RACISM-THE WORLD’S WILDEST ANIMAL

Man has played around with dolphins, rode elephants, had tigers in his home and even trusted snakes around his neck. However, he has not been able to control a certain animal.

The irony of it all is he is always trying to maintain control over everything, but never had the capacity to fully control this animal. Well i get it. I mean it stings like a bee, smells like a skunk, chews like a hippo, swallows like an anaconda and roars like a lion, no not really, it’s too cowardly, snarls like a dog. Don’t be fooled though, it is still wildly.

The Funny thing is some people have been able to walk with it. They are perfectly good people except they will not like you because you are green when they are purple or because they are blue and you are pink.

As this walk continues, it leaves me questioning the real definition of civilization as most societies tend to believe they are civilized.

For as long as this walk continues, we will be able to relate to the wildlife food chain where a Lion consumes an impala, only in our case, it is more of a spiteful chain.

I bleed red, you do too . Though my skin colour be different from yours, you are just like me. Just because I am green and you are not doesn’t mean you can’t be as good as me. It is no competition, but it just shows how far we have gone, testing our abilities just to prove a point when it  is simply common sense. It also sounds like a plea to be accepted.

We wake up to videos, pictures and stories on social media depicting people that walk with this animal. We have seen it walk in people we should run to for protection- the police, we have seen it run in buses, planes.

Maybe these people never chose this walk, but the animal chose them. But, I like to believe we all have a choice to make- free will.

RACISM IS TAUGHT, NO ONE IS BORN RACIST. GIVE THE KIDS A BREAK, THEY HAVE A FUTURE IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT YOURS.

A baby may freak out upon seeing a human of a different colour for the first time. However,  the baby will get over it eventually  and even want to be in the arms of ‘what’ it feared. It is really up to someone to impart some Dogma into this child. The child then walks with the animal because they were just ignorant. So we should watch what we say to our little ones. We are never born with this walk, we are taught this walk and as adults may adopt this walk because of influence around us.

Living in China for some months has me appreciating certain parts. Little kids are always saying “hello” when they see me and my friends and want to feel our hair. If these kids’ parents decide to tell them negative stories about my race, the children may walk with the animal.

Certain parts  take us 15 minutes for a cab to stop. Are the Taxi drivers walking with the animal? Or maybe I am just paying for the sins of other people of my race who made it a tendancy not to pay after using a taxi? Even in our suspicions we may walk with the animal without realizing it.

You don’t have to mistreat some one to walk with the animal. If you pay a blind eye to a racist act, you walk with it. If you believe you are inferior to another race, you walk with it. Oh! you may say  “I don’t walk with it Aquila” Well without realizing it, you may have judged  a whole race because of what one person did against you.

I don’t believe Barack Obama is that special. Yes, he is the first Black president  but i believe there we’re many black men before him who could have made even better presidents than him.  I love Barack Obama not because he was the first black president, but because of some of his qualities. We should stop stop terming people as black presidents, female presidents because at the end of it all, there is no such things as a red,blue, male or female mind to run affairs.

It reminds me of the irrational comments I saw on Facebook when Dr Guy Scott took over presidential affairs after the late Micheal Sata passed on (MHSRIP). Some users  could say “we are back in the colonial times as a white man is leading us”. That is preposterous. In years to come, we will have fourth generation people of every race who will want to exercise their right as Zambians  to stand as  Parliamentary or presidential candidates. My point is we could all easily walk with the animal without knowing.

I may not be the first person to speak against this walk, but if we all changed our stance and got more and more people to speak against it while practicing what they preached we could have advocated for a racism free world. It’s like people want a HIV free generation and not a Racist free one.

Love is what can heal us all. There is no race that is completely racist. This is 2015 we should be able to hold hands and to your surprise, you won’t get any rash by doing that.

SAY NO TO THE ANIMAL, SAY NO TO RACISM, LET US ALL SMILE TOGETHER WITH ONE FACE.

