Naming of streets cheers local artists

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 12:58:16 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

NAMING streets after artists who passed on is commendable as their artistic works cannot be forgotten, says National Association of Media Artists (NAMA) president Patrick Salubusa.

Mr. Salubusa thanked Kabwata Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice Given Lubinda for naming two streets in the constituency after deceased artists, Graig Lungu and Augustine Lungu.

In an interview over the weekend, he said the gesture would go a long way in preserving the legacy of artists and encourage upcoming artists to emulate their works and endeavour to work hard.

Mr. Salubusa, who is Matero’s Kapwepwe 25 councillor, expressed gratitude that Mr. Lubinda had taken a leading role to honour many artists in a like manner.

“I am happy to receive another gift from Mr. Lubinda and Kabwata constituency councillors to the Zambian artists as two more streets are named after artists who are gone but whose artistic excellence cannot be forgotten – Graig Lungu and Augustine Lungu,” he said.

The civic leader, who is a comedian and known for his past role in a ZNBC radio Ifyabukaya drama as ‘‘Saulos’’, said artistic works were being appreciated in the country and expressed confidence that the industry would continue to grow.

He said the two late artists were role models and trendsetters who marketed Zambia’s potential in various forms of arts such as drama, film and advertising which he said opened numerous opportunities for new artists.

Mr. Salubusa implored artists to utilise their talents and skills for the betterment of the community and to make the country proud.

He said the film industry in Nigeria was one of the significant contributors to that country’s economy.

Other street names in Kabwata include late musicians Joe Chibangu ‘‘The ambassador’’ and P’Jay, among others.