pilAto: No freedom of expression in Zambia

In Africa, politics plays a big role in muzzling and intimidating musicians. Some governments are on record for creating draconian laws that are bent on silencing artists. Zimbabwe is a good example where exiled chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo fled the country for the US in 2005 when his music caught the attention of the then Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s government through his ‘Hokoyo’ (Watch out) song. Mapfumo who has been in the US for more than a decade recently said he will coming back to Zimbabwe following leadership change late last year.

In a related incident, Zambian hip hop artist pilAto fled the country two weeks ago to an unknown destination when his song ‘Koswe Mumpoto’ (Rat in the Pot) was perceived as critical to President Edgar Lungu’s government. But Zambian high commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba reportedly refuted that the musician was threatened. "There is no threat whatsoever being unleashed against the artist. There are no threats at all either from the government (Zambia), the ruling party or state security organs,” Mwamba told CAJ News Africa.

Born Fumba Chama, the award-winning humorous artist, whose music is highly influenced by his rough upbringing, spoke to Music In Africa about his ‘Koswe Mumpoto’ song, intimidation, the state of freedom expression in the country and his relationship with President Lungu’s government.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Reports say you fled the country after releasing ‘Koswe Mumpoto’. Is this true?

pilAto: It is true that I left Zambia because my life was threatened after releasing the ‘Koswe Mumpoto’ song. I am out of my own country because I want to stay alive and unharmed.

What is the song all about?

The song talks about a type of leadership that steals instead of serving those that entrusted them the leadership. It’s a song about a self-serving type of leadership. The song is satire, it’s an analogy that represents leaders that behave like rats.

How has been the response of the song since its release?

The response has been great. I am grateful for the support I have received.

Where are you hiding and how long will you will be out of Zambia?

I am within the borders of Africa and will surely be returning back home soon. I plan to get back as soon as I confirm my safety.

What’s the state of freedom of expression in your country?

The current leadership appears to be so committed to taking away freedom of expression from anyone who disagrees with either the government or the political party that is in power. Anyone who expresses a divergent view risks losing their job if they are civil servants or imprisonment. In the past we have had a student who was arrested for opposing the arrest of the leader of the opposition party. Recently a certain doctor in western province was convicted for three years for expressing his views. I have personally been arrested for protesting against a scandalous procurement of fire trucks at a much exaggerated price.

Reports say you were threatened. Did you report to the police and what was their response?

I was threatened by the ruling party's thugs who have been behind several political assault crimes. I did not report to the police because the police have lost their power to these thugs who even brutalise and hack people even at the police station.

Do you think president Lungu accepts criticism from musicians?

I have no evidence that he does accept criticism from anyone. I am so sure he doesn't even accept criticism even from himself.

Will you continue releasing songs that critic the government?

Yes of course I will. As long as we are not the best country in the world I will continue contributing to the betterment of my country through music.

What’s your message to fellow artists and the Zambian people regarding the state of affairs in the country?

I would like them to search their hearts and live the things they believe.

What should the government do to improve the state of the music industry in your country?

The best place is to invest in the sector and formulate policies that would benefit the state and the artist. The industry lacks modern and necessary infrastructure to adequately sustain the music industry. Anti-piracy laws must be reinforced so that government can benefit more alongside the makers of music.