LAP Green Network, the Libyan Investment Authority’s international telecommunications arm has challenged the Zambian Government’s action to seize its 75% share in Zamtel.

In the petition filed in the Lusaka High Court today, LAP Green outlines it right to financial compensation for the value of the asset at the time of seizure should the shareholding not be restored to it, which is calculated to be US$480 million.

The Libyan firm is additionally claiming for substantial losses it has suffered as a result of the seizure of the shares.

LAP Green Network disputes the legality of the Zambian Government’s claim that LAP GreenN’s shares were taken for ‘public purpose’.

Wafik Al-Shater, Chairman of LAP Green Network, contends that it is very clear that the seizure of LAP Green’s shareholding in Zamtel by the Zambian Government was illegal and unconstitutional, and to the detriment of both Zamtel and its customers.

Mr Al-Shater in a statement released to the media says in the 18 months that Zamtel was under LAP Green’s management, it increased its total subscriber base by 600% to over one million at the start of 2012 and significantly increased the company’s market share, leading to a 50% increase in revenues.

He adds that the growth and prosperity that Zamtel saw under LAP Green’s management was unprecedented.

He explains that through major improvements and upgrades in systems and infrastructure, including a 100% increase in the number of base stations, LAP Green Network improved network performance and established a far superior service for Zamtel’s customers.

Mr Al Shater says LAP Green took a bankrupt company and developed it into a strong telecommunications provider able to deliver real value to all shareholders, to serve the Zambian people and to contribute directly to the Zambian economy sustainably into the future.

Mr Al-Shater says LAP Green is compelled to take this course of action as dictated by the procedure set out in Zambian law.

He adds that it is sincerely hoped that reason can prevail, and that LAP GreenN can resume making its important contribution to providing telecommunications services to the Zambian people.

Mr Al-Shater however, states that to recover the company’s significant investment in Zamtel, LAP Green will consider any and all legal options available, if necessary, whether in Zambia or in other jurisdictions.

QFM

Former Republican President Rupiah Banda has told former MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba to shut up. Mr Banda reaction follows Dr Kalumba’s recent statement that the three MMD presidents are to blame for the party’s deregistration by the Registrar of Societies for failure to submit annual returns.

Speaking on MUVI TV’s Assignment programme, the former head of State said it was not him who convicted Dr Kalumba on corruption charges, and that he was the former national secretary he would shut up. Mr Banda wondered whether Dr Kalumba was trying to win favours from the PF government with his utterances.

Dr Kalumba described Mr Banda’s exit from the MMD presidency as deceitful, meant to cover up for his failure to be responsible for the mess he has created in the former ruling party.

And Mr Banda says the Patriotic Front Government should be given a chance to implement their policies. He says the PF has only been in power for five months to be judged on that basis.

And Mr Banda says there is no nowhere he went wrong during his three years as president to regret about. He said that his defeat and that of the MMD in the 2011 elections by the Patriotic Front was not because he did wrong things but that time had come for change because the MMD had been in power for 20 years.

Mr Banda has also stated that no one will shut him up from commenting on issues he feels he should comment on.

And Meanwhile the fourth republican president also disclosed how he lived in a leaking State House adding that he had no plans to build another one as insinuated by his rivals.

On widespread calls to remove his immunity, Mr. Banda said he was ready to lose it but only if he is found guilty of having abused state resources. He also revealed that he dropped Vernon Mwaanga as his campaign manager due to his questionable character.

On the country’s African Cup of nations (AFCON) achievement, the Former Football Association of Zambia-(FAZ) Patron says National Soccer team Coach, Herve Renard should consider bringing every player on board as Zambia prepares for the world and Africa cup qualifiers.

The former head of state says in as much as the national team won the Africa cup of nations trophy, FAZ should go back to the drawing board and prepare for prospective assignments. Banda, who is an ardent soccer fan, says the association should dig deeper and search for more and untapped talented players.

