This is my homecoming
Gospel artist Suffix will on November 10 host a free show at Zingwangwa Youth Centre ground in Blantyre. The artist grew up in Blantyre’s Chilobwe Township, but moved to Lilongwe in 2017. The show, according to him, is a homecoming event meant to celebrate his success with friends from his childhood. Our Arts Editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with Suffix for details.
Q: What inspired you to think of hosting a free show. And why target Chilobwe?
A
: I have always, like always wanted to do something which would be more than a show for my fans in my hood. I grew up there in Chilobwe and this hood made me. My hommies in Chilobwe kept me and have showed me so much love over the years. I launched my album Before I Sleep in Lilongwe, and I felt like I owe my hood a show as well. Besides, almost 80 percent of my fans from my hood have never seen me on stage so with this free show I would like to inspire them and challenge them to be who God created them to be. This will be more than just a show. It will be an experience.
Q
: Hosting a free show is costly, who is sponsoring you?
A
: It is. Flood Church from Blantyre that’s under Yamikani Kalizang’oma is sponsoring the event. Another guy from my hood is supplying the sound system at a very low price.
Q
: Who else will perform at the event?
A: Kelvin sings, Pro Gain and a few artists from my hood just to give them a platform as well.
Q: There have been some thoughts in the arts industry that free shows should be discouraged as they may instil a spirit of getting free music….free shows….What’s your take?
A
: I understand the frustrations and I will have to speak for myself on this one. I have an audience that would be able to pay even K5 000 to watch me perform and on the flipside I have a huge fan-base that can’t even afford a thousand kwacha to watch me on stage. I need to appreciate both. People should see the heart behind some of these free shows and also know that everyone has their own formula/way of doing things in this industry.
Q
: What have you as an individual artist prepared for the fans during this free show?
A
: For now let’s say a great performance as I mentioned already that 80 percent of these guys have never seen me on stage.
Q
: This year is coming to an end, for yourself as an individual, how do you see the progress you have made and the arts industry as a whole in 2019?
A
: Well, I have learnt a lot, made a few mistakes but moved on. I have dropped only one song this year because I don’t want to put out music for the sake of it. I was focussing on building some other things outside music. n
