Afro pop artist fights for space
Afro pop artist Kelvin Matchika, whose recently released music video ‘Wakontolola’ has attracted mixed reactions, has asked record labels to stick to their words, saying raw deals given to raw talent are thwarting growth of the music industry in the country.
The artist, famed for the music video ‘Wakontolola’— which Media Quake Malawi shot at Malawi Housing Corporation Park and Chitawira Township in Blantyre—said this in an interview on Wednesday.
But he vowed not to give up on his music career.
“Music opportunities are like being appointed as ambassadors,” Matchika said.
Matchika, who was born on September 29 1995, said it takes time for a budding artist to make a name, hence event organisers should reward those who have registered their presence on the music scene with binding contracts.
The second-born in the family of five added that he was speaking out of experience, having had a stint at managing events with elder brother Sukez and Excess when they were at The Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi.
The composer, who is learning the guitar and piano and specialises in Afro pop said although his seven recently-released tracks have received a fair reception, he will not give up.
However, Matchika lamented that challenges abound.
“Challenges include management problems. [Some of the people are] unprofessional in the sense that some of the agreements are not legally binding. Poor planning of shows and patronage are other challenges. Hence, my dream is to set up a music label in five years coming and he will organising my own events,” Matchika said.
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