He expressed happiness that Renard has forgiven Clifford Mulenga, who was explled from the AFCON team, as the team needs everyone on board. Banda adds that he is available for any help regarding football, as it is the unifying factor.

Zambia’s first assignment after winning the Africa cup of nations trophy is the World cup qualifier against Sudan on June 1 followed by another match against Ghana a week later The Former Zambian president is this week expected to travel to America at the invitation of Boston University for three-months, where he is expected to lecture on democracy.

MUVI TV

Cleo aka ‘Ice Queen’ is a 22 year old Zambian born Hip Hop artist catches anyone’s attention as soon as she enters the room. Cleo began listening to hip hop music from the tender age of 6 years old and started rapping since the age of 11 and this is where her passion for the entertainment industry really begun. Cleo has been known to work with a few artists from all over Africa, and has had a few hit songs in Zambia. Cleo has won several rap/talent competitions in Zambia including ‘Back to school with a million Kwacha and she took 1^st place and the prize money home.

Cleo relocated to South Africa in 2007 to further her education and music career. The name Ice Queen was derived from her love of jewellery which is called ‘Ice’ in hip hop slang. “Ice Queen no villain” as she puts it. She runs a successful jewellery business, selling women’s jewellery, Swarovski crystals, pure silver, shell pearls and fresh water pearls.

Ice queen is currently recording her project with the South West Record label, which she has been working with for several years.  Ice queen has recently recorded a track with JK and has also shared the stage with the likes of Zone Fam , Crisis from Zambia, Morale, Sean pages, Muzart, Hanni of Big Brother Africa, CPWAA of Uganda and LIC of Nigeria.  To contribute to her many talents, ice Queen also currently a radio Presenter on Planet Radio, which is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

• April 2011 – Back to the City Hip Hop culture festival alongside Maraza (Newtown , Johannesburg)
• May 2011 – Fashion Television (FTV) with Sliq Angel (fourways , Johannesburg)
• June 2011 – Ko’ Spotong with the Southwest Divas (Braamfontein , Johannesburg)
• June 2011 – La Patio with the Southwest Divas (Sandton , Johannesburg)
• June 2011 – Sankayi night club (Rivonia , Johannesburg)
• July 2011 –  Tour to Empazeni Lodge with Maraza , Teepee , Southwest Divas and L-tore Crax and Psycho Lution album launch (Mbabane , Swaziland)
• September 2011 – Club Sangita (Rossetenville , Johannesburg)
• November 2011 – Roxy’s night club. Mr.&Mrs Razcaz (Melville)
• Nov/Dec 2011 – Art and Soul ( sessions in Newtown , Johannesburg)
• November 2011 –  East meets West Chanel O Nominee Party
• November 2011 – Miss Zambia S.A fashion show (Co-MC and performer at event)
• February 2012 – Slim’s all star weekend NBA send off party at Shikisha in Newtown
• February 2012 – Monash University fresher’s week performance featuring G.E.E
• February 2012 – Ashes Northriding live performance alongside J.K
• March 2012 – Performance at ‘Sippin Sundayz ‘ event , Stones in Melville
• March 2012 – Performance and interview on Shizniz ; broadcasted on E-tv

RADIO FEATURES/INTERVIEWS

• May 2011 – Siz ‘n’ scoop show on Y-fm
• September 2011 – Siz ‘n’ Scoop  show on Y-fm
• January 2012 – ‘Big dreams’ play listed on Eldos fm
• March 2012 – ‘Life of The Party’ playlisted on #Local5 on Eldos fm. (Top 5 songs of the week)

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

• July 2011 – Tour to Swaziland ,Mbabane with Ice queen ,  Maraza , Teepee , Southwest Divas and L-tore was featured in a local Swaziland newspaper

Cleo is also an aspiring actress and model. Let’s just say, entertainment as a whole is what Ice Queen has a huge and deep passion for. Africa better watch out, Cleo is one of a kind who posses real ambition, drive and the talent.

