Sunday, August 30, 2009

Marlaw



One of the things that I am very proud of is being able to assist, albeit in modest ways, young and upcoming artists. I am member of the Advisory Board of Tanzania House of Talent - an organisation that provides home, refuge, mentorship and training for young people who desire to be performing artists. The successes of THT since its founding are evident. Praise go to Ruge and Seba who founded it and Rebecca Young who is running it on day to day basis.

It is heartwarming to see young kids coming to THT with absolutely nothing but determination to succeed, but now have houses, cars, and steady income. One of these kids is Marlaw. When Marlaw stepped into the doors of THT (straight from Iringa) few years ago, he distinguished himself for discipline and humility, and of course talent and quiet ambition.

And he has succeeded. Now, he is fully booked until end of September. His song PiiPii is now an anthem in Dar. But, for me, this tune, Rita, recorded last year, is the best....and the story is heartbreaking. The production was done by the talented Marco Chali and the video was made by my friend Adam who has moved videography in Tanzania to the next level. Enjoy!

2 comments:

Faustine said...

.....I agree...Marlaw is talented, I like a number of his songs.....But artists like him still need promotion to the outside world and their music need protection from piracy......THT should look into these matters....

Aidan said...

January,
You are absolutely right about Marlaw and the other incredible talent in Ruge's THT. I hope we can find it in our hearts to support them kwa hali na (especially) mali! A good friend of mine (you know him) has made it his special project to build a purpose-built performance location and training facility for THT. Watch this space...