By Burnett Munthali
Renowned Malawian musician Namadingo has made headlines with his recent announcement that he will not be performing at the highly anticipated Umodzi Music Concert, set to take place on November 17 at BICC. The withdrawal stems from a significant disagreement regarding his performance fee, which has sparked conversations about the treatment of artists in Malawi’s music industry.
Namadingo had initially requested a fee of 10 million MWK for his performance. However, the concert organizers informed him that they could only offer 6 million MWK. In a candid statement posted on his social media, Namadingo expressed his disappointment: “I quoted 10 million, but you say you have 6 million. Don’t put me on your poster; I won’t be coming if you can’t meet my fee.”
This situation has raised important questions about the financial struggles faced by artists in Malawi and the value placed on their performances. Namadingo’s absence will undoubtedly leave a notable gap in the concert lineup, which will still feature other popular artists such as Lulu and Keturah. However, many fans are left wondering how this change will affect the overall appeal of the event.
The decision to withdraw from such a prominent concert reflects the ongoing discussions about fair compensation in the arts, an issue that resonates deeply with many performers in Malawi. As artists advocate for better pay and recognition, Namadingo’s stance could encourage others in the industry to voice their concerns.
As the concert date approaches, it remains to be seen how the organizers will respond to this setback and what impact Namadingo’s withdrawal will have on ticket sales and audience turnout. For fans, the anticipation of the Umodzi Music Concert is now tinged with uncertainty, highlighting the complexities and challenges within Malawi’s vibrant music scene.
