I will support Med C’s talent

Up-and-coming musician Med C first got the attention of Malawians after his involvement with musician Patience Namadingo. But the two fell out and the young artist found a new home at Magic Fingers Production Company under the leadership of Tiwonge Mhango. Med C has so far progressed from where he left off following the release of his new single Uvinanso and video for his earlier song Complaining. Our Arts Editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with the US-based Mhango for details.

Q: Tell us more about Magic Fingers Production Company. What does it do apart from managing Med C?

A: Magic Fingers is a brainchild of myself and Shezzy. We are a production company and we basically produce music. We also manage African artists based in the USA. On the production side, we have produced music for various African artists, including Davido. Shezzy has separately produced music for Chris Brown, Wizkid and others. We also have a few artists of our own in the US that we manage and produce.

Q: How did you get to manage Med C?

A: Well, I also did not see this one coming. I came across his story on Facebook and somebody commented how the lad needed someone to manage him after being released by Namartist. I looked at his story and background and it reminded me of my own childhood and I understood him. I decided I was going to help. From that time we recorded two songs. At the time I met him, he was frustrated musically. He ended up on social media venting his frustrations. I sat down with him and told him to be free musically. He wrote his songs and recorded whatever it was that he was feeling at the time.

Q: There are sections of society that have noted that Med C still harbours ill feelings towards his former mentor looking at some of his lyrics in his new single Uvinanso. What do you say on this?

A: Look, the boy was frustrated musically when we met him. The same week we organised for him to record his first song with us and like I told you, we give him the freedom to write his own songs and express himself. His music is dancehall and if you understand the history of dancehall, you will know that diss lyrics is part of the dancehall culture. And it is not like he is swearing. He has his own experiences which he is expressing in this song. So, yes I don’t want to limit him. I want him to be free and express himself and also create his own path as an artist. I want him to be the boy that he is with his baggage from the ghetto. He has not had it easy and some of the harsh criticism and judgement on social media borders on ignorance of what the boy has experienced.

Q: When should we expect an album from Med C?

A: We should have an album ready soon but in the next few months we will have an extended playlist.

Q: Many local artists are doing collaborations. Which artists is Med C going to collaborate with if at all he will take that path?

A: Collaborations are good. They help artists introduce each other to new audiences. But for now we want Med C to create his unique identity as a full blown artist. By the way, next month he will release another single titled Nkhondo. He will be releasing a new song every month.

Q: Med C is an artist who is still young (16) and in school. How are you helping him so that he does well in school?

A: Firstly, Med C is now at Michiru Private. When it’s school time, he does not do music. He only gets to do music during holidays. We want him to pass his examinations and have that paper. It helps one make better decisions in all aspects of life. Uvinanso which he released last week was recorded during holidays. That’s our rule and so far it is working.

Q: Your artist has made some mistakes education wise and maybe musically. What do you say?

A: Look, Med C has had it rough. We need to cut him some slack. People are so brutal on social media on the boy and yet they have not taken their time to hear his side of the story properly. Many have had a privileged background and are so judgemental. As far as I am concerned, taking into account what the boy has overcome this far, he is on the right path. Every time I speak to him I tell him to pray, work hard in school and respect his parents. And he is doing that so far.

Q: Do you have any additional words?

A: As Magic Fingers, we are currently negotiating a distribution deal for Med C. We are also trying to grow his fan base through various means including social media. I am sure by and by, he will become one of the country’s well loved musicians.