Malawian Artists Deserve Better, Exposure Doesn’t Pay Bills

By Madalitso Mtukula

Malawi’s creative industry is growing. Every weekend, there are shows, music drops, short films, skits, and social media buzz. But behind the lights and loud speakers is a painful truth: most artists in Malawi are working hard, yet getting very little in return.

It is now common for artists to perform at events without getting paid. Some are promised transport refunds or food, while others are told they will be “exposed.” But how long must artists live off exposure?

A musician who fills up venues, entertains crowds, and creates value for event organisers should not go home with nothing. It’s unfair. These are people with rent to pay, families to support, and dreams to chase.

The same happens to photographers, poets, and dancers. A client wants ten photos edited in 24 hours but doesn’t want to pay even MK10,000. A poet performs at a corporate event and gets a handshake instead of a fee. We cannot build a serious industry with this attitude.

Some blame piracy, and rightly so. Most Malawians still share music on WhatsApp and download it from illegal sites. That means even if a song is trending, the artist may not see any money from it. Platforms like Mikozi and Boomplay help a bit, but the earnings are too low unless the artist has a massive audience.

The other problem is how foreign artists are treated better than locals. At big festivals, you find foreign names being paid millions while Malawian artists are offered peanuts. Yet it is the local acts who pull the crowd before the headliner even arrives.

There is also little support from government and companies. If the entertainment industry is truly part of the economy, then it must be supported and protected. COSOMA tries, but most artists feel it is too slow or hard to access. Many don’t even know their rights.

It is time to change things. Event organisers must respect artists by paying them what they are worth. Fans must stop sharing music for free. Companies must include artists in their budgets when hosting events. Government must strengthen copyright systems and invest in creative skills.

Malawian artists are not lazy. They are full of talent and creativity. But talent alone is not enough. Respect and fair pay must follow. Exposure doesn’t pay bills, and applause doesn’t fill a plate.