IN THE MIDST OF THE DARK

IN THE MIDIST OF THE DARK

In the midist of the dark I lay
Thoughts ‘creamed’ with indignation, indifference was all to say

How could it be?
That the prince, comfort could not see
Had a curse  befallen him?
A curse so evil that he could not beam
for what had he to pay?
In the palm of his hand his face lay

So when the king saw him, he heard his thoughts clear
His boy no longer knew fear

A boy in their eyes, a man in my thoughts
Penny  for your thoughts?
NO! NO! NO!
I play games no more
Oh yes my heart was sore but no more

In his silence the king had rescued me
I was ignorant of it, but I rode the escalator to where I should be
I saw pain I knew struggle
The mouth would rather have a success tongue caressing it, but hot water it will never want to gaggle

When the world was almost ending, I was given an extension
So maybe I could not give excuses like a kid in detention

Voluptuously, opportunity looked so beautiful like womanly breasts
So I grabbed her with both hands
That one day I will reap my harvest with millions of diameter 15cm rubber bands.

 
NB: I wrote this poem a couple of months ago. I will admit I can relate to it, but since poems are free, you can interprete it in any way you like enjoy and happy weekend.:D

THE ZAMBIAN MUSIC AWARDS 2015: REVIEW

A stupendous stage beaming with magnificence, beauty and massive talent was the sun that gave light to a national audience left in elation and satisfaction last Saturday night. It was visible that a concrete rehearsal had been put in place as the events proceeded smoothly. The Zambian Music awards, thanks to Zambian Breweries, allowed no room for being mundane

.

While many award ceremonies choose to have a comedian host, the #ZMA2015 took a different route with Chishala Chitoshi Jr, keeping it cool, but managing to have no monotony written anywhere on him. Kutemba Sakuhuka was an equal match and I would suggest Sulu hosts the next awards.

Dilish and Cleo Ice queen presenters of best club DJ

Having Dilish Peya Mathews as one of the guest presenters was a great string to pull. It represented an international evolution showing how eminent and serious these awards have become as the Industry stretches across borders.Also Legends handing over awards was very necessary. Nasty D, Mc Wabwino and Mweembe Chulu stepping on stage reminded us of how far we have come even as we saw new artists like Kantu perform incredibly.

Talking of performances, it will be impossible to overlook Izrael and Nalu’s. What really set this one apart was the fact that Izrael was able to perform different pieces in a new way, but coupled with great coordination.We had a feel of his timeline as he led us from Exile into Izrael. The beautifully voiced Nalu later joining him led to the climax of their performance.

Willz and Wezi perform Toliwe

I like to think Urban hype made up for Willz’s overdone performance. They took it so easy, while Willz left me thinking he has been watching too many BET awards lately when he kept running on stage while screaming “Turn up” among many other uncoordinated sounds as Wezi and the backup singers tried to deliver. In a nutshell, Toliwe as a heavyweight jam, left much to be desired.

millz performs

Performances of genres like Kalindula added the ‘real Zambian’ flavour to the flow and reggae represented by Milz was electrifying. The Northmead Mega choir left fans on twitter tweeting they would be in Bishop Banda’s church the following day. Their performance not only had us feeling religious, but also carried an inspirational message to empower Zambians: “Shine, now is your time”.

Tsean and Scarlet perform a tribute to the Late P.Jay

Tell me. What was more fitting and thoughtful than a great tribute to P.Jay? Tsean,Scarlet and Starn delivered an angelic performance and that’s not because they were clad in white. They resurrected Brian as they performed his pieces.

Before I get to the awards, I would like to comment on the Fashion. I don’t need to be a connoisseur, but the ladies’ dressing would do no discredit to western award shows. We were left wondering what designers they went to as Zambia saw unique dresses on the Stage. Coming to the guys, Chefy was a gentleman, Abel Chungu was still in the Easter Jesus play,Tsean was a Nigerian, Wilz was Kanye west and Macky 2 learnt from his big brother exposure. I’m joking, but seriously most of the attendees were on point. I just hope local designers will be supported more in the future.‘Local is lacka’ yeah?

