Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) board of trustees has endorsed Anthony Dumba as the Treasurer General.
A letter signed by Mum Board of Trustees Secretary, Wellington Chatepa, which The Daily Times has seen has endorsed Dumba and authorised his appointment.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Board of Trustees has endorsed your decision and hereby authorises you to proceed with the appointment of the democratically identified individual, Mr. Anthony Dumba, to the position of Treasurer General,” reads the letter.
The position of treasurer fell vacant following the death of veteran musician Young Chilaga.
Chilaga died on March 21 2018.
Dumba, who is a member of Marching Soldiers, will serve as Treasurer General for the remaining period of Chilaga’s term which will end this year.
Mum President Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango said yesterday the national executive has welcomed the endorsement.
“As the national executive, we were cut and could not operate effectively in the absence of a treasurer. We welcome him and we will work hand in hand,” Mhango said.
He said they have since informed Dumba of his endorsement.
Mhango maintained that they followed the right process in nominating the names for the position and that all the chapters were tasked with the duty.
“The chapters nominated people for the position and me as the president as well as the executive had no say. All we did was to get the names nominated and send them to the board of trustees,” he said.
Mhango said no names were imposed as some quarters have put it and that the process was transparent.
Apart from Dumba, some of the names that were nominated include Rudo Mkukupha Chakwera.
The appointment of Dumba has also brought in comments from some artists alleging that the president favours gospel musicians.
“This is not true and those who are making those statements do not know what they are talking about. Membership for the union is for all musicians and I am a president for all musicians and not only gospel,” the Mum leader said.
He said when endorsing names of people to hold positions, they do not look at whether the musician is secular or gospel.
“As a president I look at music in general and not whether one is gospel or not. This is the mentality we want to remove in the union for we are all musicians and we are all one. We need to unite to raise the union and support each other and not bring about divisions,” he said.
He said he has held meetings with different musicians including urban so as to be part of the union and not work in isolation.
“We will only progress as musicians or artists when we speak with one voice,” he said.
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