Of bad character, pompous musicians

Imagine, attending a concert of your favourite musician, whom you had only heard on the radio or watched on TV, for the first time and find out that he or she acts bossy or aggressive on stage. Disappointing!

Or suppose you have been dying to take a photograph or selfie with your favourite musician only to realise that they are aloof and very cold towards fans. It is turn off, right?

In Zambia, a few weeks ago, fans had a rude awakening when visiting superstar Kizz Daniel arrived at the airport and refused to greet fans, refused to accept a bouquet of flowers and refused to take questions from the media. An angry social media narrative started, but was quickly fizzled out by an apology from the musician.

Money is said to be a powerful magnet which attracts people to you. But pleasant personality coupled with character presents yet a powerful ingredient of a positive image and successful career.

Indeed, fame or celebrity status comes with a huge cost. For example, when one is popular or famous, people expect you to have a lot of money or drive posh cars. But regardless of this, character and pleasant personality make people, including musicians likeable.

However, some behaviours such as untrustworthiness, short-temperedness and aggressiveness, heavy drinking, womanising and unpleasant personality are said to threaten one’s potential.

For example, some fans have been dissatisfied with the way their favourite musicians or artists behave or conduct themselves in public. Some are accused of acting like semi-gods when you meet or greet them in public.

Further, some musicians are said to become rude to their fans on social media once they command a large following.

A Lilongwe-based music fan Esnart Kaunda argues that even if a musician does not have enough money to afford a luxurious life, pleasant personality is a wow factor!

“As much as I have favourite musicians whom I enjoy their music, their character and pleasant personality matter, too. At times, as a fan, I need to interact with these musicians during live shows or in the streets or shopping malls. But one thing which bothers me is their character.

Some musicians are obsessed with fame that makes them pompous,” observes Kaunda.

She says there is nothing that destroys one’s career more than being arrogant or pompous.

“Of course, there are times when celebrities need to be cautious of their security. But some are just obsessed with pride. For example, your child may recognise them in a shopping mall, but they tend to give them a cold shoulder,” alleges Kaunda.

Arts commentator Samuel Chiwaka said most celebrities; including artists are pompous, just doing for clout.

“Bad character will chase away good clients (sponsors), bad character will attract just social media crowd. And being pompous only attracts false supporters who do not even buy your music. Music artists should tread carefully on character,” he said.

One of the brand experts Levi Msakambewa says character is paramount in a career or life of every person, including musicians. It builds one’s image and mutual relationship with people, including prospective clients.

“First and foremost, good character is there to build one’s positive image which people look for out there. On top of the figures that one commands on social media, good character is also crucial when it comes to attracting clients such as companies and organisations to invest in your brand.

“These days corporate citizens need to associate themselves with good things as well,” he says.

He tips musicians to mind their reputation if they were to do business with companies.

“Good reputation and great amount of takent attract business and opportunities,” Msakambewa hints.

Music platform Mikozi last week commented on two rising artists, Eli Njuchi and Driemo, for their unique characters of being humble and staying away from trouble.

Many took to the comment section to commend the two rising musicians, saying their character is noble and rare in the industry.

Lately, the entertainment industry has been awash with stories, especially on social media, of scandals involving musicians with Ken B Wazakena being the latest as he was caught up in a scandal for offending some women he had been partying with in Blantyre.