The annual Ku Mingoli Bash led by Sound Addicts Live will not take place this year.
Organisers confirmed on Saturday that the third edition of the event has been postponed due to shortage of forex in the country.
Having held a strictly local cast last year, organisers have indicated that they are changing the set-up to bring in international artists as was the case in the first edition.
The move to bring international artists has led to demand for forex as regards payment of artists.
“The forex situation in the country is not healthy and so, we decided to give ourselves more time to produce the event and achieve the standard we are aiming for hence this postponement,” Sound Addicts Chief Executive Officer Shadreck Kalukusha said.
He also zeroed in on the all local cast last year saying although it went on successfully, “it was not exclusive enough due to over-bookings by most artists, who are understandably trying to make money.”
“While we cannot stop them from accepting other bookings, it does affect the exclusivity of our event. To make the event exclusive enough, we need to bring in artists from outside and for us to do this, we require ample time to avoid repeating mistakes of 2023,” Kalukusha said.
He said from their assessment, they found that a lineup consisting only local acts, would not offer the uniqueness the event needs to standout.
“We are not saying international acts are superior but rather, their novelty provides an opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to the Malawian audience, which we believe is vital for the success of the event,” Kalukusha said.
He maintained that the original goal of Ku Mingoli Bash remains unchanged in that it is meant to showcase the best possible entertainment “we can bring to Malawi by demonstrating our skills as producers, technicians and professionals in various fields.”
“However, this vision can only be fully realised by curating the best lineup possible,” K said.
The renowned sound engineer has since revealed that they have partnered with Sound Systems Club from United Kingdom, who are easing the burden of organising international acts from Jamaica.
Last year Sound Addicts Live also worked with Sound Systems to host legendary reggae musician Burning Spear in a debut concert that was held at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Meanwhile, the shifting of Ku Mingoli Bash to next year has been received with mixed reactions.
“What if forex becomes available next month? Last year they organised the same event with local acts, why not do the same? This is not enough reason to postpone the event,” Theodore Pleasant Banda said through social media.
But another fun lover Ruth Kumalele welcomed the development saying they have made a good decision to postpone the event for them to have proper preparations.
“We need international artists for variety. So, let them prepare well so that they execute a good event. We cannot go with a local cast only,” Kumalele said.
