Musicians body to lay down law for foreign performers

Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) will start censoring foreign artists vying to perform in Malawi.

But local musicians have reacted angrily to the news, saying the music body is focusing on the wrong issue.

MUM president Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango told On the Arts that the current trend, where there are no laid down guidelines for foreign artists performing in the country, has messed up things and created a chaotic environment.

“I feel the situation need to be checked and we have to put measures in place. We need to set standards and grade so that we should be selecting only those good enough to perform in our country,” said MUM president.

The musicians’ boss said the current arrangement of hosting foreign artists is reckless and needs the union’s immediate action.

“This is not a new development, it happens in other countries. An artist cannot just go to South Africa to perform without the approval from a body like ours. I am sure Malawi cannot just be indifferent about it. We will coordinate with organisers. We need them to get our approval before hosting an international artist. We will mandate them to adhere to that,” said Mhango.

He said he expects cooperation from all stakeholders towards the initiative as it will bring order in organising events that feature foreign artists.

Commenting on the development, musician and event organiser Lucius Banda said the initiative is not practical. He advised the music body to focus on other issues that promote local artists who are normally short-changed for their talent when they have performed alongside foreign artists.

“The issue of censoring foreign artists who are coming to perform in Malawi is baseless. Why should we put restraint on foreign artists coming to perform in our country? People should know that we are living in a global village, provoking such conditions on foreign artists will appear senseless.

“I feel the union should put its focus on the welfare of local artists who gain nothing when they perform alongside foreign artists. The situation is that when foreign artists come, they get huge share from the event, leaving supporting local artists with nothing. This should be the issue the body should battle to solve,” Lucius said.