Allan Ngumuya to run as MP, against party politics
Malawi’s most successful gospel artist to date Allan Ngumuya says his desire to venture politics is arises from a need to serve people regardless of their affiliations.
The musician recently announced that he has joined the bandwagon of aspirants that will contest the Blantyre City South constituency that is currently occupied by Minister of Information and government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu.
But it is rumoured that Kunkuyu has opted out of the race at he intends to contest in John Tembo’s Dedza South constituency.
In an exclusive interview with Nyasa Times, Ngumuya said he presents a fresh option on the menu of contestants.
“My view is that party politics has not helped Malawi that much. I believe that to serve people, one must not look at party affiliations. I want to serve everyone unconditionally, I want to be a people’s man,” he said. “I want God to help me to help each and every one.”
Born and raised in Zingwangwa, Blantyre, Ngumuya ventured in the music industry in 1988 with the launch of his debut album ‘Nthawi’.
Last year he released his 16th album ‘202’.
Ngumuya argued that as a native of the constituency, he understands the issues that need to be addressed and he is ready to get his hands dirty.
“I was born in Zingwangwa and my family are Zingwangwa people. But it pains me when I look at the area now, one realizes that there are areas that were much better 10 to 15 years ago than there are now.
“Also, one key area that needs addressing is young people who spend most of their time drinking sachets liquor. As a person who grew up in the area, I am duty bound to assist. I want to drive them into activities that will develop them into being responsible young adults. I want to bring a difference to my community. People need somebody who has a heart of helping them.”
Ngumuya, who has spent the last decade in the US, claimed that there are several individuals that are willing to use him to fund development initiatives in the constituency.
“I am in contact with people in the US who are willing to drive this dream forward,” he said, adding that development does not always have to originate from government but also from people themselves.
“We don’t always have to look at government because there are a lot of things that we can do by ourselves. That is the spirit that I am taking to the constituency; that we have to start building the constituency ourselves,” he said.
However, Ngumuya says he is not giving up his music dream.
“Music is a passion that I cannot part with. I have been in the industry for 30 years and I cannot not just quit.”
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