The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has appealed to musicians to come up with strategic and meaningful messages that promote peace amongst all political players.
Association National Chairman Maiko Zulu said musicians in the country should preach peace and harmony as the country heads to the general elections.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Solwezi yesterday, Zulu said musicians are custodians of peace who should play a vital role in helping the country maintain the peace it is known and respected for.
He added that musicians should not take peace for granted but that they should be cautious of the power of music in any given society.
He cautioned musicians not to allow politicians to use them as vehicles of promoting hatred and insults in their songs as such can bring chaos.
Meanwhile, Maiko Zulu has called on artists in North-western province to take advantage of the development taking place in the region to enhance themselves.
Zulu said North -Western province and Solwezi in particular is the fastest growing region in the country at the moment and that artists should ensure that development is synonymous with the music industry.
He said this during a meeting with local artists sponsored by the National Arts Council (NAC) in Solwezi yesterday.
Zulu observed that if artists do not grasp the development, other industries will continue to grow while the music industry will lag behind.
He went on to advise artists to realise that music is a business that needs to be taken seriously.
Zulu also called on artists to make use of government departments especially the department of cultural affairs in the Ministry of Community Development because they are there to serve them.
He said only then will musicians appreciate what government has put in place in terms of promoting local talent so that the music industry is improved.
Speaking at the same meeting National Arts Council Director Victor Makashi urged artists to desist from releasing songs that do not add value to society.
Mr. Makashi said artists need to look at society needs and tabulate them if they are to come up with quality products because that is where music is.
He added that this will also help them lay solid foundations because they will communicate things that they know with a passion.
The meeting was the first to be held in the province since the new ZAM National Executive was ushered into office last year.
I like your determination man. I knew it that you were the right person for the job. Most of all I love your live music which most Zambian Musicans can’t do. Go man, Go Zambia.
Isn’t this the same cat that was convicted for some illegal narcotis some time back? Niggaz do not change and I opine that he was saying this under duress. Whatever kind of pressure he gets… Smoking, wifey, monitory, plain stupidity… we all have a breaking point. Someone might have found his. Ride on yungin!
thats my man – go maiko
I hope he has stopped smoking daggar.otherwise he has said something sensible.
Daggar is food food for Rastafarians
Dagga isn’t Zambia’s no 1 enemy. Scientists have now proved its harmless. Maiko is a musician and we all know these guys thrive on controversy so hold too many grudges against them. Just support them by being fans
Maiko’s team is moving things..its not easy but they’re trying with the little they have!!
Follow Maiko Zulu on Face book as well for thought provoking status updates!!
The power of music can not be under estimated, typical Bemba culture has used music or songs to communicate key concepts, values and ethics. Basides that it empowers economically to those in the industry.
Do what he is saying, not what he does.
MwemaBlogga don’t focus on Zulu’s negatives. Just listen to his advice. Even if he was caught with dagga so what? We Africans have smoked grass for ages and seen the good side of it. Most just demonise it becoz the muzungu has. However I don’t agree with Zulu wanting to prescribe themes to musicians. Don’t confine your members to a particular message. Music is about freedom of expression. Its sung in peace and in war
Go Maiko go! You’re just what we needed in our industry. In the few months you’ve been in office things have moved. Thats why musicians voted for you. Dont get discouraged by people who dont even know you. Thats why they cant even reveal their names here coz they have comitted worse sins. We love you. Big up and keep the good work.