Oh yeah. Finally, the awards. Like I tweeted on twitter on the very night, I believe these awards have rewarded nothing, but the best and deserving. I find nothing wrong and I am not left skeptical (nor do I expect anyone else to be) that Abel Chungu and Chef 187 collected that many awards. It is evident from what these two individuals produced last year that they really deserved the cake.Wilz deserved the Best New Artist Award. We felt his grand entrance into the game and gave him a pass through our votes. He is really talented and a natural entertainer as we saw. It is sad Kantu had to come at the same time because she equally deserved the award.

Among other tightly contested awards was the Song of the year. All three songs had made so much noise in the country, but the fans chose Mama Rebecca, a very unique song that echoed a mixture of Hip-hop and Kalindula. So many categories were visited giving an opportunity to myriads of artists.

Looking for the flaws in these awards isn’t really the way to go. I believe it took a lot of resources and personal sacrifices to keep them going and most of all, we have a clear picture of how music is evolving in the county. One step at a time, we will soon be there. Well done Zambia and congratulations to all the nominees and most of all congratulations to the winners.

Feel free to interact with me on twitter @aqui_cuteboi_

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZAMBIAN MUSIC AWARDS FACEBOOK PAGE. VISIT IT FOR MORE PICS AND DETAILS OF WINNERS.

THE ZAMBIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY: INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM (PART TWO)

When Zambia got completely left out at this year’s Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, I knew a similar episode was repeated only this time it left me wondering what we lacked for us not to get an invite to the party. Was it talent? No far be it, we are really a talented bunch. Maybe competitive music videos? Then I saw Amarulah, and Auto Pilot. So what went wrong? Why don’t we slay were the big boys play? Why don’t we dance on the international platform?

Much as the musician is the one who ends up being the star, the real star is the fans. You see, without the fans, there is no Superstar and so if we don’t request for Ninalakwa on Trace or Channel O (for a start) there is no way it will air on our best international platform or be consistent on it. True support from Zambian fans is essential to help musicians make history. I mean we have done it before. We supported Ruff Kaida when he was nominated for a BEFFTA. Ruff made history and no one will take that away from him and most of all from us Zambians because an international award earned represents the motherland.

Ruff won beating D.Banj and Zahara

In part one I mentioned how Zambian Music had evolved. The fans, I believe, need to do the same. Envision the power of TEAM BREZZY, RIHANNA NAVY, BELIEBERS and the BEYHIVE to name a few and ask yourself if we are giving our local musicians enough support. Some are on the navy and these other mentioned teams, but ignore that we have local artists whose team  can do with our support.  Yes we have supported Zone Fam, Ruff and other artists get Awards and nominations, but that shouldn’t be the death of it. Consistency is imperative. We also need to change our mind-set from a negative and pessimistic to a more positive and optimistic one. We are capable of competing at international level. We just have to believe. The Zambian music industry isn’t like our national football team, it gets better and will save you disappointments and heart attacks and that is more reason to support it.

The government should invest in the industry for a change and implement laws to protect artists to enable them to earn revenue. Additionally, support isn’t just voting, it is also includes helping curb piracy and buying an album just to appreciate these people’s efforts. With that said, Maria Nyemba is releasing an EP (April, 10th) so get (BUY) a copy of your own. If these guys can make real money from their music and not just gigs, realistic competition will develop which in turns breeds efficiency and excellence. You know money is such an impetus. So with time, Africa and the rest of the world won’t get enough of Zed music.

A dearth of efficient marketing and management deprives artists of exposure. If you carried out a survey of how many artists actually have managers in the industry, you will note that only less than a quarter of a quarter do. There is a need for companies with professional managing and promotional skills and reliable contacts. How does one do a song and market it on their own? That is arduous. Every player needs to stick to their own role. A leaf should be taken from Zone Fam. Under, Duncan Sodala’s management they have taken a continental route and we are all proud of them.

