Music producer calls for ‘beneficial resources’

Renowned music producer Sispence has spent years shaping Malawi’s music scene, collaborating with top artists and witnessing the industry’s evolution. He tells our journalist PROMISE WATAYA about challenges, trends, and future of music production in Malawi. Excerpts: Q: How would you describe the current state of music production in Malawi, and what trends are you seeing in terms of genre, style and quality?

A: Malawi’s music production is thriving, with notable improvements in quality. Currently, amapiano and Afrobeats are dominating the scene.

Q: There has been a trend of artists using downloaded or sampled beats. What is your view on this issue?

A: I believe relying heavily on sampled beats dilutes our unique sound, making it indistinguishable from international music and hindering our global recognition.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing music producers in Malawi, and how do you think they can be addressed?

A: Producers face significant challenges, including lack of support, disrespect and restricted pricing. Addressing these issues requires industry recognition and fair compensation.

Q: Compared to other countries in the region or globally. What does the Malawi music industry lack?

A:It struggles with inadequate infrastructure and skills. Many producers work from home, relying on online tutorials and peer knowledge, hindering growth.

Q: What opportunities do you see for growth and improvement in the industry, and how can producers capitalise on them?

A:Despite limited government support, opportunities exist in collaborations, seminars and developing unique genres.

Q: Do you think producers are fairly compensated for their work in Malawi or do artists tend to benefit more financially from successful songs and albums?

A: Producers are under-compensated, with artists receiving most royalties.

Q: What can be done to balance the financial equation and ensure that producers receive fair pay for their contributions?

A: Industry-savvy professionals should manage royalties and artists should appreciate producers’ value.

Q: What do producers in Malawi need to do to compete with international standards?

A: Producers require seminars, workshops and collaborative opportunities to refine skills and develop unique genres.

Q: How can the industry support capacity building and professional development for producers?

A: The industry should provide seminars, artist-producer mingling events and arts promotion competitions.

Q: How important is collaboration and networking for producers in Malawi and what opportunities are there to work with artists from other countries or regions?

A: Collaboration is vital. It offers market expansion, exposure and growth opportunities.

Q: How can the industry foster more collaboration and knowledge sharing among producers?

A: This can be done through networking events, workshops and online forums.

Q: How can government policies or initiatives support the music production industry in Malawi?

A: Government support is crucial. Again, there is need to have policies that promote art and industry development.

Q: Are there any specific support mechanisms or resources that you think would benefit producers?

A: There is need to have what I can call beneficial resources. These include funding, establishing music schools, training programmes and industry regulations to ensure fair royalties. Government-backed initiatives such as music festivals can also boost industry growth. In addition, establishing musical schools will provide formal education and training for producers and artists to develop unique Malawian genres and enhance industry skills.n