Malawi's Dancehall Scene: A Missed Opportunity for Financial Growth

Renowned dancehall artist Don Tarz has expressed his disappointment over the challenges facing the Malawi dancehall scene. He likens the situation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where local resources benefit outsiders rather than the local population.

According to Tarz, many Malawian dancehall artists can energize crowds but struggle to capitalize on financial opportunities. He notes that these artists are like a flame that attracts but doesn't provide warmth.

Tarz points to the memorial show for the late hip-hop artist Martse as an example of successful monetization. The event allowed attendees to pay at the door, providing a revenue stream for the organizers. Tarz emphasizes the importance of seizing financial opportunities, stating, "You have to make hay while the sun shines."

In contrast, the dancehall community often misses out on revenue opportunities. Events like the memorial shows for the late dancehall artist Mafunyeta and renowned reggae artist Evison Matafale are consistently organized for free. Tarz argues that this approach is akin to letting ripe fruit fall from the tree.

To address this issue, Tarz proposes that organizers consider charging a small fee, such as K500, to support the artists' families and cover logistics. He emphasizes the importance of saving and earning, stating, "A penny saved is a penny earned."

Ultimately, Tarz urges dancehall artists and organizers to explore effective monetization strategies, highlighting the need to turn revenue into sustainable income. By doing so, the Malawi dancehall scene can unlock its full potential and provide financial benefits for its artists and stakeholders.