‘Mwina tizalemera iwe,
‘Galimoto tidzakwerako’

‘“Olakwa inu makolo”, ohh a chimwene!
‘Adatitsiya pa mbalambanda pa Dzuwa’
“Ehhh inu a Mbenjere, tidalakwanji anafe
“Popeza ndikadadziwa nkadaka nawo ku masano”

‘Pilira iwe, mwina uzalemera iwe,
‘Kutha kwa Nyengo, galimoto udzakwerako iwe’

The conceptualization of what constitutes a ‘better life” and ‘living with dignity’ in Lawrence Mbenjere’s music is truly fascinating. His song ‘Kwapatakwapata‘ stands out as particularly unique, being rich in themes. When listening to it, I advise focusing on one theme at a time. Don’t let the other themes be your detractors. You can return to the song, at a later date of course, to explore another theme – probably give a single theme a day – or even more.

In this particular song, Mbenjere serves as an exemplary case study for analysing how the liberalised economy, fuelled by the IMF and the World Bank through Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), and as championed by both the US and the UK – Malawi’s two dominant “donors” (one, the country’s colonial master, the other, Malawi’s neo-colonial master), has failed – leaving many ordinary Malawians like Mbenjere still suffering the consequences and nursing the wounds today. Or, how the whole capitalist state is a farce for Malawi, retained only to serve the imperialists as Vladimir Lenin and Kwame Nkrumah had once argued respectively.

He challenges the argument that hardworking is the reason someone leaves the gutter. And, aligning indirectly with Karl Marx, Mbenjere throws in religion as truly the ‘Opiate of the Poor’, while highlighting the exploitative nature of capitalism towards the rural and lower classes, particularly the ordinary farmers. Do I have to ask: Who really benefits from Tobacco farming in Malawi? 

‘Anzathu a chuma mudapita pati?’
“Nanu a Yehova mukanandiona ndili pano
“Ntchito yomwe akugwira yawayi
“Njomwe nduchita ineyi pano
“Ndimamva kuti mulibe tsankho Chauta!
“Kumvala matsanzamatsanza ndatopa nako”

‘Mwina tizalemera ife!’
‘Galimoto tidzakwerako’

What sustains poverty at the household level in Malawi? Or, broadening Mbenjere’s question, why is Malawi still in the chokehold of poverty? The looting machines of imperialists continue wreak havoc on Malawi (read Africa), if I am allowed to borrow Tom Burgis’ phrase. If not through tobacco (ignore the debt that serves as the anchor holding the country down the depth of the Trans-Atlantic trade), then it is evident through the mining sector – the latest frontier.

Independence did not end the Scramble for Africa, rather, as Susan Williams’ puts in in White Malice, just opened a new chapter.  Take, for instance, a British mining company, named ironically after the King of the Jungle; or the Australian miners extracting uranium from Malawi to the benefit of Britain, Australia and France; or that Portuguese company that has been ‘winning’ government tenders amidst corruption allegations. I did not forget that French cement/lime company or the British kingpin (Malawi’s Guptas) embroiled in corruption involving nearly every door at Capital Hill. Or consider companies that have a name of an East Asian country. Have you ever wondered why those companies bear that name? State-funded exploitation of Malawi (read: Africa) didn’t end in the 60s or the 90s!

I digressed.

Mbenjere queries, like most Malawians, why is it that we are stuck in poverty or driving in reverse gear? We can find his proposed solution in ku Malikete.

When you take his conceptualisation of a better life, and the obstacles to achieving it, one particular aspect becomes clear: Mbenjere positions himself, not only in this song, but several other compositions, as a critical voice in the discussion of, to borrow Yanis Varoufakis concept, the “Death of Capitalism”. Is there any other musician in Malawi who dissects the failures of liberalised economy and capitalism as a whole as decisively as Mbenjere does? (Let me acknowledge my bias here).

In recognition of his significant contributions, I intend to formally propose that he be awarded an honorary doctorate in Gender & the Liberalised Economy. Furthermore, I plan to advocate for Joseph Nkasa and Wambali Mkandawire to receive honorary doctorates in Politics/Political Philosophy. To initiate this process, I will soon draft a letter to persuade my colleagues at UNIMA to propose to the senate, and make this dream a reality. Who would like to join me in this cause?