Malawi gospel singers exposed: Unprofessional conduct

Two newspapers adverts that appeared in Monday edition of The Daily Times have apparently exposed unprofessional conduct of some gospel musicians, who always claim to have been called by God to spread the gospel through music.

Malawi’s daily carried two adverts announcing gospel concerts by King James Phir and Lloyd phiri in Lilongwe and Blantyre this Sunday, respectively.

Artists like Princess Chitsulo, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Favoured Martha and the Marvellous Deeds are billed to perform at both shows taking place 360 km apart.

The mix-up also confirms claims that gospel musicians have been cheating fans with their lineups to make easy money by using the names of other artists.

Nyasa Times understands that the curtain raisers in question only committed to perform at Lloyd phiri’s double DVD and CD launch at Robins Part in Blantyre.

King James Phiri included the names of featured supporting artists without their consent and did not book them.

Meanwhile, Blantyre based Ndirande Anglican Voices have indicated that they will not be part of king James Phiri’s show. Instead, they will perform with Lloyd Phiri in the commercial capital.

Likewise, Chitsulo said she was surprised that King James Phiri went ahead to put her name on his poster when she plainly told him that she was already booked for Lloyd Phiri’s launch.

“I will not be in Lilongwe on this day. I will be in Blantyre at the launch of Lloyd Phiri’s double DVD and CD,” she said.

When asked why he inserted names of artists who did not commit to be part of the Lilongwe show, King James Phiri claimed that “it was a mistake” before declining to take more questions.

While Lloyd Phiri said all is set for the launch and that fans should expect splendid performance worth the billing.