“We will be back, bigger and so much better.”
These are the parting words sponsors and organisers of Malawi’s sole musical talent show, Search for a Star have left for all music wannabes and fans.
Sunbird started sponsoring the show in 2013 as part of its corporate and social responsibilities aimed at uplifting Malawi music.
After a grand year that saw McLuther Mambala winning the K500 000 (about $1 250) price and a recording deal, the show will be back next year.
“The 2014 show was better than last year and 2015 will be so much better. In fact, it will be the best. We are sponsoring the event again next year since it is part of corporate social responsibility,” said Sunbird head of sales and marketing Titania Katenga Kaunda.
She hailed the winner as someone who deserved to win as, from the onset, the lad has been confident.
Explained Katenga Kaunda: “We have achieved our goal of unearthing talent and we believe McLuther deserved to win. Let me also take this opportunity to thank all the fans who have kept the show going and the media for the support.”
E-Wallet projects director Felix Njawala described this series as exceptional as it was a big improvement from last year.
“I and my team are happy that the season was full of excitement and the talent we scouted was amazing. It was a stiff competition and all that made it to the top five deserved to win.
“The season was an improvement from last year and the team worked hard to make sure the production of the show improved,” he explained.
For Njawala, the 2014 season ends with a story of not just new star born, but one with rare skills.
“The talent has been unearthed and what remains is for Malawians to continue supporting them in whatever they will be doing musically. The winner has got all it takes to do well in Malawi music,” he emphasised.
The competition’s story will be incomplete thus far without the mention of some musicians in the industry as it has proved to be a breeding ground for some of Malawi’s artists.
“The shows have grown and the growth is not just because we are managing it, but because Malawians take part in the making of the show by bringing forward suggestions and criticism. It has produced stars such as Adrian Kwelepeta, Aemo E-Face, Tigris, Goma Nyondo and Dave Chiwaya,” said Njawala.
He thanked Sunbird for their contribution towards improving the standard of music in Malawi and also the other sponsors including AXA, the official transporter, DBR Casino and Toyota Malawi.
