Zambia’s Macky 2 supports campaign to fight under-age drinking

Macky 2 spent an afternoon at SOS Children’s Village in Lusaka, speaking to secondary school pupils about the problem alongside representatives from Zambian Breweries and the National Road Safety Foundation, who have partnered to promote awareness on the dangers of under-age drinking amongst the youths.

"Under-age drinking is a problem we are facing as a country," said the ‘Lolo-lolo’ singer. "As someone who is passionate about seeing the youth prosper and do something with their lives, I feel it’s a great initiative. Personally as an artist I believe that with the influence that I have comes great responsibility and it is my responsibility to take part in activities like this."

Macky 2’s comments suggest that fences have been mended between and Zambian Breweries, following recent news that the popular rapper was leading a call to boycott the upcoming Zambian Music Awards (ZMA), due to be held in Lusaka on Thursday 28 April, which is sponsored by Zambian Breweries. The sponsors denied those allegations, claiming that all nominees had already confirmed their availability for the awards. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Macky 2 was not among this year’s nominees.

The recent partnership was to push forward with the brewery’s campaign to increase awareness of the problem of under-age drinking, in line with their sustainable development strategy (dubbed ‘Prosper’)  through which it seeks to achieve moderate and responsible drinking, among other things. The company has embarked on a vigorous campaign against irresponsible drinking, particularly among the youth, and the negative vices associated with it. In promoting responsible alcohol consumption among consumers, Zambian Breweries has also partnered with the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the National Road Safety Foundation in the enforcement of existing legislation on drinking and driving.

Established in Zambia in 1968, Zambian Breweries is part of the SABMiller Group, one of the world’s largest brewers. Ezekiel Sekele, Director of Corporate Affairs, said: "As Zambian Breweries and National Breweries, we are committed to this campaign to encourage responsible drinking among those of legal age and to discourage under-age consumption of alcohol."