Rapper Tay Grin has finally come out of his shell to declare interest to contest as member of Parliament (MP) for the Lilongwe City Centre constituency on a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket.
The artist, real name Limbani Kalilani and son to DPP stalwart and minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social welfare Jean Kalirani, initially appeared undecided about joining frontline politics when reports first emerged about his intentions to run as MP in the May 21 Tripartite Elections.
A poster bearing the artist’s face donning DPP colours circulated on social media over three months ago, but when the musician was asked, he remained coy, only saying that was the wish of some people within the party.
But now the self-styled Nyau King has finally confirmed he will indeed contest as MP in the 2019 polls after wide consultations.
In an interview, he said: “For me to go into something I needed to be fully focused on that particular thing both spiritually and mentally. I realise that I am young, energetic and full of ideas and going into politics is something that will help me implement those ideas.”
The musician, who is also an active businessperson, said his joining of politics does not signal the end of his music career.
“Before I was a businessman and musician and throughout the years I have managed to balance those two demands very well. Politics will just be an addition to these and I will not stop doing music.
“Music has helped me to get where I am. It has allowed me to create a platform from where people know me. People can talk to me, can follow me because of my music. I will never abandon music and my fans should be assured of that,” he said.
The Two-by-Two hit-maker said he will try hard to rally the youth of Malawi to play their part in developing the country since they remain the biggest human resource that the country has.
He said: “I want to appeal to the young minds to impress upon them that while we are young we should use our energy positively. This is our country and it is all we have. Nothing will work if we leave it to one person so let us hold hands to develop this country.”
Yesterday afternoon, the musician was expected to address a rally at Mgona in Lilongwe, where he was to make his official announcement of his political intention.
