Zuma may put Mick Jagger to shame

COULD JZ be the front man for Ladysmith Black Mambazo?

Local musical legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo are making a grave error of judgement teaming up with a man who brought the country down to its knees. Former president Jacob Zuma is regarded a pariah in political circles both here and abroad.

Anyone who associates with him will also blacken his name. Would Ladysmith Black Mambazo like that?

eThekwini’s decision to use ratepayers’ money to record Zuma’s Struggle songs has come under scathing attack from the public and the opposition. Coming soon after the municipal-funded taxi drivers’ jaunt to Brazil, it’s been condemned as a blatant abuse of public money. With the Hawks circling overhead we would expect the municipality to exercise caution and restraint in the use of public funds. But it cannot care less.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s leader Joseph Shabalala has defended his decision to record with Zuma. He says he knows Zuma from the Struggle days and thinks there’s nothing morally wrong teaming up with him.

Of course, we could all be wrong. Zuma’s got talent. Though the septuagenarian bellows like an old ox, he still has the stamina of a young bull and can dance and put many a younger man to shame. It would certainly boost his flagging image.

And what if Ladysmith Black Mambazo think it would be a wise move to add a new dimension to their repertoire by making him their front man?

Wouldn’t he rival Mick Jagger and have crowds in New York, London and Paris flocking to see the new singing sensation electrifying the stage with his energetic dance moves? THYAGARAJ MARKANDAN Silverglen