Malawian musician Tay Grin has found himself in the heart of a cross-border romantic disaster that has rocked Malawi and Zambia, in a twist that may equal any daytime soap opera.
Real name Limbani Kalirani, Tay Grin recently disclosed he had been coursed romantically for more than a year with Zambian socialite Mutale Muanza. Made with the grandeur of a royal engagement, the declaration seemed to be the beginning of a fiery cross-border love tale.
But things changed dramatically when Mutale, in a public interview, casually said she enjoys dating older men, confusing Tay Grin and their supporters.
“Older men have more to offer,” Mutale said, lowering jaws throughout both countries. Tay Grin should remain focused in courting college women.
Their speed more matches his own. The phrase was as cutting as the chorus on a diss tune and tougher than any studio diss could have produced.
The effects showed up right away. Social media in Malawi erupted in fury. Memes depicting Tay Grin uncomfortably sitting in a college lecture hall with a backpack became viral as hashtags like #GrinAndBearIt and #ZambianHeartbreak began to trend.
Known for his assured swagger and charm, Tay Grin first sought to be cool. But yesterday the rapper formally answered in a statement full of all the drama one would expect from a chart-topping musician. “I am done with Zambian girls,” he said, stopping the love narrative cold-blooded. “I’m only dating women that value my age and music going forward.”
The response was quick and varied. Some Malawans came together behind Tay Grin to show their allegiance to the local sensation. Others, though, were unable to resist making jokes. “Well, guess it’s back to the ‘Nyau King,’ performing at college talent events,” one snarky user said.
Zambians responded differently depending on where they lived abroad. A few supporters were fast to protect their native talent. “Mutale is just keeping it real,” one person tweeted. Older men understand how to treat a woman. Tay Grin, go find your Freshman Queen.
The conflict between the two nations has escalated to a fever pitch; some have even proposed a celebrity boxing fight to atone for the score. “We should get Tay Grin and Mutale to duke it out in the ring,” advised a supporter most likely overburdened with time. ” Winner gets bragging rights and an international peace treaty.”
Both sides seem prepared to go forward despite the upheaval. Apparently following Mutale’s counsel, Tay Grin has been observed on several Malawandan college campuses. Mutale has also become more focused on her dating choices and suggests a new romance with a somewhat older and supposedly wiser gentleman.
Regarding the rest of us, this musical melodrama leaves us in its wonderful anarchy. What moral lesson the narrative offers? Love is global, but occasionally it forgets to verify the ID.
