By Burnett Munthali
In a recent commentary, Bashir Al Bashir expressed strong opinions regarding the current state of political music in Malawi, specifically targeting Dan Lu’s latest song. He stated that if he were Chimwendo, he would be “knocking on Dan Lu’s door” demanding a refund, criticizing the track as lacking passion, energy, and creativity. Al Bashir suggested that the song is merely an attempt to tackle issues without genuine artistic merit.
He pointed out a troubling trend he perceives in the Malawian music scene, where every artist seems to have only one political song. He referenced Lucius Banda, noting how his attempts to address political themes—like the UTM and MCP—fell flat, calling his latest efforts a “zero.” Al Bashir argued that while Banda has a history of impactful music, his current output does not resonate with the same potency.
Reflecting on the importance of authenticity in political music, he criticized Dan Lu’s recent effort, predicting it would be forgotten within days. “This song won’t last two days on the airwaves; it’s dead on arrival,” he stated, suggesting that it lacks the cultural significance of past hits, such as Banda’s “Lodzani Zanu” or “Mumumva Kuwawa,” which he claims remain benchmarks in the genre.
Al Bashir also expressed frustration over the financial dynamics within the music industry, implying that if the government were to invest in the media, it should be in a way that supports genuine artistic endeavors rather than perpetuating ineffective political messaging. He questioned the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the government’s support for opposition voices, urging for more accountability and meaningful change.
In conclusion, Al Bashir’s critique serves as a call to action for artists to infuse their political songs with creativity and depth, reminding them that music should not just be a vehicle for political messaging but also a genuine reflection of passion and artistry.
