Musician Faith Mussa says he has been subjected to personal attacks after criticising the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) board, particularly the chairperson Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango, for benefiting from the government arts fund.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mussa said some individuals had turned to personal insults in group forums instead of constructively engaging on the concerns he raised.
“Ena Ayamba ma personal attack mma group mu. Koma Ineyo pamodzi ndi ochepa omwe akundandaula nane, ndi Ufulu wathu ngati ma creatives a ku Malawi demanding accountability here,” he wrote. “There is a reason why complaint channels are put in place. Osamakwiya.”
Mussa stood by his earlier remarks that there was a conflict of interest when Cosoma board members, including Mhango, were among the beneficiaries of the K189 million fund.
“Ineyo ndikuona ngati there was a conflict of interest when Board members were prioritised in benefiting from this Artist Fund. Ngati palibepo chomwe chinalakwika we will move on,” he said.
He urged fellow artists and the public to support a petition he has initiated, calling for a review of the disbursements. “Omwe mukuona kuti tipaone bwinobwino pamenepa, tasainani petition iyi. We are almost there,” he added.
Earlier, Mussa demanded that board members who benefited from the fund should return the money, reopen applications, and resign from their positions.
The Copyright Fund, established by the government and administered through Cosoma, disbursed K189 million to 10 artists and creative institutions under the 6th Call to support arts and culture projects internationally. Reverend Mhango received K19.5 million from the fund.
