Musician Mascot lands sponsorship from Salanje
Local hip-hop artist Mascot has landed a huge boost to his music career as South Africa-based Malawian pastor, Hastings Salanje, is funding the production of his debut album.
Salanje, who became talk of the town lately for his ‘show off’ over his riches which he describes as an ‘embarrassment’ from God, has so far pumped close to K500 000 into Mascot’s album, which the rapper has since named Embarrassed Like Salanje (ELS) and is due this year.
“I decided to name the project ELS because the Salanjes have done a lot for me as an artist and I’m being thankful,” explained the rising rapper. “I thought it wise to have his name on its cover because he’s the one funding it.”
Mascot won the heart of the celebrity pastor after he recorded a song titled NgatiSalanjewhen his name was making rounds in Malawi and South Africa for parading a fleet of his vehicles on social media.
The song proclaims that due to the pastor’s popularity, the word swag (slang for brag) has been replaced by the word “Salanje”.
After the rapper announced the title to the track via social media in June, the pastor immediately told the artist he would buy the song at K100 000, which he did.
Salanje also gave Mascot the same amount for the production of a music video that came out a month ago.
He then doubled the money for the production of a full album.
In an interview from South Africa, Salanje confirmed adopting Mascot’s project, saying he decided to assist the artist because he was a young man aiming higher.
“Mascot is one of the young Malawians who are aiming higher and am moved with the way he is doing his things, he has dynamic courage and zeal,” said Salanje.
He added: “I promise to support him more until he realises his dreams.”
He asserted: “I’m a person whose desire is to see people prospering because I am a person who is a product of giving. I am where I am because of giving.”
