Sometimes, it pays to look at the world –and everything in it; people, wild animals, domesticated animals, trees, grass, clouds, raindrops, water and what have you— except in relation to oneself.
Yes, sometimes, it pays to think that you are the only person that exists, especially when stakeholders— the government, non-State actors— behave as if they are innocent of any sense of responsibility.
After all, no one, except oneself, is under any obligation to make the world a better place for us. The tendency of believing that others owe us a living has led to the culmination of an endless procession of
problems to sort out in this life.
It could be for this reason, therefore, that some of the country’s renowned musicians have decided to think of no one but themselves and their pockets by flocking to South Africa, the so-called Rainbow Nation.
To them, it does not matter that Malawi’s chances of progress hinge on the richness of its traditions— be it through music, poetry, dance, storytelling and what have you— and that it is them that can make the train that is Malawi move.
Look here, cultural traditions can only be interpreted and given significance if it pays to play game to them. I mean, we are all in it [Malawi] for money. We may lie that we are philanthropists but the truth is that we become one [a philanthropist] once we accumulate resources. Without resources we are nothing but the poor. Period.
So, it is understandable that our artists— I mean those that have flocked to South Africa— did not want to be at the receiving end of the philanthropist’s godly act and, as such, they found the easy road to what they believe to be success: The Rainbow Nation.
Of course, others— such as Onesmus, real name Armstrong Kalua, Lawi, Wendy Harawa, Khuza Rampi, among others— say they find themselves them to achieve God’s purpose; which is to bring mankind closer to God.
Whatever the case, the thing is that they are in South Africa. While there, they seek to cement their presence in an industry crowded with talent. Good of them.
That said, I believe that, with what has been happening in South Africa this month, where foreigners are being killed, maimed and their property exposed to the long teeth of destruction, it has become difficult to boast that one is in the Rainbow Nation.
In fact, after seeing what we are seeing on the tube, it may be difficult for our contingent of artists in South Africa— this time, I am including Charles Nsaku, Sally Nyundo and others— to travel back to the time the Rainbow Nation was a welcoming place be it day or night.
The good thing is that our artists are safe, really. Just that it is not the kind of safety one would go like Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!H a!Ha!Ha!Ha! with. Surely, while one’s life could be safe, it is closer to impossible to escape the impact of loud cries from fellow Africans; those that have fallen prey to bad elements in South Africa.
But then, like all pains, this pain in our flesh shall come to pass.
