Lately, there has been an increase in the number of local musicians being hired by promoters to stage their shows outside Malawi.
Artists such as Lucius Banda, Patience Namadingo, Lulu, Gibo Pearson and Joe Gwaladi have performed in countries such as South Africa, Uganda, United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Naturally, travelling outside the country is prestigious and it is not strange to see one artist or two sharing their images aboard big aeroplanes and at departure points. But what else is on offer in return for these international shows?
Random interviews The Nation conducted show that the international shows come with better financial offers compared to local bookings.
A local artist who has performed extensively abroad, Lulu said in terms of remuneration, what they get when they perform outside the country is much better than local earnings.
“It depends on the rate of the US dollar to kwacha. But it is much better outside than here. And the fact that once you travel outside, it means you will spend a couple of days away incurring extra expenses. Definitely the fees are supposed to be higher,” he said.
The Ndidzalera star said there are no special rates for the international shows, but deals are agreed from time to time, depending on the kind of performance that promoters are looking for.
Dancehall artist Saint said although the fees they are outside the country are better, it should also be noted that the rates depend on different logistical considerations.
He said: “If I have a standard rate for my performance, it has to be the same whether I am performing in Karonga or South Africa. But what I need to consider are issues such as travel, lodging and how many days I am spending on the road. That is why the foreign fees appear huge.”
Faith Mussa said it all boils down to the differences between the local economy and their destinations. He said what they get at home can be enough, but once it is compared to the outside world, it is not much.
He said: “Given a choice of two shows on the same day, I would not go for the international one. I will go for the most profitable one. When I am going for a show, I look at a number of things such as what I stand to benefit in the long run.”
South Africa-based event promoter Judie ‘The Boss Lady’ Njikho, who has hosted several local artists in South Africa such as Janta, Macelba, Saint and Onesimus, said her priority is always to make sure that the invited artists are well cared for.
The Boss Lady said normally she spends around 100 000 South African rands on an artist.
She said: “I always make sure their travel, accommodation, transportation while here and food is taken care of apart from their performance fees. I make them my priority. I realise that though it is a business, it is not about me.”
She has since announced another gig in South Africa featuring Eli Njuchi, Kell Kay and Piksy which will take place on December 2. Reggae group Black Missionaries are expected to perform in the Rainbow Nation on October 7 while Lulu is also expected to perform in South Africa on September 24.
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