Happy people, Nigerians say: “Wonders will never end.”
It appears the endless surprises include one of the displeasing wonders of Malawi’s entertainment world.
Picture this: the press reports that Skeffa Chimoto is scheduled to headline some awards gala in the UK on Friday, but numerous posters in Mzuzu indicate that the Chinamuluma Chakuda hitmaker and his Real Sounds jamming machines will be at Key Lounge the same night and Sunbird Mzuzu’s Boma Park the following afternoon.
Gazing at the adverts in Mzilawayingwe, Chiputula, Mchengautuwa, Chibavi, Mapale, Luwinga and Chibanja it is no secret that one party is creating legitimate expectation in innocent fun-seekers minds which cannot be met.
But the British isle Skeffa is linked with says: “You cannot keep your cake and eat it at the same time.”
It is impossible not to sense a worrisome tinge of indecision and ill-organisation in the camp of the entertainer who has become a crowd-puller on the wings of thoughtful songs as well as honesty and humility.
Granted, I welcome Skeffa’s vibes to Mzuzu’s nightlife culture mistakenly associated with fun-starved nights. Yet, I am quite aware that some souls overseas are likewise dying for his offerings.
Like his idol Lucky Dube, Skeffa must come clear: “I am going around the world spreading the word”.
That’s where better bucks lie, but Mzuzu must be told the whole truth.
…Kunkuyu isn’t serious
I understand that Minister of Tourism and Culture Moses Kunkuyu is not necessarily angry with the unhelpful officials he almost named and shamed for stalling the K200 million renovations of the K300 million French Cultural Centre.
Here, the maddening disappointment the minister feigned in the press are called cheap politics, screensavers, scapegoats, blame games—not the stuff of honourable folks.
Is mere talking and ranting all people in power do when confronted with underperformance or insurbodination in their workplaces? Don’t they act fast and decisively?
Until Kunkuyu starts sweeping up the rot piling in his ministry, blaming his workforce only confirms that he is not in control and that is why gospel songbird Ethel Kamwendo-Banda feels the FCC’s worst misfortune is that those in authority do not take arts seriously.
End the circus!
