Support fellow Zambians
Dear Editor,
SO some Zambians think that Slap D lost because they had launched some misguided attacks on him? Tiyeni tinkale chabe mu Zambia mwatu... Let me just put a few things in perspective;
1. South Africa has a bigger population than Zambia, so SA is most likely going to win in such competitions. And also, do you know Nyovest olo yenze first to hear of him? Muchiteni koni Google first....
2. South Africans are also well politically socialised and know that whatever fights they have locally they don't take them internationally. So the joke is on you. Kumenyani even internationally shows that indeed we have a lot to do back home when it comes to national building.
3. The South African arts budget and even industry is massive and well developed, today Zambian artists are still self-made with almost no help or just very little from the government. Even award shows are taken seriously by their government. Here, everything is political or neglected. The same way even you the youth are neglected.
4. As of today, it's not clear whether the Arts sector is with the tourism ministry or youth and sports. So we have bigger confusions to sort out than simple awards.
5. Whether you like it or not, an artist has the right to sing for any political party they want. I know artists have been apologising and will continue to apologise just to make peace with people attacking them, BUT they don't need to... We need to respect people's choices whether they are different from ours or not.
6. There are no jobs in this country and artists are self-employed and do so well for themselves and others. So if you want to create a hostile environment for artists and people like Slap Dee to fail, imagine the level of failure we will have. Imagine if you do not even have a plan or alternative to employ yourself in a place where government and other organisations are unlikely to employ you.
7. Like they say with all awards, just a nomination is big/good enough. Out of all the African artists, Slap Dee made it on the list. So congratulations Slap Dee and all the best next time. Keep working hard and empowering other Zambian artists. Very very proud of you.