The unmaking of Made See

 Some months ago, budding music ian Medison Kapeni, popularly known as Made See, was a source of envy among youths who aspire to take up music as a career.

The 17-year-old had been unveiled as the first artist to be taken on board by FDH Bank plc’s talent search project, a deal facilitated by the listed bank’s brand ambassador musician Patience Namadingo.

Details of their agreement indicated that the bank would commit a whopping K2 million to cater for the young artist’s academic pursuit and music development. As per the arrangement, K1 million went for his school fees and he was subsequently enrolled at North Park Boarding School.

The other half was set aside for his artistic ambitions and as part of that music project, Made See released his debut single Litilo, which featured his mentor Namadingo and later a solo release Jembe.

These songs were released under the Namartist stable, owned by Namadingo, which he was assigned to as part of the deal. He grabbed a few headlines and earned himself rave reviews on both the mainstream media and the social media platforms.

Many music lovers believed another star was born. And the support that he was receiving from FDH Bank plc and Namadingo, Made See made many wannabes wish they could trade places with him.

Made See’s transformation was evident in many forms. The pictures that were shared talked of a boy who was now privileged to a number of things hitherto absent in his life. His situation really smelled roses even from a far.

When schools reopened after the Covid-19 induced closure towards the end of last year pictures and videos of the excited Made See were shared as he made his way to school. That was the first time he was to report at a private boarding school. FDH Bank plc had paid for the last two years of his secondary education.

Like any minor, Made See was left to concentrate on his academic work and, subsequently, his presence in the limelight became limited.

When everybody thought the young music protégé was lost in his academic studies then boom! He drops a bombshell of video full of wild and unsubstantiated accusations and allegations.

I can say without any fear of contradiction that this week Made See ranks among the subjects that have caught the public attention massively. Even people who previously hadn’t heard his name made enquiries about who the young man is.

If his intention was just to earn some two-minutes of fame and prominence then he has done it in style. But if we look at the bigger picture, Made See has made a huge miscalculation over his handling of the whole issue.

At 17 years, he is an individual who needs close and candid guidance when it comes to matters of such nature. It is very evident that the boy is currently receiving advice from the wrong people, who ultimately don’t wish him well.

The time he made this self-damaging video, Made See was supposed to be in school together with his mates. But the setting of the video suggested he was in some little bushy hideout surrounded by characters which appeared even more questionable than the intentions of the clip.

I later learnt from his mother that he was expelled from school some time back on allegations that he was found in possession of chamba [Indian Hemp]. Sad.

I have seen some arguments suggesting that his benefactors weren’t supposed to force him to go to school, but rather just allow him chase his music dream.

Imagine an institution such as FDH Bank plc facilitating the dropping out of school of a 17-year-old. Where would they be placing their corporate social responsibility sense if they were to go that route? Who has ever made it big in music without the help of a little academic qualification in Malawi? Many have tried to do what Made See is attempting now and the results have been disastrous.

The school fees that FDH Bank plc privileged him with is everything that many of his fellow youths are praying for every night when they go to bed. The bank meant well through their initiative and we can only hope they won’t be put off by the mad antics from Made See and his supporting company.

Releasing an album, as he claims he badly wants, doesn’t entail instant success. People have released one album after the other, but they have reaped next to zero from such investments. Someone better tell this boy the truth before he waves bye to everything he might have had.