Odi Tazaku: Introducing Tonga Music Stars
Uncharacteristic of our expedition, we spent a few more days at Senga Bay, Salima, than we normally allocate to any one place that we visit. We did so because we wanted to witness money being spent and life being lived to the fullest. And what we wanted to see we saw. What we wanted to witness we witnessed. And we were pleased we decided to stay there longer.
Based on the time we fruitfully spent at Senga Bay, we have solidly concluded that Malawi, Senga Bay at least, is not poor and Malawians, Senga-Bayans at least, are not poor people. As far as we are concerned it is the World Bank, the IMF, USAID, the UNDP, the International Criminal Court, the International Labour Organisation, World Vision and other doomsayers that are poor at characterising and classifying societies. They call us poor and unhappy without even asking us.
This weekend we are in Nkhata Bay. We came here because Alhajj Mufti Jean-Philippe LePoisson, SC (Retired) alerted us to an online advertisement that marketed Stars of the Lake Tonga Music Shows this October end. To be honest we had never thought that the Republic of Tongaland had other musicians and performers than the Great Park Town Band, the creator of the Honala wedding dance.
Since Chikali Beach is the venue, we have settled to spend the weekend in one of the lodges here. The rooms are not cheap, but who says good things come cheaply? As we wait for the Stars of the Lake gig to start, we plan to swim in Lake Nkhata Bay, also known as Lake Malawi, and cavort in and prance about Chikali’s clean beach sand.
“Who really are the musicians we expect here?” Abiti Joyce Befu, also popularly known as MG 66, asked as we took a round of fantakoko in the beach bar.
“Machuluka Andrew Mphande will be here,” I said.
“I have never heard about that musician,” Abiti said, laughing mockingly.
“That is the man who sang the beat, Zowala za Mwana Wangu,” I explained.
“Okay? I like the beat and the drumming although I don’t understand what he sings about,” the Most Paramount Native Authority Mandela jumped in.
“I like the combination of KBars and Tissy. The boys are good at rap. Remember the Song Odi Tazaku?”Jean-Philippe said.
“And what does that mean?” Abiti asked again.
“Attention: We are here,” I said.
“So, here is the full menu of today’s performers,” Jean-Philippe read: “KBars, Tissy Mike, Black Yut, GB, Spy T, Eddie, Spark, Ril B, A Square, Gremmi, Black Toxic and Lady Pace…”
“Wow, there is a lady performer, too!” Abiti exclaimed.
“And here is more,” Jean-Philippe warned. “These artists will be supported by the Banton Family, Gaza Empire, Medium Level, Ice Jay, the Homeboys, Mizukwa, M2zee, Negozy, Draw Kays, Partaker Soulmate, Chakaka, Young T, Tay G, Glad Tidings, Kaligogo and the Park Town Band, and DJ Bomeni.”
“You mean all these artists will perform in one day?” Native Authority Mandela asked.
“They have never failed us. In this land, and in this place in particular, a promise is always kept. So, when they start, they will perform back to back until dawn breaks,” Jomwa, the barman, challenged.
“Okay. Let’s gear up then for the gig of a lifetime… but do these guys have CDs to sell?” Jean-Philippe asked.
“They have rudimentary CD recordings, but they mostly sell their music through flash discs and memory cards,” Jomwa said, adding, “I hear someone familiar with copyright issues has advised all the Tonga music stars to first register their music compilations with the copyright authorities so that the artists themselves benefit from their creative efforts.”
“Fine. Now, can we sample the music? Play just one song; say something meant for a wedding celebration?” Jean-Philippe requested.
Jomwa complied and put on Ayemba Mwepani by Tissy Mike. And did we not gyrate in our seats?n
