Chavura’s arrest will affect music content – musicians

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Chavura

Local musicians have expressed worry that the legal action against hip hop artist Mwiza Chavura will have an effect on their lyrical content.

Chavura was arrested for production of a song titled Nzakupanga rape (I will rape you), which is deemed to encourage rape. He was released on bail on Friday after spending a week in police custody.

Chavura
Mwiza Chavura

With a number of local songs bearing lyrics that can attract legal actions, some artists believe freedom in as far as the lyrical part is concerned will from now onwards face restrictions.

In an interview with Malawi24 on Saturday, musician Big Lu underscored that artists are now limited. He said musicians can no longer think beyond borders in their lyrics.

“It will be hard for most musicians because we are now limited to think beyond, even simple words that may be used to describe a situation for love will be regarded as profanity,” he said

He added that there is a possibility that art will be less interesting with the restriction.

“Music is broad. One needs to think beyond borders to make art interesting.”

Big-Lu
Big-Lu: Artists are now limited.

Another top musician who opted for anonymity concurred with Big Lu. He said music reflects what happens in the society and these restrictions will only kill art.

“We understand that freedom of expression has restrictions but music is as good as fiction, meaning that musicians can play different roles as characters just like in movies. Am afraid this will kill art,” he said

However, some members of the general public believe Chavura’s story is a giant step towards establishing sanity in music. This follows a mammoth of songs produced lately in urban circles accommodating foul language.