QUESTION FOR MUSICIANS WHO SING AND WRIGGLE FOR POLITICIANS
I have one question for my brothers and sisters who fraternize political campaigns – what arts policies do you discuss with these politicians, if any?
While the job of a musician is to entertain and pull crowds at these rallies, there is a great opportunity for the artistes to bring to the table the various critical issues that affect the creative industry when they meet these peoplewho want to lead the nation.
I know its difficult andcrude to speak while eating but it is necessary for politicians to be reminded that there are things that need to be done for the very industry that is wooing the crowds for them including the de-politicization of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, reforming of the political wing called National Arts Council as well as the issues surrounding Copyright laws and monetization of artistic works online among others.
While those that have sang praise for the ruling elite have access to unlimited benefits through artistic jobs and allegedly other forms of employment in other institutions, the majority of artists are sidelined and are struggling away from the systems that should benefit all Zambian artistes including those that do not take political sides.
Difficult questions about the effectiveness of two Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry who have both been artistes at one time before but have not delivered outside the political inner circle, according to many artistes spoken to.
During the monologues called rallies for both sides, I hear zero direction for the creative industry when these politicians make campaign promises, a clear sign that artistes remain simple tools for political victories. No candidate is speaking about Arts Schools, Artistic Spaces, the emergence of AI and what it means for the industry, Policy direction or even what they have achieved away from the in-house political hand outs. By the way, the biggest campaign song of 2026 is AI generated. You all know it.
So while its good to enjoy the ‘millions’ and to take pictures with politicians, artistes have an opportunity to make their demands that will benefit the industy and to hold leaders accountable.
And by the way, Artistes also have an opportunity to tell the leaders that the ground is not stable.
Its a simple question: Whats do you talk about when you meet?
#TheRevolutionWontBeTelevised