Pastor Mlaka Maliro's Political U-Turn Sparks Debate

Mlaka Maliro

Renowned musician and outspoken government critic Pastor Mlaka Maliro has made a dramatic shift in stance, releasing a new song that praises President Lazarus Chakwera the same leader he once condemned.

Previously known for his hard-hitting tracks Si Uyu and Vinyo Watha, which criticized both Chakwera and the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, Maliro has now taken a different path with his latest release, Tidzamuvotera. The song not only endorses Chakwera for re-election but also portrays him as the country’s best leader.

The track’s lyrics contrast sharply with his past criticism, with the chorus declaring unwavering support for the president:

"Tidzamuvotera ifeyo Chakwera, okoma atani inu onga fungwe/

Munthu ndi yemweyu inu Chakwera, mitsinje sibwelera wathu ndi Chakwera/

Ukuchedweranji bwerabwera, tatiye bwanawe kwa bwana Chakwera/

Zosintha maboma tikungosauka, munthu ndi yemweyu bwana Chakwera."

To promote the song, Maliro has launched a social media challenge, offering over K2 million to TikTok users who participate. While some see this as a creative marketing strategy, others have criticized it as an attempt to buy public support.

His sudden political shift has stirred mixed reactions, with some welcoming the change and others questioning his motives. Maliro is not the first artist to switch sides in Malawi’s political landscape. Musicians like Joseph Nkasa and Dan Lu, who previously supported the DPP government, later aligned themselves with the MCP, releasing songs in praise of Chakwera.

As debate rages on, one thing is certain Maliro’s move has reignited discussions on the role of musicians in politics and whether their endorsements are genuine convictions or strategic alignments.