Malawian artists need more exposure, says Tay Grin
Malawi’s award-winning rapper, Tay Grin, has said the country’s musicians need international exposure if the M-Dubs music industry is to grow and compete on the international scene.
Real name Limbani Kalilani, and fondly known as the ‘Nyau King’, the rapper said this in an interview with Nyasa Times following his return from Mozambique where he performed at the Lake Niassa Triangle of Stars Musical Festival last weekend.
“As a country, we need to expand and participate at festivals. The more festivals there are of this magnitude, the easier it will become for artists in Malawi and this region to go around and showcase their various music,” said Tay Grin.
Famed for his ‘Ndabwela’ and ‘2 by 2’ hits, the rapper further said he was honoured to represent Malawi, describing his trip to the neighbouring Mozambique as a great experience.
He added: “I learnt quite a lot in terms on management of festivals of that level. I made contacts that will allow me to help host such events in Malawi that will also help develop our entertainment industry.”
The Lake Niassa Triangle of Stars Musical Festival was set up to celebrate Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzanian cultures and music.
According to Tay Grin, it was attended by the governor of Mtengula Province as guest of honour and he shared the stage with various Mozambique acts such as Carlos de Lina, Wilson Olesss as well as Kastelo Bravo, who is currently the biggest artist in Mozambique at the moment.
Meanwhile, the artist, who is President of the Black Rhyno Entertainment, has disclosed that he is working on something [a show] for music lovers in the country, though he said it was too early to mention what it was.
However, there are strong rumours that Black Rhyno Entertainment plans to bring into the country, once more, Nigerian superstar Naeto C.
Local media have reported that “sources close to the artist confirmed that all is set for Tay Grin to bringing the ‘Superstar’ hit maker.”
In May, Black Rhyno brought in another Nigerian star Ice Prince of the ‘Oleku’ fame who performed in Lilongwe and Blantyre.
Other artists that have visited Malawi courtesy of Tay Grin are Kenya’s Nameless and Jamaican Brick & Lace.
