Wrestling for global recognition

 It has been a long battle fighting for global recognition. But Malawi’s top rapper Limbani Kalilani, otherwise popularly known as Tay Grin, has vowed never to give up.

In an interview he gallantly said he will continue pushing Malawi music to the global arena despite failing to make it on the list of nominations for the 2024 glamorous Grammy’s Awards.

Meanwhile, the nominations for the Grammy’s Awards are dominated by Nigerian artists who are likely to win.

For example, fans have predicted Burna Boy and Davido, who have been nominated in four categories each, as those likely to triumph at the 2024 Grammy’s Awards.

Tay Grin was the first solo Malawian artist to submit content to the Grammy’s Awards in which Tcha video was recognised and placed for possible nomination in the Best African Music Performance category.

However, Tcha video missed out as the Grammy’s Academy released five nominations that were dominated by Nigerian and South African artists. The nominations (in the Best African Music Performance) were as follows: Unavailable by Musa Keys feat Davido (South African), Amapiano by Asake feat Olamide (Nigeria), Rush by Ayra Starr (Nigeria), City Boys by Burna Boy (Nigeria) and Water by Tyla (South Africa).

But reacting to the news rapper Tay Grin, who is fondly called Nyau King, said he was not giving up on the global awards. He said he was on a great mission to put Malawi on the international spotlight.

“I am not giving up on pushing Malawi music to the global recognition because this is a mission that started long time ago. This year was our first time to try our luck in the prestigious global awards and encouragingly we earned an official consideration.

Next time it will be actual nomination because everything has a beginning. With willpower and determination everything is possible,” said Tay Grin.

He said he embarked on his ambitious mission many years ago and he was optimistic that the dream will be realised one day.

In fact, Tay Grin’s unique mission started when he settled for African-inspired sound when he first dropped popular singles like 2 by 2, Chipapa feat 2 Baba, Kanda feat Orezi and many others.

But it was last year when he began pursuing his dream to participating in the Grammy’s Awards.

“In 2022, I was invited to attend the Grammys. And this was an eye-opener for me. I reflected and took time to learn how artists succeed at the Grammy’s.

The visit answered questions like which African artists have won so far? What does the jury look for? What is the process like? And more importantly, how we can win a Grammy for our beautiful country Malawi?” said Tay Grin.

He said his tour of learning the Grammy’s Awards two years ago helped Malawi to earn an official nomination consideration this year.

“Though we have missed out in the actual nomination, the consideration was a matter of national pride, national history and the unlocking of the next level for our music industry. And we are not giving up the fight,” declared Tay Grin.

Tay Grin thanked fans who voted for Tcha.

“I extend my thanks-giving to everyone who was genuinely with me on this journey for their massive support. My message is let us soldier on until we bring the grammy home,” he said.

Tay Grin is one of the Malawian artists who have been striving to put Malawi music on the global map by producing and marketing African-inspired sound. His touch fuses the modern elements of Hip Hop and local popular dances such as gulewamkulu and Tchopa.

He said the idea of blending contemporary music and traditional dances is to create a unique African identity that can compete favourably on the international stage.

Meanwhile, both music experts and fans have hailed Tay Grin for his efforts in pushing Malawi music to the global platform.

“Tay Grin deserves a pat on the shoulder for pushing Malawi music to the international stage. Grammy’s Awards is a big platform where the competition is stiff, but Tay Grin managed to earn a consideration for nomination.

Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) President Vita Chirwa said “I would like to urge Malawians to continue giving support to local music by voting in such global music competitions.”