Is calling someone a “legend” the highest honour in showbiz, or a stylish way of ushering them off the stage? That is the uncomfortable question reverberating through Ghana’s entertainment industry after veteran music producer and engineer Zapp Mallet openly challenged the meaning behind the title, a tag many routinely attach to him.
In a tongue-in-cheek but reflective social media post a fortnight ago, Zapp Mallet suggested that the word “legend” may not be as complimentary as it sounds. In fact, he hinted that it could be a subtle signal that an artiste’s active days are over.
He wrote: They label you legendary when they think you’re done. That name says a lot. Legend is made up of two words: leg, end. Legend, therefore, put together as it is, means the end of a leg, leg being an event. The day it ended. So anytime somebody calls you a legend, know that it’s a literary way to call you retired. “Retired” is too forward, but legend is simply nice. As a legend, I’m in the know”.
Zapp Mallet’s post ignited varied responses, with some viewing it as a critique of the industry’s habit of hastily dubbing artistes ‘legends’, while others saw it as a clever take on the fleeting nature of fame.
In a chat with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, the well-respected music producer mentioned that his opinion is not from a place of mischief.
He rather clarified that his commentary was a witty observation on the fleeting nature of fame.
“It’s just an observation and I could be right or I could be wrong. There are some creatives who don’t want to be addressed as legends because it makes them feel old or retired. I believe we all have five minutes of fame and I’ve had mine.”
“Lately, I can’t feel my way in the music space because I’m called a legend so automatically, I’m retired. I’ve been wondering who a legend is in Ghana?” he said.
Over the years, Zapp Mallet has been recognised and awarded on several platforms. Undeniably, he is the only music producer/ engineer to have won the Ghana Music Award for three consecutive years – 1999, 2000 and 2001 as well as winning Producer of the Year in 2011.
In 1994, the Entertainment Critics and Arts Society of Ghana (ECRAG) adjudged him the Best Instrumentalist.
Mallet started recording at the ARC Studios in Tema before moving to the C.H.M Studio in Accra. In Accra, he worked at Kampsite and later T.L.C. Studio.
Currently, he is executive director of Title Track Productions and has worked with many high-profile Ghanaian and international musicians, including Kojo Antwi, Ofori Amponsah, and the late Daasebre Gyamena.
He has also produced for the likes of Reggie Rockstone, Lord Kenya, Obour, Obrafour, Akyeame, Tagoe Sisters, Suzzy, Helena Rhabbles, among others.
Looking back, he commended Ghana’s young sound engineers, stating that they are performing exceptionally well.
However, he notes a disconnect between the older and newer generations in the music industry, attributing this gap to technological advancements.
According to him, technology has enabled young artistes to learn and produce music independently, reducing reliance on traditional methods.
“I think the young sound engineers are doing well. I hear some of the sounds and I’m very proud,” he added.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh