturally good and multitalented, musicians can never be all rounders to steer their career effectively. Even if they are educated or multi-skilled, it looks awkward for musicians to carry out different tasks on their own to successfully drive their career.
Imagine a musician who sings, records his own music and markets himself out there. Does this sound normal? I don’t think so.
Realising that effective artist management needs various players with specific skills and networks, Lilongwe-based Channel For All Nations (C.A.N) personality Chris Loka has taken the challenge to manage gospel artists to help them realise their goals.
on their own
Loka, who doubles as a presenter and artist manager, has made striking strides in as far as managing gospel artists is concerned. Take for example, the standing ovation he got during a gospel bonanza at Sheaffer ICA marquee in Lilongwe where his client Ronald Thamakela successfully launched his CD and DVD album.
During the launch, over 3 000 patrons were reported with a line-up of youthful artists such as Gwamba, Miracle Chinga and Patience Namadingo dishing out spirited performances.
“Every task needs specific skill and individuals who can execute them professionally. Therefore, it’s not a question of doing everything on your own. It doesn’t look professional,” said Loka, who has been managing Thamakera alongside Magic Promotions.
He hinted that a successful music career needs different players from producers, promoters and managers.
Loka attributed his strides in artist management to his stint with C.A.N radio which he said had played a great role in shaping his new career.
“It is because of the interactions and connections I have had in my line of duty as a presenter and a producer of different programmes on C.A.N which has made me a good artist manager,” he said.
The 26-year-old described the mammoth turn-up during Thamakera’s launch at Sheaffer Marquee on 1 January as a huge boost to his new role as artist manager.
“After creative thinking with my client [Thamakela] we were able to bring in big names in the gospel industry, including Namadingo and Gwamba,” said Loka.
Apart from Thamakela, Loka has previously worked with such gospel artists as Princess Chitsulo, Maggie Mangani, Limbani Simenti and Andy Seko whose launch is on April 2 this year.
Loka said he is also “passionate” about working with budding gospel artists in the country and he is looking forward to work with many artists.
“They are the seedbed to a rich industry,” he said.
Apart from working with Channel for All Nations Media, Loka also sits in the corporate affairs department at Peacock Seeds Company. n
