PILATO ANGERS PF YOUTHS

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:01:58 +0000

By Bennie Mundando

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) youths have expressed disgust at what they have termed as another tirade of provocative, degrading, and vile-charged social commentary against President Edgar Lungu coined in a song titled koswe by Zambian musician, Fumba Chama, commonly known as “Pilato.” 

Central Province PF youth chairperson Moses Chilando yesterday said youths in the province had given Mr. Chama 48 hours to apologise and withdraw his track failure to which they would take unspecified action on him.

Mr. Chilando said while every Zambian had the freedom of expression, it was wrong for Mr. Chama to continue demonising the President, adding that the youth had no problem with anyone holding the President and his administration accountable, but warned that Mr. Chama had crossed the line.

“We vehemently disagree with the offensive lyrics as they are designed to insult and demean. While we do not expect Pilato to like President Lungu or any other leader, no one should promote vile-charged social commentary intended to drag the rest of society to low-time politics.

“We give Pilato a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw his track. We shall not sit back and have him insult our President at will in the name of freedom of expression.

“We have no problems with anyone holding the President and his administration accountable, but we have serious issues with those who wish to take it upon themselves to insult the President and his Government,” Mr. Chilando warned.

Meanwhile, Luanshya district vice youth chairman Mulenga Chakulya said it was disappointing that while music was supposed to be used as a tool to foster positive values among citizens and bring about peace and unity, disgruntled musicians Like Mr. Chama were on a path to divide the country even further.

“When artists are supposed to be growing their industry through inspirational music that will attract good sponsorship from various stakeholders and Government, artists such as this one have the time to sit down and compose insults directed at the Head of State and Government of the day,” Mr Chakulya said.