In a recent development, renowned reggae artist Burning Spear was prevented from performing his song with the lines “They told us, ‘Things would be better’” dubbed Stupid during an event held at Civo Stadium in Malawi.

The lyrics in the song which echo themes of unmet promises and disillusionment by outgoing Malawi Congress Party, touches on socio-political issues that resonate deeply with many Malawians currently .

The lines, “Things would be better, cheaper, easier,” particularly evoke public sentiment around the economic hardships citizens continue to face despite outgoing Malawi Congress Party government assurances of improvement in 2020.

The move to stop Burning Spear from singing these lyrics highlights tensions around freedom of expression and the sensitivity of governments to public criticism, especially through music.

In Malawi, as in many other nations, artists often serve as the voices of the people, articulating collective frustrations and aspirations through their work.

However, when these voices challenge the state or spotlight uncomfortable realities, censorship can occur. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural expression and political oversight, raising important questions about the role of music and art in social change, particularly in regions facing political and economic challenges.

They told us, “Things would be better”
They told us, “Things would be cheaper”
They told us, “Things would be easier”
Hey, hey, hey, hey!