OPEN LETTER TO SLAPDEE

Dear Mwila,

As a fan since twenty zero nine (2009), I feel it’s safe if I add a voice over everything that’s been happening recently.

You are one of the biggest brands in the Zambian Entertainment Industry. And you are also one of the greatest Mcee’s the country has ever produced. You have many awards to your name; The Born n Bred, The Ngoma, The ZMA’s ecetra ecetra. You’ve produced hit after hit over the years – and you’ve dropped big-big albums since the time you decided to follow your passion. You’ve been an inspiration and a role model to almost everyone who wants to make a difference in life, be it in Music or in corporate World. They look up to you. We look up to you. I look up to you.

Your fans have been loyal. You are probably the only Zambian artist with the biggest fan base, not just around here, but also across Africa.

But it is also true that these fans are coming from different backgrounds and they are affiliated to different Political parties. It is not like all your fans are PF Supporters. They are not all UPND Supporters. They are not all NDC Supporters. They are all supporting different Political parties, and if one minute you decide to side with the Patriotic Front, a section of your fan base will feel betrayed. If the next minute you decide to side with the UPND, another section of your fan base will feel betrayed. If another minute you decide to side with the Socialite Party and be all over the place campaigning for Fred, a section of your fan base will complain.

And so, being the brand that you are, and with all the influence that you have – being neutral is a safer bet than the alternative.

It is always true that if an artist of your calibre goes and perform at a Political rally, they are going to influence one third of the people out there. It is true that if an artist of your level decides to sing a song for a certain Presidential candidate, they are going to influence a brother and a sister out there.

And with all the influence that you are carrying and the fame that you have, my message is simple and clear; side with the poor and do not betray your loyal fans.
It is your democratic and constitutional right to support whichever political party you want to support, but bare in mind that you guys are carrying stronger weapons than the average Zambian. If it means taking sides in Politics, at least be real. Try to side with a Political Party that has the desire to redeem Zambia from the shackles of poverty. Atleast side with a Political Party that has the dream of liberating Zambia from ruthless tyrants.

We understand the role you are playing as artists, but aside from being an artist, you are also a human being who happens to be a citizen of the republic of Zambia. And citizens are called upon to be Patriotic and loyal to their country and not to individuals. Atleast be Patriotic for once and realise that the route you have decided to take is wrong and the Political Party you have decided to side with is an enemy of the Zambian People.

What is happening, Slap? You have always stayed away from Politics and we know you have always turned down huge and massive Political offers – but who is misleading you now? Is it KMP?

” Drama sinifuna politics of the belly,
Ma change yenipoka yali che
I think I’m cherry,
Atleast I’m being earnest
Like Bruce I Potbelly.”

What happened to this line? You gave us hope that you are not into Politics of the belly. You gave us hope that you will forever side with the less Privilege and not the oppressor. You gave us hope that you are cool with the little monies you are getting. But what has happened now? You have really betrayed some of us, Mwila.

And why do you forget so easily? You’ve just decided to side with a Political Party whose minister mocked and disrespected Davie Zambia when he died in a Road traffic accident. Remember?
You’ve just decided to side with a Political Party that has neglected the Entertainment Industry.
You’ve just decided to side with a Political Party that is corrupt to the bone and to the core.

It is not time up yet. You can still do the right thing.

We are not saying you should support Hakainde or anything – all we are saying is that you should just stay away from the PF. Stay away from oppressors and shut your mouth until 11th August.

And to all the artistes out there – we know Music is business and all of you are in for some serious money. But have some dignity atleast. Loyalty to the country is more important.

If we all decide to side with money bags, we are aswell trading our destiny and the destiny of our Children and also that of our Grand-, children, including that of our Great-Grand Children.

Think about it.

Yours;
Ganizani

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