To say the truth the music industry in Malawi lacks alot of serious players, just imagine an artist can make music all his lifetime but you will see them on the same level they were without even a slight change financially. Maybe when there is a change its only being famous or broke, thats because they spend much on making music than getting a penny from their career.
If only we had serious promoters and perhaps well organized labels these artists would surely make a very big difference in our communities. These artists try their very best to entertain fans across the country but yet in return they get nothing.... thats a shame. Where are the promoters? What is the government doing?
Seeing the mess the industry is in, DVJ Scapper thought it wise to come up with something that will see some artists getting a little something by the end of the day. He thought of hosting competitions every now and then so as to promote and motivate Malawian artists who are actually rich when it comes to art but yet get nothing out of that rich art.
To begin with, Scarpper has introduced Facebook Riddim Competition whereas artists will voice on a beat he produced and the winner will end up pocketing a cool 50000MK. The competition kicked off last week on 13th November at Lilongwe Technical College with acts from the likes of Tamia, Prophet Buzzeah and North Warriors.
Jay Thomsom from Ghana had the pleasure of gracing the kick off with his outstanding performance on the same facebook riddim. The star is a very good friend to Scarpper and performing on this day meant something to him.
This is a very good development and we just hope someone out there can also do the same, for the sake of our beloved industry somebody has to do something. For Scarpper this is only a beginning and he needs support from everyone who appreciates art across the nation. He dont want the movement to fade away, he wants it to spread to all corners in the country from north through central to south.
"I was born to entertain... I got to do something to keep art moving and at the same time I need food on my table. Art shouldn't be denied a chance to make a difference in our communities. I will make sure i drag others along through my success in art." he said
"This competition will help the winner gear up financially and thats what we need. It will also help other artists not to take art for granted and atleast start getting serious with their career... its a motivational tool and i hope my friends out their implement projects like this across the nation." he added
Speaking on the same topic one of the competitors Tamia said she is happy to participate in this competition and she is positive that she is gonna win. She also agrees with Scapper the organizer for the competition that Malawi needs projects like these every now and then.
"The idea is just great, thumbs up to Scarpper and I hope other players follow his lead. This is a tight competition but I know i can win, I got all it takes to make it to the finals" she said
Asked on what she will do with the money if she happens to win the competition Tamia said she will try to help other female artists to come out in the open with their hidden talents as she is a product of the same idea. She also was once helped by someone who thought just as she is thinking
"I believe in helping... I was helped to be where I am today so once I win the prize i will make sure I help other accomplish their musical dreams" She added
The competition will have three rounds and the second round will be on 20 November 2015 while the grand final will be on 28 November 2015. Each round will come with a different version of the riddim and the venue will be the same (Lilongwe Technical College).
