Dear Malawi Holy Hip-Hop and R’n’B,
First and foremost, I love you. I only want to see you grow beyond our borders. I want people who speak Swahili to sing songs in your tongue. I want to hear people who speak Bemba and Nyanja become familiar with your voice. Remember we went from Malawi to Bolivia, Latvia, Indonesia, and even Malaysia? That is only the beginning. I believe that out of you shall flow rich revival into the rest of Africa and even the world, that’s how good you are.
I may have been harsh towards you sometimes but I was always truthful. I know that you will get better through time, you already are. That gown of quality you wear is looking clean but wrinkled; that beautiful necklace of creativity shines but some gems are missing; that crown of determination fits only on your head if it is propped up just right; but the shoes of the gospel of peace fit your feet perfectly and for that I celebrate. However, I think that the gown could be immaculate, and that necklace can be re-jeweled. Others are happy with you as you are, but I am not satisfied because I know you can be so much more. See how when I brush your hair people will say “but her hair is already straight”, and when I wash your face people will say “but you have been wiping that spot ever since”. It is not unspiritual for anyone to say you must improve, but I have been called ungodly for pointing out blemishes, spots and wrinkles; and I have been patted on the back for highlighting your mascara, your beauty and your grace. Some say there is nothing wrong with you, but if there is nothing wrong then why is there such insecurity harbored in your heart? Why do you fight yourself? Why doesn’t your music grow outside of us? However, I am glad that many see you as I do and desire for you to look beautiful for your Maker, his name is “The Maker of Music”. Remember when we went to Russia and India? I hope people there managed to capture pieces of you and keep you close to their hearts. Remember when we told people about Nyali Musik in America? Or the time we spoke to listeners in the U.K about 1 Lord’s mix-tape? Those were great times.
Many people are not yet ready for the changes that have to be made, but then I remember that you once held my hand and encouraged me to live a godly life; I remember that through you many people have been saved including those that want you looking beautiful just like I do; and I remember that The Maker of Music made you to glorify Him, and so you must improve. If you continue the same way you are then I doubt you are as alive as you claim to be. We can’t be content with you as you are, especially since you have so much potential. These salons (others call them studios) where you go to get yourself together can learn new and different ways of dressing you up, ways to bring out the detail in your beauty. A friend once told me “these days it is not expensive to get good service – it takes a willing heart.” I have seen small hair-dryers do just as good a job as great industrial hair-dryers. You don’t need lots of money to look good; you need enough money but a lot of determination.
I am glad your lips are lined with so many artists draped in the deep red blood of our Maker like lipstick. I am glad that even though I couldn’t find a spot on your mouth, I found a place on your finger like your ring. Sometimes you raise me up towards your lips to remove the smudges and blotches, but only so that you look as beautiful as you really are. All these “labels” that you wear account for nothing. Some call them Record Labels but I call them designer. They look good on you, we need them, but they could be better. You don’t have to impress me with your Gucci and Prada, impress me by having the capacity to humble yourself and being accountable while you wear your labels.
Thank you for reading my love letter, my dear Hip-hop and r'n'b. Please make more music. I will be there to enjoy you, hear you, commend you, encourage you, but also correct you. I will be there to honor you with truthful reflection as a mirror. I will be there to take you where I can. I am here to pray for you, to bring more people to "The Maker". Forgive me when I wipe too much or too little. Forgive me if sometimes I am too lazy or too enthusiastic – I make mistakes. “The Maker of Music” says you are doing a good job and my only hope is to serve you well. Every one of you who is lined in those lips, God has anointed you, never doubt that. Keep to him and He will keep to you.
Yours in love,
Concerned…
No comments:
Post a Comment