Delving into demigod music compositions

Listening to the music of one legendary reggae artist and the founding father of the Black Missionaries Band, the late Evison Matafale, one is bound to question his thinking or inspiration behind most his compositions.

Philosophical, creative and relevant are three words that sum up Matafale’s music.

Emphatically speaking, gospel, prophetic, freethinking, divine right, descriptivism, questioning and enlightenment was Matafale’s music. No wonder, many years after his mysterious death, his legacy still reigns. And of course, his songs are still being enjoyed as fresh pancakes.

Songs such as Time Mark, Wolenga Dzuwa, Yang’ana Nkhope, still challenge the status quo and thinking of many people as to why we exist or how certain things change.

Some music fanatics believe the Rastaman’s thinking is critical thus Matafale’s competitions were unique and deep.

“Matafale’s compositions still provoke our thinking today because his approach to music was wide and critical. He questioned why certain things change or remain the same. In addition, he added a human face to his art. Personally, I saw a pure gospel of a free-minded Rastaman in Matafale’s music,” said Andy Fula, one of the greatest fans of Matafale.

Music promoter Duffy Chikakuda of CoolPRO Entertainment and CoolPRO House of Riddims said Matafale’s music remains powerful as ever and his music is joyful and infectious that appeals to all Malawians and people of other countries or continents.

“I mean, his reggae was unique and the message of his lyrics was mostly spiritual, and above all his music was promoting peace, love and harmony for all Malawians. His influence was not only in making the hits solely for entertainment purposes, but his music made people from all corners of this country to embrace Rastafari and I’m glad that the Black Missionaries band have managed to sustain that up to date. Big respect to them. Selah!” said Chikakuda.

He, however, said music composition is one of the challenges most musicians face but there are ways that they can follow in order to turn a thought into music for instance.

He cited learning music instruments, listening to other composers’ music and learning music theory as some of the ways artists can draw good music inspiration and become good composers.

Chinafuna Mbale by Lucky Stars, Lameck by the late Allan Namoko, Tay Grin’s 2 by 2, Mabala by Lucius Banda, Munyaradzi by Saleta Phiri, Korona by Grace Chinga Moffat and Kaphiri ka Kwathu by Ned Mapira are some of the old songs that are still manifesting their lyrical prowess.

Generally, music has to appeal to people’s feelings and leave a long-lasting impression in their hearts. This is the reason artists (both upcoming established ones) copy or imitate legendary artists whose work was immortal and still remain relevant today.

“When your music tackles issues that affect people and deliver it in a way that appeals to their mind, it is likely to stand the tests of all times because people are interested in what is applicable to their daily life,” said music promoter Elvis Ching’oma.

He adds: “When you look at most of the old artists, they were taking their time in the studio to perfect their art in order to come up with the best products. This is the reason their music still stands today.”

Ching’oma tipped this generations’ artists to reflect deeply on issues that are happening around people and devise creative ways for delivering them.

“Artists should learn to pour their hearts in what they do. They should think 10 or 20 years ahead when creating something. Because if they don’t create good material now, nobody will be interested to imitate them or do remixes of their music in future. Artists must be motivated to do good music that others should copy in future,” said Ching’oma.

Perusing profiles of many music artists in Malawi, one is likely to bump into song composition as one of their artistic potentials. However, not many artists who claim to be song writers or composers are skilled at this.

When you listen to the music of many artists, their compositions are as awkward as a cow on roller skates because they lack context, creativity and alluring power to hook the attention of the listener. The verses and choruses do not correspond because they communicate different issues. Eventually, their music is reduced to noise or bubble gum which has a short life span.

Allan Jogi from Chilobwe Township in Blantyre is one the unsung heroes when it comes to composing and writing songs. He has written many hit songs for some of the gospel musicians.

He, however, chooses not to disclose his clients due to the nature of their contracts.

“While it is important to move with time when it comes to music tastes, good compositions have no exception. Music artists should compose good songs that reflect people’s lives, be it in the secular or spiritual realm.

Observation is a powerful tool to use when composing a hit song. Composers should observe what is going on around people’s lives in order to strike a chord,” Allan Jogi. 

It has been observed that some music compositions, especially among young artists, are mostly inspired by their environment or social status. For example, some artists talk about their lifestyle as the best as compared to others to the effect that they brag about driving good cars or hang out with hot women in their neighborhood.

Anything wrong with that?

“There is nothing wrong with that. What people should know is that music is inspired by several factors and different stages. Age also plays a significant role when it comes to composing music.

For example, you will note that what some youthful artists talk about in their music are women, drinking beer or beef. This might appear trivial to some yet in their circles these are trend topics. What matters is knowing your targeted audience and purpose of your music. For example, if you want to compose music that targets your neighborhood only, then you can talk issues that happen there. But if your scope is bigger, you widen the perspective by looking at issues from a wider picture to serve the interests of a bigger audience,” said Jogi.