Rapper Tay Grin and a local commentator have faulted a decision by the Malawi Assemblies of God University (Magu) to remove the artist from a list of performers at the institution’s event on the basis of his association with the traditional nyau dance.
The self-acclaimed Nyau King was initially booked to perform during the Mr and Miss Magu event organised by the institution on Saturday alongside other artists such as Zonke Too Fresh, Kunte, Pop Young and Kelly Devine Njuchi.
But in a last-minute decision, the artist was removed from the list of performers on the basis that his music is based on nyau culture which does not align with the religious institution.
In a statement released by the artist, Tay Grin expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision which he described as baffling and troubling.
The statement reads in part: “How can a church-affiliated institution, which embodies principles of inclusivity and acceptance, choose to segregate and censor cultural expression? The event in question features a traditional section meant to celebrate our diverse heritage.
“This blatant contradiction exposes troubling double standards that warrants serious reflection and discussion.”
In an interview yesterday, the rapper said he is consulting the next course of action to take, considering the possible loss of business he incurred.
Magu Student’s Union entertainment director Hussein Mbaya in a separate interview said this was not the first time for the university’s administration to reject proposed artists.
“There are times when we propose particular artists and they end up clashing with the policies of the institution and they are never accepted. It is just that in this case Tay Grin’s name had already been promoted for the show, that is why it has attracted such interest,” he said.
However, art and culture commentator Wonderful Mkhutche described the decision by the Magu administration as hypocritical.
He said as an institution based in the Central Region, they should integrate with the prevailing cultures.
Mkhutche said the decision to remove Tay Grin from the list of performers does not make sense and lacks conviction.
“What Tay Grin does is an expression of the culture and not preaching for people to join the nyau tradition. He did not pose any harm by performing at the event.
“The administration should equally be concerned with other negative things that originate from the institution,” he said.
All efforts to talk to Magu management proved futile.
