Organisers of the inaugural North Beach Music Festival scheduled for Chikale Beach in Nkhata Bay in September this year have heeded the call to include artists based in the Northern Region on the list of performers.

The three-day music festival will take place from September 1 to 3.

 However, the first list released by the organisers, Thom’s Park Event, excluded artists from the host region.

This did not please the local artists resident in the region who protested.

 Mzuzu-based music promoter Aleke Mphasi said: “I think something really needs to be done. We cannot allow this type of arrangement. Not even in any other country are things arranged that way where resident artists are excluded from performing in such big music events. Local Northern Region artists need to be considered. We have equally good talent here.”

Madulira: We have quickly responded to the demands

Ngoni dancehall artist from Mzimba Sweetman aka Inkosi Ntheto said by excluding Northern Region-based artists, the organisers have showed disrespect to the communities where the festival will take place.

“They just want to earn money here and off they go without promoting its local talent. This is not on and we will not tolerate that,” he said.

On his part, Mzuzu-based reggae star Fitzgerald Simfukwe, who is also former Musician Union of Malawi Northern Chapter chairperson, said such conduct displayed by the organisers has the potential to kill up-and-coming artists in the country.

“I am not aware which criteria they have used in choosing artists to perform, but by all means, artists from the region must be incorporated if the festival is to be successful. I am worried about the exclusion because this conduct will likely kill local talent in the region,” he said.

When contacted on the concerns raised, Thom’s Park Event managing director Thomson Madulira said in response to the concerns, they have contacted some artists based in the region.

“We have quickly responded to their concerns. In our latest list, we have a number of artists from the region. We have roped in Merchah, Ma Ninja, Machuluka, Eliza James, DJ Magic Mike and MC Li,” he said.

Madulira said due to limited funds, they are not able to include all artists that they would want.

“In addition, those artists who can perform for free at the event are welcome. We will give them the chance to perform,” he said.

In an interview, Machuluka from Nkhata Bay said he is happy that finally he has been added to the list.

“I am delighted for the consideration. I am prepared to give my home fans the best,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, music event management expert Wendy Harawa said while organisers can rope in some artists from the host region, they also take into consideration the value the artists will add.

The post Beach Music Festival to incorporate local artists first appeared on The Nation Online.