Mudi to fundraise for fallen stars
Music Development Institute (Mudi) has announced a fundraising project to help families of deceased music legends in the country.
Mudi is a non-governmental organisation that looks at the welfare of musicians in Malawi by fighting poverty and hopes the just-announced initiative will boost the welfare of musicians such as Allan Namoko, Stonald Lungu and others who left their dependents at the centre of the vicious cycle of poverty.
In an interview, Mudi interim executive director Kendal Kamwendo said they noted with concern that families of retired and deceased musicians are living in dire poverty.
“We will start our activities shortly. As Mudi, we respect brilliant talent. It hurts to see relatives of a late musician living in dire poverty when the works of the deceased are still top playlists in parties, clubs, homes and discos. We want to help dependents continue reaping from the sweat of their fallen stars,†says Kamwendo.
He said Mudi will select and re-record two tracks from albums of some fallen greats at its studios in Lilongwe.
The proceeds from the collection will be put in a special account monitored by the organisation and representatives of the deceased families to ensure transparency.
“The group will be distributing the cash to the relatives of the artists,†said Kamwendo.
He revealed that they are already in talks with the family of Saleta Phiri, but the album is expected to feature Stonard Lungu, Daniel Kachamba, Gift Fumulani, Nedi Mapira and Paul Chaphuka.
In an interview, Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) licensing officer Rosario Kamanga said his office has no problems with the development but advised Mudi to follow procedures because the products are still protected.
 “As Cosoma, we are happy that they want to help and we are ready to work with them provided they follow all the steps and ensure transparency in the handling of the proceeds. Our laws say any music registered by Cosoma is protected for the next 50 years after the death of the artists. We believe they will respect this and consult with us and all the concerned families,†said Kamanga.