You can hear more of her music on her reverbnation page and follow her on twitter @Cleo_icequeen and her managment teams @southwstrecords , @teamkamikazi

THE MUSIC

The Motto

In-studio performance of “Power of a woman”

By Kapa187

Staq (Daliso Emmanuel Chinkoyo)  is one of the founding members of ‘Z-qlip’ which consists of (Staq, Flippse and Macadosis). Born on 12th May of 1992 in Chingola and moving to Kitwe at age 6 then to Ndola at 9 before finally moving and settling in New Zealand at 13 years of age.

Z-qlip was formed after long time family friends Staq & Flippse (Chansa Mulenga) were trying to get into the studio with Macadosis (Tabani Ng’andu) who was at the time teaming up with Recommended Dosage. After many months of hold backs, Staq presented the idea and chorus of a ‘Press it up Remix’ to Flippse who loved the idea immediately and had a verse down within a few minutes. Escalating this further to Macadosis who also seemed to enjoy it made available some studio time with One Mic records and Press it up was born. He seems to be the most silent of the group, hobbing some brilliant ideas in his head. Rapping the quickest in the group, it provides a very nice blend of finished product with the rest of the group.

Kapa187:What was the thing that made you become serious about making music.

Staq: Music makes me happy, and to be able to make my own that others can relate to enjoy is something I want. Simply for the love of it.

Kapa187: Living in New Zealand do you keep up with zambian music . Who are your favorite zambian artists.

Staq: Oh definitely, YouTube has become my best friend so I’m constantly updating myself with what’s going on. Um, Flex Ville is one I listen to most of the time, some T-Sean, Slap Dee, Nox

Kapa187: Describe your style in three words?

Staq: Fast/untouchable/thrilling

Kapa187: What makes you stand out from other upcoming artists.

Staq: First and foremost I put the Lord first in all things I do, secondly, I  easily adapt to any style or genre, thirdly, I have learnt to make music that fans appreciate. In addition, working together with the members of Z-Qlip has proven that among us one persons weakness is the others strength, that is one of the reasons Z-Qlip has been successful. We strongly believe team work leads to success.

Kapa187: Which zambian and international artists would you love to collaborate with.

Staq: I would like to work anyone willing to get into contact with me and make some good music that also relates to our everyday people, also with Flex Ville, and possibly Nox

Kapa187: Are you working on an album .

Staq: An album is plausible, although with the likes of University and other things, I have not focused myself entirely into crafting a full album. There’s a few projects on the sideline though

Kapa187: Tell us about your song “Press it up”

Staq: Flippse ,aka Chansa Mulenga , and I were just chilling skipping through instrumentals with no intentions of making a track, shortly, the press it up instrumental played and Flippse’s attention was hooked to it in an instant, slowly started rocking to it, to a point he could no longer sit and suggested we make a track. Strangely, both Flippse and I had the same rhythm of how we wanted the hook to sound. I presented my idea and chorus of a ‘Press it up Remix’ to Flippse who loved the idea immediately and had a verse down within a few minutes. Escalating this further to Macdosis who also seemed to enjoy it and made available a studio session with One Mic records and Press it up was born. The idea behind ‘press it up remix’ is simply to show the world how crazy/exciting/entertaining Zambia gets.

Kapa187: What is your ultimate goal in your music career.

Staq: To be able to touch as many people through out the entire word. In New Zealand, almost all cultures have atleast 1 Zambian song in their playlist, and I have heard a few in the clubs aswel. I want to spread that even further, show the world the Zambian style.

Kapa187:What inspires your music.
Staq: The Lord God Almighty for giving me the brains to do it and simply for the Love for music, for the fun atmosphere that’s around when making it.

Kapa187: Any last words for your fans
Staq: All I can say is you about to see the unseen man, Z-Qlip ama sabala-sabala, we are bringing sounds of a mpembela nsokele, hold tight and watch this space. Zambian music is yet to go big, sky is the limit man, last word: stay in School. Love Y’all, Staq

THE MUSIC

Press It Up Rmx (Tafyumfwa) – Flippse & Macdosis & Staq (Live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaQQQ81IHsw

By Kapa187

UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema says the country needs to have electoral reforms as soon as possible.

