…but who crossed the line?
A public clash between musician Tay Grin and tourism executive Ramy Waheed has split Malawians, leaving people across the country arguing over which side overstepped.
The controversy began on Saturday when musician Tay Grin described Sigelege Beach Resort in Salima as “boring” in a Facebook post, a comment that quickly spread across social media, attracting thousands of reactions and dividing opinion among Malawians.
While some defended the musician’s right to express his personal experience, others accused him of damaging the image of a local tourism destination.
The debate intensified when Waheed, Managing Director of Amaryllis Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer of the African Tourism Board and Vice Chairperson of the Malawi Tourism Council, publicly responded.
In a Facebook post, Waheed accused the artist of being irresponsible and defended the resort against the criticism.
“First, learn how to spell the name of the Resort correctly before you go public with nonsense. Basic respect!” Waheed wrote. “You didn’t just embarrass yourself. You’ve made a whole sector unhappy and left people sad with this stunt!” he added.
But instead of ending the argument, Waheed’s response triggered an even bigger backlash online.
On Sunday, Tay Grin appeared to stand his ground, suggesting the issue was not about attacking the tourism industry but about improving standards.
“Hospitality, not hostility. If we want Malawi’s tourism industry to thrive, we must demand better service, greater professionalism, and respect for every guest. No to bad service. Yes to WORLD CLASS hospitality,” he wrote.
His comments intensified the debate, with social media users quickly choosing sides.
Among those backing the musician was well-known social media commentator Morton Bhagaya.
Bhagaya argued that customers should be free to express dissatisfaction without being attacked or made to feel guilty for sharing their experiences.
He said criticism should be viewed as an opportunity for improvement rather than a threat to the industry.
Another social media user, Vincent Milanzi, questioned why tourism officials appeared defensive when Tay Grin had not specified exactly what he found boring.
“So the GM went into his mind and highlight what’s boring? I feel like the post didn’t specify if it’s the service, weather or whatever is boring,” commented Milanzi.
Upile Ngulama also sided with the musician, saying businesses in other sectors regularly receive public criticism and use it to improve.
“We have seen people giving feedback about bank operations in Malawi, even specifying the bank. None has come to self-defend, they graciously accept the feedback be it positive or negative, and improve the service. Simple!” he commented.
However, many others rallied behind Waheed and the resort.
Asheren Masambo Cinnamond shared her positive experience at Sigelege, praising the accommodation, food and hospitality she received during her stay.
Businessman and hotelier Malumbo Kampoti also defended Waheed, arguing that influential figures should avoid making public statements that could harm local industries.
“As a business minded person and a hotelier I strongly agree with Amaryllis GM. Let’s promote our industry. These other small issues can be solved internally without publicizing it,” he said.
The growing dispute has now evolved into something much bigger than one resort or one Facebook post.
At the centre of the argument is a question dividing Malawians: should customers publicly criticize businesses when they are unhappy, or should concerns be handled privately to protect local brands?
