This and That

That Bushiri’s ‘songworthy’ side

Good people, Major Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is steadily turning into a sensational game changer on the country’s urban music scene.
Not only is the youthful prophet the subject of a lengthening playlist where a rap battle pans out as his attackers and backers try to out-sing each other.
There are musicians who seem to perceive  him as a punching bag, an object they love to bash and blame anytime they find some furry to vent.
Then there are those who covet his wealth, gift of words and ministry.
So multifaceted is the man many love to hate for no good reason that he is certainly  bigger than the tycoon with money to throw away anyhow whom you encounter in Mafo’s song, Akandipweteka Maluzi.
Think about Bushiri in any circumstances and manner you want, he will never run out of stunners to draw your attention.
Poke fun at him or his acts, he keeps coming back stronger and giving.
So predictably unpredictable is the man of God whose house of prayer has become of habitat of an ensemble of local artists, including Armstrong Kalua, Gwamba and Mlaka Maliro and Thoko Katimba, that taking sides is never easy when it comes to his religion, riches and charity.
But shelve the hot debate over his private space that usually divides us for no pay.
Love him or loathe him, the  supreme servant at Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) is a successful entrepreneur who will never shy away from doing things that many take for granted if that is what it takes to bring him the joy he seems to derive from putting smiles on faces of people who lack just one.
This is the impression I had when he travelled the length and breadth of this country of ours distributing maize to multitudes that were going to bed with no crumb in their stomachs.
If distributing grain to those dying for a chew mirrors philanthropy, something is taking shape which show the famous prophet is a musician as well.
Yes, he can sing—singing more than just a few Alleluyas that have come to be mistaken for gospel songs in churches, concerts and homes across this nation where the hottest rappers Gwamba and Martse cannot rake in more than K10 000 each in annual loyalties from broadcasters who play their music.
There are limitless reasons that make Malawian musicians unhappy, but the good thing is that Bushiri is not one of them.
Even the makers of piles of music that slights his ‘holy name’ are happy to find a job because they cannot just resist that allure of the prophet who recently debuted with the inspirational single Motivation.
When he released the song, it was not difficult to tell that the big thing was on the way. Those who know the difference between eating to live and a three-course meal will tell you that no starter is an end in itself.
Predictably, Bushiri has set aside some millions for a gospel rap contest in which the ultimate winner will receive a car plus K3 million and two best losers will share K2 million and K2 million, respectively.
It is gratifying to see the prophet putting his cash in the affair likely to prop up voices that glorify God and to bring joy to musicians who have long gnashed teeth.
Mentions of gospel rap are always a sign that gone are the days hip hop hits were theme songs of violence, verbal abuse, promiscuity, enmities and other iniquities the godly shudder to hear.
For once, those who seemingly rejoice in vilifying Bushiri need to tone down and opened their lips in recognition of the things he gets right, especially for those in trouble. n

Related Articles

Back to top button