Protecting people as they have fun
For four years, Tamanda Mbendera has been organising one of the biggest music and cultural festivals in Africa, the MTN Bushfire, in eSwatini, formerly Swaziland. In this interview with Yvonnie Sundu (YS), Mbendera (TM) shares her experiences and lessons from the festival that will take place from 24 to 26 May this year.
Y
S: Who is Tamanda Mbendera?
T
M: In a few words? A sister, an aunt, a poet, an occasional musician, a Christian and an introvert.
Y
S: Since you moved to Mbabane, have there been Malawian artists who have performed at the event?
T
M: Not yet. We are working on something, subject to funding this year. I cannot say anything as we have not reached contract stages yet. However, more Malawian artists are reaching out. I want them all there, but the industry is competitive. I tell my fellow artists, they cannot expect to be on the line-up just because they know Tammy. On a global level, we must refine our craft to be competitive.
However, I have a crew member from Malawi, Sharon Kadangwe from Winter Fashion Ankara Expo (Wafe), coming to work with us for this festival. I know Sharon from when we used to volunteer at Youth Fest together. She is a very talented young lady and I am glad to make her part of our team. I have a passion for capacity building in the events industry. I think the team behind the scenes are usually underrated, but we put in a lot. Skills development for growing event managers is the legacy I want to leave behind.
Our young people in the creative industry not just here, but regionally, need jobs. But before that, they need the skills.
Y
S: What is the procedure to have international artists perform at the festival?
T
M: Our artist applications open annually in August and are closed by October. Some artists are selected through that process.
We also work with prominent promoters and directors for festivals such as Sauti Za Busara and Sakifo. We also scout at regional music markets. Although the industry is competitive, the platforms available are very few. The entire continent’s promoters and programmers know each other so we talk, consult, network and recommend.
Y
S: What have been the challenges in putting together a grand show considering that you are in foreign land?
T
M: Missing my people. It is a tough job complete with blood, sweat and tears.
I sometimes liken it to going to war. It is common to forget to sleep and eat. I miss having friends around who made sure I was allowing my body to take breaks and replenish. It is possible to forget to do these things for yourself for up to four or five days sometimes. I worry that eventually, my body won’t be able to take the wear and tear.
Y
S: What are the challenges and similarities in terms of the entertainment industry in Malawi and eSwatini?
T
M: The nature of events is the same everywhere. You’re creating a space for human beings to have a good time in a suitable environment.
It comes with risks. You basically have thousands of humans’ lives in your hands. Not only do you have to think of everything you need to put in place to keep them entertained, you also are responsible for keeping them safe, secure and alive. Crowd control and health and safety from the minute they leave their homes to the minute they return is ultimately your responsibility. Even a drink-driving incident linked to your event is something you, as the event manager, feel responsible for. We protect people while they have fun. That is our job.
Y
S: Where do you think eSwatini is doing better than Malawi?
T
M: Tourism. Swaziland has preserved its culture so well that tourists flock in the country all year round, even outside of Bushfire Festival weekend. They have also mastered the art of sustainability. With very little water, they produce massive amounts of fruit, tree, and greenery on their land. They value their environment, they have learned how to preserve it and profit from it and we should too.
Y
S: Through your Bushfire exploits, what have you learned?
T
M: That we [Malawi] are far wealthier than we think. I am definitely coming back home with all these insights to do more with our land, and environment. We need to do this before we completely pollute our beautiful home. n
