By Jonas Nyasulu:
Ethno-spiritual musician Nyago, who draws her musical inspiration from Vimbuza—a healing traditional dance—has dared the country to get organised and do more for the creatives sector.
The musician said this on Monday upon arrival from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania where she debuted at Wikiendi Live 2023.
Backed by a band from Tanzania, Nyago was the only artist from Malawi to star at the event that also attracted artists from Kenya, Uganda and Zanzibar.
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“I have learned from this outing. The support that the creatives sector gets from the government and the corporate world is huge because they are aware of its importance. As a country, we need to be serious in supporting the sector,” she said.
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The ‘Mdoko’ maker, who also uses music to wrestle various vices affecting the society such as early marriages and gender-based violence, said the creatives sector also needs to rise up and industry players need to work in unity.
Nyago, real name Lucy Gondwe, observed that the Tanzanian music industry is organised.
“During these art residences, they recognise and encourage artists to be masters of their art. For example, if you are good at Vimbuza dance like I do, they will help you with more skills and techniques.
“If you are good at playing a guitar, they do likewise. Therefore, it is important for Malawi to be having these art residences because they embrace and nurture diverse genres and this helps the industry to grow,” she said.
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The Lilongwe-based artist also said industry players need to refrain from exploiting each other.
“The industry needs to accommodate all players and support female artists, who face so many challenges compared to men.
“We cannot grow with this kind of attitude. As female creatives, we need to be given a chance and platform to freely showcase our talents without fear of being sexually harassed by those we look up to in the industry,” she said.
Nyago said people adored her performance.
She has since been invited to perform in Zanzibar in December this year.
Wikiendi Live 2023 is a unique live music celebration of art and culture, which was held at Nafasi Art Space.
