By Staff Reporter
Malawians have expressed disappointment with the organisers of the Blantyre Arts Festival (BAF) for organizing a free entertainment event on the same day when musician Jay Jay Cee was planning to launch his latest album titled “Pamodzi”.
Jay Jay Cee announced his album launch in June this year and has been working hard to have a successful launch which was slated to take place at Robins Park on October 7, 2023.
With just afew days to the day, BAF organizers announced that they will have a free show at Kamuzu Upper Stadium, just about a kilometer from Robins Park where Jay Jay Cee’s album launch was supposed to take place.
Among music artist to perform at BAF festival include; Skeffa Chimoto Taygrin and Driemo who was also booked for Jay Jay Cee’s album launch.
The development has forced the musician, real names Juma James Chitsonga, to postpone his show fearing that it would be less patronized.
The album launch has since been rescheduled to November 4, 2023 at the same venue, Robin Park.
This has irked some music followers who are claiming that the BAF festival organisers have done that to frustrate Jay Jay Cee’s efforts.
One of the people who have spoken on the issue is music promoter and business man Kelvin Silugwe.
Silugwe said he was not happy with what BAF organizers have done and has pledged his support to Jay Jay Cee on his album launch in November.
“I know everyone is calling him humble and wise for postponing his show to give them mpata awa abwera dzanawa, koma lets face it, the financial and psychological damage to Jay Jay Cee is just too much. Comon, you can’t just wake up to frustrate young talents just because you can and uli ndi kuthekera.”
“We stand with Jay Jay Cee and for this reason, we will support his new date, financially and physically. We will make sure he holds a very successful album launch. To the organizers of the free show, mwamulakwira mwana, koma poti ndinu akulu akulu, with connections and financial support from donors, have it your way.” Said Silugwe
Musician Kellie Divine Njuchi said she was saddened with the development saying it will cost the artist a lot as he has been working hard to have a successful launch without the help of the corporate world.
She said, “This is very sad and heart breaking. .. guy has been working daily up and down.”
Another musician Smacks Kayira who has just come out from hibernation with his brand new song ‘Ndani?’, believes despite what BAF organizers have done, Jay Jay Cee’s album launch will be a success.
“Very unfortunate how the industry is so biased. He really tried his best with all his effort but just last minute all this happens. But all in all his hardworking spirit will pay out. 4th November all road to Robins Park,” he said.
One music fan on social media only identified by the name ‘Achimwene Aakulu’ wrote, “Some people are just heartless, they don’t care about others.”
Another person on Facebook, Ambrohillary Msichi had no kind words for the BAF festival organisers.
” I had no intention to attend his show buh because of this primitive development, I hereby to confirm that I will attend this show ndi amzanga ena 15.”
Richard Mukuru Jnr, a music fanatic from Zambia also had his share on the development. He wrote on Facebook, “I feel sorry for this lad he don’t deserve this, he has been so supportive to the fellow artists mmhh. Jay Jay Cee is one of the humble artists I know from Malawi. Go lad God is on your side. Sending love from Zambia.”
Some of the artists expected to perform at Jay Jay Cee’s album launch include Eli Njuchi, Driemo, Sangie, Wikise, Gibo Pearson, Nepman, Chizmo, Rita, Hilco, Kellie Divine Njuchi and Nesnes
