Feuding among hip-hop artists has for long been part of the music genre globally.

The battles, which are loosely referred to as beef, are propelled through lyrical content as artists aim digs at each other through media engagements or any other possible platforms.

Here in Malawi, the culture is also prevalent and of late, it has taken an upward turn. New names in the game such as IKK, Toast, Bssecube and C Scripture, have added a new layer to the beef culture.

It is not uncommon to see artists attack each other lyrically and it is something that has not gone unnoticed by music fans.

One music fan, Tiberro Walulu, said: “To my understanding, hip hop is not just about the music. It implies the culture of black Americans. It is not about the strength of the music content alone. They throw mud at their rivals while praising themselves. That is real hip-hop.”

On Wednesday, one of the country’s pioneering modern hip hop acts, Hyphen, who was previously known as Young Kay, elevated the beef culture to another level through his new song Tiziti Mwayiwala in which he has taken a swipe at his hip hop rivals.

The artist has come out charging, claiming that although he has been silent for long, he is still one of the top players of the game. Hyphen has also reflected on the standards the hip-hop has taken.

He says in the opening stanza: “Makape ndawawona litsilo, ngini yake itiyo mukusimbwirayo? Nyimbo zonse nthabwala ngati Winiko. Kamandinyasa ine ndikachisimo kofuna kufufuta mbiri ko. Munthu ndinali pompa when they popped up, I am the one who cut your umbilical…”

The no-holds barred approach the artist has taken in the song is in stark contrast with the serene image and status he has retained until now. But regardless of that shift, Tiziti Mwayiwala has reaffirmed his status as one of the country’s lyrists.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Hyphen said with the ever-changing times where people often gravitate towards trending issues, he needed to make a statement that he is still a force in the industry.

“Why were people acting as if the people who were there before do not matter together with their contributions? I just had to remind everyone that I am still here,” he said.

The Anakabango creator said he has no problem with the beef culture as it is just a trait of the genre that keeps one competitive.

Hyphen’s last project came in 2024 through a single titled Experience which features Pon G. Apart from featuring in several songs, his silence on the radar has been noticeable. He has attributed it to other commitments such as personal businesses.

He said: “Music is evolving and with that there will always be some good and bad aspects. The social media era has made it easy for artist to get content to their fans. Many times people are consuming content that is not serious and other artists have chosen that path too.”

Hyphen, real name Francis Kaphuka, released his album Exhale in 2007 which was followed by First Impression in 2012. He later released a mixtape Pachidolo. To date, he is among the five artists that had the chance to perform at the MultiChoice Africa’s television reality show Big Brother show in South Africa

their talent.

He also highlighted the need for increased corporate support toward the poetry industry. He noted that while musicians often receive sponsorship, poets continue to struggle for similar support.

“Poetry is a powerful medium for information expression. If supported properly, it can drive meaningful social change,” he said, adding that he remains optimistic that partnerships with corporate institutions will grow.

The event’s spokesperson William Shumba described Seunda as a purpose-driven artist committed to contributing to Malawi’s socio-economic development through art.

“Being in the poetry industry is not only for him to showcase his talent, but also to show that Yankho Seunda is a purpose driven individual who has always looked forward to contribute toward the country’s socio-economic development,” he said.

The event, scheduled to start at 5pm, will also feature performances from other artists, including Chifundo Chikonga, with additional surprise acts expected.

The launch on is expected to attract poetry lovers, corporate representatives and members of the public eager to engage in conversations that shape Malawi’s future.

Seunda: Poetry is a powerful medium. | Nation

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