One of the renowned musicians in the country, Soldier Lucius Banda says there’s need for more support to the music industry by the private sector if the music is to stay alive.
Banda who is also presidential advisor on arts and youth, told ProjectM that, currently the music industry is facing quite a number of challenges, particularly lack of support to promote those that are struggling to make it to the top of the class.
“Currently a lot of companies, NGO’s and others are putting much of their financial muscles on other activities such as cultural events and football leaving the music industry suffering. One day we will no longer have music in Malawi if it continues like this”, Banda said.
Banda said elsewhere in the world the music industry is being pushed by the private sector and that is why most musicians in other countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, America and others are doing much better as compared to Malawi.
He said apart from supporting football and other events, NGO’s, Companies and other well-wishers should also listen to the cry of many artists who make ends meet through music in order to boost the music industry in thecountry.
On the other hand, Banda has challenged his fellow musicians to be creative and avoid copying music from others but instead, should concentrate on creating their own style of music so that they may become who they are and be able to have something to point at in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by a lot of artists in the country, Banda, who started his music career in 1986 has so far produced about 20 albums and some of them include Cease fire, Yahwe, Down Babylon, take over and many more.
Through Zembani Band the legendary musician has also natured so many musicians such as Mlaka Maliro, Wendy Harawa, Billy Kaunda to say the list.
