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Malawi’s record labels under microscope

Record labels are praised for turning music into business and freeing artists from the overwhelming task of recording, promoting and distributing offerings singlehandedly.

In Malawi, this shift is pronounced in urban music with the likes of Biriwiri’s Nde’feyo Entertainment, Tay Grin’s Black Rhino and Daredevils signing promising stars.

But are they worth the buzz?

Many are stories of self-crowned managers’ failure to update their signings on progress, sales and takings from shows—and others disappear with the money while the artist is still on stage.

Subtract the fraudsters. Online sources define a record label as a brand or trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings.

They sign exclusive contracts with artists to record and market their music in return for royalties on the selling price. Others prefer 360 deals which are broader. The multiple-rights deals entail even managing the bookings, shows, image, promotion, sales and copyright issues, the same way South Africa’s Faith Works engaged Malawian-born Aemo E’Face.

In Malawi, Nde’feyo boasts taking this path. According to its co-director Ken “Zizwa” Limwame, the label signed comprehensive deals with Piksy, Armstrong and Maskal. The firm recently terminated Maskal’s contract.

Zizwa says labels allow an artist to concentrate on music.  Normally, he argues, the organisation pays for shows, studio work, transportation, accommodation and other costs the artist incurs.

“There is no way serious artists can solely manage all that. You need someone to do that—and that’s what we do,” explains the Nde’feyo ace.

Despite the advantages, the likes of J&D Records have closed shop due to low returns.

“I tried it in 2008, but I stopped signing artists because of rising expenses which brought nothing in return,” says J&D Records proprietor John Nthakomwa.

The arrivals and departures have made some artists rolling stones. This band includes Kumbu, formerly of Lo Budget, and Black Rhyno. Having parted ways with Black Rhyno this year, the Wakwiya ndi Mfiti star says he no longer believes record labels are havens for artist.

“The problem is that label owners sweeten their deals. But once you sign up, they do not make any effort to make your life as an artist easy,” said Kumbu, who has released no album after two years with Tay Grin’s music line.

He added: “When you are affiliated to a label, you relax and focus on your work thinking you are covered on all other aspects. Sadly, you aren’t and you can do better by yourself than under somebody.”

By contrast, Maskal, the disowned firstborn of Nde’feyo, paid tribute to Zizwa and company, saying: “I will be very ungrateful to say record labels are useless because they lifted me from nothing to where I am today.”

 “It all depends on the contract. However, being on my own has given me a lot of lessons as an artist and I’m still learning.” 

In the interim, the Access Communications Limited (ACL) brand ambassador is being managed by Dove Tale.

The new company recently described Maskal’s relationship with Nde’feyo as one with “a few hinges that need greasing.”

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