‘Malawi music is laughable’
Veteran music tutor Wyndham Chechamba has said Malawi music has reached what he terms a ‘laughable state’ due to a lack of formal training among the artisans.
Speaking in an interview, Chechamba noted that as much as the young generation of musicians are embracing diversity in their work, they lack a deep understanding of music and originality.
“Yes, there is diversity today, but the music is laughable because it is monotonous in nature. A majority of musicians do not take time to get training in music. As a result, what they sing is repetitive sounds that fall short to be described as music,” said Chechemba, adding that most songs lack basic elements of music such as dynamics, melody, harmony, tone and rhythm.
Currently, according to Chechamba, it is hard to define Malawi music because it is congested with foreign influences such as South African, American and Nigerian touches.
“Today, everyone wants to sing like Nigerians because they have managed to promote their culture aggressively. The same applies to South African music, which has become part of Malawian sounds. But at the end of the day it is the original creators of such types of music that shine and render Malawians useless copycats,” said Chechamba.
The veteran’s sentiments were echoes by music producer Joseph Tembo, who noted that promoting the local identity needs a holistic approach.
“Together, we need to work towards achieving a common goal where we can promote and put Malawi music on the map. In other countries such as Nigeria, government policies are effective; hence, aiding the development of arts industries. If Malawi can do the same by enacting strong laws aimed at protecting artworks we can easily get far with our music,” said Tembo.
On his part, gospel musician Khama Khwiliro said a majority of up and coming musicians are embracing the type of music that enjoys massive airplay.
“What do you expect in a country where radio stations, clubs and public events popularise foreign music? It is a generation of musicians who copy foreign styles because they are the ones that Malawi has the audacity to promote today,” said Khwiliro.
Commenting on the matter, Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) said one of its core responsibilities is to ensure that musicians are delivering good quality music within and across the borders.
“Good music is easy promotion. Although we conduct trainings for our members to acquire basic knowledge, we need concrete policies that can help to push local music. Unless we do our home work properly, we can hardly penetrate international market which is always yearning for unique and original things,” said MUM president Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango.
