NEWS | ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC

By Lonjezo Idrissa

As the UTM party, led by Malawi’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, continues to gain widespread support across the country, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is making significant efforts to attract voters to its ideology. One of the strategies the DPP is employing involves the use of propaganda, particularly through music. Artists are being utilized as tools to disseminate information that is a mix of truth and distortion. Among these musicians is Dan Lu, the creator of the hit song Akumva Pain, who recently released a track titled Aloze Zawo. This song praises the current president, Peter Mutharika, highlighting various infrastructure projects completed under his administration while criticizing opposition parties.

Given that many Malawians equate development with infrastructure, Dan Lu has strategically packed his lyrics with references to projects undertaken during Mutharika’s tenure. The goal appears to be to shape public perception and persuade voters to support the DPP in the upcoming tripartite elections. Some critics argue that Dan Lu may have been financially incentivized by DPP agents to produce songs that glorify Peter Mutharika, thereby fostering a favorable attitude toward the ruling party.

While music is a powerful medium for communication, a key question arises: Can such songs genuinely influence public opinion in favor of the DPP and contribute to its electoral success? History suggests that simply praising a leader through music does not necessarily translate to widespread public approval. Not all Malawians will listen to the song, and those who do may interpret its message in different ways. Producers of such politically charged content often overlook the diversity of their audience and the varying ways in which people perceive messages.

Despite growing criticism of the DPP, Dan Lu opens his song with the lines, “Nkhani ili mkamwankamwa ndi ya a Peter, mtsogoleri wabwino wokonda anthu ake” (loosely translated: “Everyone is talking about Peter, a good leader who loves his people”). This lyric gives the impression that the entire nation speaks positively about Peter Mutharika’s leadership, disregarding the concerns and dissatisfaction voiced by opposition supporters.

The song’s chorus, “Winanso ayi/winanso ayi/tati winanso ayi/dziko lagwirizana/winanso ayi/tsogoleri ndani? Peter yekha” (translated: “No one else, no one else, let’s say no one else, the country has agreed, no one else, who is the leader? Peter alone”), attempts to portray national unity and satisfaction under the DPP government. However, this depiction is in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where many Malawians continue to struggle with issues such as high unemployment, drug shortages in hospitals, poor education quality, deteriorating rural roads, frequent power outages, widespread poverty, and unreliable internet services.

In the second verse, Dan Lu sings, “DPP yavuula dzikoli mu nganja ya moto, tinasiya kuyenda cheucheu” (translated: “DPP has rescued this country from turmoil, we are no longer struggling”). This statement appears to downplay the economic and social hardships that many Malawians face daily. Moreover, in one of his lyrics, Dan Lu praises Mutharika’s government for donating 100 vehicles to the police force, singing “Abwana mwapeleka magalimoto 100 kwa apolisi, tikugona kukhomo kosaseka” (translated: “Sir, you have given 100 vehicles to the police, we now sleep with peace of mind”). However, this claim is misleading, as the vehicles were actually a donation from the Chinese government, not the Malawian administration.

The artist also references various infrastructure projects, including Ngala Technical College in Karonga, to showcase the DPP’s development achievements. Additionally, he mentions the Malata and Cement Subsidy program, which has existed since the tenure of former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi, yet presents it as an exclusive initiative of the DPP under Peter Mutharika.

Dan Lu further incorporates the line, “Munthu ndi munthu ngosayamika, ungamkonze bwanji kwake nkunyoza” (translated: “People are ungrateful; no matter how much you do for them, they will still criticize”). This lyric suggests that Malawians fail to appreciate the efforts of Peter Mutharika and his government. In the final verse, the artist continues to highlight Mutharika’s achievements, such as the construction of Ntcheu Bus Depot, Salima Sugar Company, and Sanje Trading Centre.

In his closing lines, Dan Lu exaggerates the extent of the DPP’s development efforts by stating, “Zitukuko mwadziona, kuti nditchule zonse mpaka kundichela” (translated: “You have seen the developments; if I were to mention them all, I would take forever”). This lyric reinforces the perception that Peter Mutharika has significantly transformed the country and therefore deserves a second term in office.

While music remains a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, the question remains: Will Dan Lu’s song successfully sway voters in favor of the DPP? Or will Malawians critically assess the realities of their daily lives and make independent decisions in the upcoming elections?