Mr. Hichilema has told QFM news that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should start operating in a more independent manner by being freed from the dictates of the party in government.

He says doing so will help restore public confidence in the Electoral body.

The opposition leader notes that it is therefore important that the country puts in place a system that will allow independent stakeholders such as the church, CSOs and any other non- partisan organizations to second the commissioners to the ECZ as opposed to the current system where the ECZ commissioners are appointed by the head of state.

And Mr. Hichilema has also observed that the new constitution should also focus on reducing the excessive power of the executive as a way of curbing possible abuse of authority by a head of state.

He adds that there is also need through the constitution, for the country to have a parliament that will focus on legislative work more than politics.

QFM

THE call for Zambians working abroad to return home yesterday took a new twist when Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda asked Zambians living in Botswana and other countries abroad not to feel pressured to return home in what appears like a major policy shift.

“Our policy in the PF is not to ask people to come to Zambia even if they have nothing to do on return,” Mr. Lubinda said. “If you are doing well here in Botswana or anywhere else for that matter…our advice is that you stay there, earn money and build a place in Zambia because you can’t live abroad forever.”

Mr Lubinda was responding to Zambia’s envoy to Botswana Robert Mataka who disclosed that up to 6,000 Zambians are working and running their own businesses in Botswana presently.

“We have on our embassy records about 2,000 Zambians working as medical doctors, university lecturers,” Mr. Mataka said. “But we estimate that in total there are up to 6,000 Zambians also engaged in personal businesses that contribute positively to the economy here.”

Mr. Lubinda noted that given the size of the population of Botswana, the 6,000 Zambians living in Botswana actually could make up a small town but the main point is they should invest wisely.

In the past the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) administration’s emphasis was placed on Zambians returning home from abroad albeit no tangible plan was put in place to soak them into the ‘new’ society they had sometimes left behind for more than a decade.

Examples of countries that have benefitted from an ‘intelligent’ diaspora abounds, according to UN studies and other independent studies that state that Ghana and Nigeria and most recently Zimbabwe are among top countries earning top dollars from citizens working abroad.

The Zambian community living in Botswana is expected to have candid discussions with President Sata when they meet him this week to test his government’s policies.

Meanwhile, President Sata this week embarks on a historical state visit of Botswana in a move expected to enhance economic and social partnerships between the two sister countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda, who is leading an advance party, described the President’s pending two-day state visit as unique and significant in more ways than one during an interview in Gaborone yesterday.

“President Sata has received numerous invitations from the SADC leadership and beyond for state visits but due to his busy domestic schedule he has always turned the visits down,” Mr Lubinda said. “He, however, accepted to take up this first state visit on invitation from His Excellency General Ian Khama.”

Mr Lubinda said one of the most significant historical factors that bind Zambia and Botswana is that “Zambia was the first country to establish bilateral and diplomatic relations with Botswana some 46 years ago in 1966 and relations have been growing since then”.

He said President Sata will hold various meetings with Gen. Khama aimed at enhancing economic relations.

This will include discussions on the construction of a multi-million dollar bridge over the troubled Zambezi River in Kazungula currently being serviced by a problematic ferry that has oftentimes led to loss of lives.

The bridge project is scheduled to be completed next year. The bridge, whose cost of construction approximately stands at about US$260 million, would be funded by the two governments, JICA and the World Bank.

“It’s a long-term project of humongous importance whose benefits cannot be under estimated, hence the reason President Sata has decided to get directly involved in moving it,” Mr. Lubinda said.

Once completed, border transit time will be reduced and it will also put in place improved procedures on trade facilitation plus improved border management operations.

Thousands of Zambian and Botswana jobs are expected to be created through the project plus increased economic activities between the peoples of the two countries.

The President will also commission a multi-million pula educational facility.

[Zambia Daily Mail]