Of course we know, since the dawn of time, only one Artist from Malawi achieved a nomination for the Grammy. Funny enough these weren’t professional musicians after all. These were prisoners who haven’t even had any experience in music yet they did it. Actually our big names are still struggling to get it done. Talking of Namadingo his dream of grabbing a Grammy died years a go. Now he is dreaming of becoming a president. Since he realized the goal to achieve a Grammy for him was unrealistic despite making promises, maybe this is why they say don’t be too quick to spread your dreams and goals before achieving. Anyway jumping to the chase, Below are top 5 reasons as to why no Malawian established musician will ever achieve a Grammy.
1. Content quality
As you noticed, the only Grammy nominee from Malawi had there project produced by a Grammy winning producer. Meaning the one on the board, matters the most. Those producers who have created Grammy winning songs, exactly knows what it takes. Regardless of what it takes it’s in them, so basically in Malawi we are used to cheap labor or working with lower class producers just because they’re friends or maybe cheaper. This is the biggest killer of the dream, don’t expect big achievements without investments.
2. Impact
Music is always rated based on its impacts to the society not only the entertainment part. Mostly in Africa where we have so much struggle within. You should think of what issues are you addressing through you music. What level of impact do you have to a common Malawian before you think of impacting the world. You can’t think of lower standard lyrics or concepts solely aimed at only entertainment, catching an eye of the Grammy organizers or the international community. Mostly as we noticed most of our musicians rush into fame with lower industry standard “knowledge” So there is so much competition out there. The question is do we have what it takes, I think we are nowhere near.
3. Exposure
Exposure is something that really needs to be more powerful. Some are already born in exposed countries others are fighting to be noticed with only their tools as talents or money. Same it is, other musicians are already in established countries, good economy, and also these countries have a mark on the world stage, plus there industries are well established and structured. While here in Malawi, we are number 3 as the most poorest country on Earth. Our music industry is not well structured, we don’t even understand the role of composers, producers, promoters, distributors and record labels just to mention but a few. We have no record labels or whatsoever with that has impact. Our musicians are not connected to the top players in other industries. Do we really think a Grammy will come as a miracle? No! that’s not how it works they’re structures to this whole thing.
4. Lack of Knowledge, Ignorance
Actually the people in our country are more ignorant on a lot of things. And they actually don’t seek wisdom once they think they have made it. For example Henry Czar one time said he will bring a BET home, same Namadingo promised us that he will bring a Grammy home. Where they really serious about it, or joking or just wanted to create noise on social media? Anyway did they even do a thorough research on what exactly was needed for them to reach such levels of recognition? These lines must open you up to the fact that as a country we speak out of ignorance and poor understanding, maybe we are just not really serious about it. If these people were indeed knowledgeable on how to achieve their dreams, they would have first worked on quality, strive for exposure and make an impact in their society through music. Those would have been the very first steps, but wow! let me just say sorry! even though it’s never too late.
1. Above all uniqueness is so important
Grammys above being an award ceremony, is a music representation of different cultures across the world. Therefore before thinking of a Grammy think of what culture are you representing. And how are you selling you own originality to the world, that defines your uniqueness, So surely you can’t say you’re staging up your rap career aiming at a Grammy, yet you sound like Jay Z, or maybe Drake or something that has already been done and think you will make it. Mostly as you can see it’s fork tale music or our own traditional sounds and story telling that helped these guys get a Grammy nomination. Even since the dawn of Grammys the artist that are winning are those that have brought in something different. From the time of 2 Pac to Lil Wayne to 21 Savage they all have something different from each other. The question can be what difference have you brought as an artist, not only in the society but also in your own way of creating and delivering the massage to the audience ? If you keep these in mind you will begin to understand the necessary position you are in and the path you can take towards achieving your goals.
Conclusion
The points above are not in any way trying to scare aspiring Malawian Musicians that they can’t make a difference rather these ones are opening your minds to understanding of the task ahead and what is expected of each and every local talents, as well it’s important to understand that your win is our win. Hence we criticize and share. So that we continue shaping the industry. In the next article we will highlight on what Malawian musicians can do to achieve a Grammy award and live with that honor for the rest of their lives.
