Don Tarz Laments Missed Opportunities in Malawian Dancehall Scene

Dancehall musician Don Tarz has expressed his disappointment over the challenges facing the Malawian dancehall scene. He likened the situation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where local resources primarily benefit outsiders.

Tarz emphasized that many Malawian dancehall artists can energize a crowd but struggle to seize financial opportunities. He noted that they can attract fans but fail to generate revenue, much like a flame that attracts but doesn't warm.

Tarz cited the memorial show for the late hip-hop artist Martse as an example of a successful monetization strategy. Attendees were allowed to pay at the door, which Tarz described as an effective way to support their efforts.

In contrast, Tarz pointed out that events like the memorial show for the late dancehall artist Mafunyeta are consistently organized for free, indicating significant missed opportunities for revenue.

Tarz proposed that organizers consider charging fans a small fee to support the family and cover logistics. He emphasized the importance of turning revenue into sustainable income, urging dancehall artists and organizers to explore effective monetization strategies.

Ultimately, Tarz's comments highlight the need for the Malawian dancehall scene to adopt better monetization strategies to ensure the sustainability of the industry.