The promotion I speak of is not sending irritating BCs of links to your song, as DJ Roxy puts it, the ‘download my new song syndrome’. It is about setting your music on a platform that will send fans grabbing it. If a video keeps showing on TRACE, psychologically I think (not proven :)) you will eventually like it. A true manager works in your best interest. They help you create a positive image to the public, they carry out research for you, they protect you, and they bring the money to you. How will you make it internationally without a manager? Find someone who can help you, your uncle, your friend, you partner; someone you trust and believe is capable of getting the job done. These are the little, but Macro issues that keep us off the international table. You can’t be your own manager, you are not Chuck Norris.

Roberto Mr- Ama-rulah

Long after its release last year, Amarulah only got to top charts on YFM in South Africa this month. While I appreciate that this is a breakthrough for the industry (and Roberto, I am proud of you my brother), I think it happened a little late. You see when Cassper Nyovest or Ice Prince drops a single, most Zambian music lovers will have it in a week of its release. That difference is what should be eliminated and without efficient promotion, we shall always take a tortoise step. Amarulah is a Giant; it had and still has the potential to sweep through the continent without even coercing people to get it by flooding them with download links. I think what lacked was efficient promotion to push it further in time. I want to see this video nominated for any relevant award at the next CHOAVMAs at least. I believe Roberto is one of the few Zambians artists capable of giving Zambia a winning image, internationally in 5 years’ time. If you recall, good woman was a jam that created ‘Doubting Thomases’ simply because it was hard for them to believe a Zambian performed it. With J.K, I don’t need to emphasise more, I hope he won’t just stop at Yemi Alade. Talking about more songs that didn’t get enough international recognition, I think Afro Swag by Kachanana ft Joey B was huge.

Also to attain international level, more collaboration is needed. I one day want to see Sarkodie ft Urban Hype, Chef 187 ft Tiwa savage, Slap D ft Aka and M.I. , Mampi ft Wiz Kid. Do you guys share the same utopia as mine? You may laugh at this, but that’s because you are just being negative, Macky 2 ft Rihanna can be a killer song. Our West African and South African brothers have done it, and so can we. If they don’t want to do collabos with us, which I don’t believe, we should make them come to us. No one can stop talent.

I have always thought that investing in music by opening up music schools will be a huge plus for the industry. There is a need to have professional artists who know that there is more to music than standing in the booth. This will deliver us to the international platform as well.

Lastly, unity is key. If Zambian artists can come together and combine ideas, I don’t see why we can’t break barriers. Working with different people is efficient; creativity is at its best then. I have a feeling there are two artists out there who have never collaborated, but when they will fire will be created. When you know it’s about the money and the fame, you better drop your ego. Criticising your fellow artists when you are not doing enough yourself will amount to nothing. The BanDunka movement was unnecessary.

I am inspired by how united Nigerian artists are united and extend the unity to South Africa and Ghana. How Davido acted at the 2014 BET awards was truly mature, he preached unity through action. I wonder how many Zambian artists would do that before they use it to claim they are the best. So guys I implore you to be humble, love each other and you will see how far you will go. I don’t want to watch African music awards without Zambian representation again, it makes me feel we are out dated and irrelevant when i  and you know how blessed we are.

So in 5 years, I believe we can terrorise international Channels, radio stations, charts and blogs, but like Swish said we will still be here if our attitude never changes.

 

 

CREDITS

I would like to thank the following for playing a role in one way or the other as I blogged about music

1. Duncan Sodala (Zone Fam Manager)
2. Chanda Kangwa (DJ Roxy. Radio phoenix)
3. Swish (Hip Hop Artist)
4. Seya FundaFunda (artist)
5. Vue Smalls (Producer)
6. Jasmine (upcoming Entreprenuer ,CEO Zee Music)
7. Everyone reading this, you are the best

THE ZAMBIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY: THE EVOLUTION

The Zambian economy may have struggled over the past decade, but the Zambian Music Industry has enjoyed a smooth evolution to a much more contemporary level. With so much western influence taking course, the audience for this developed/ evolved music has come to surpass that of the more cultural and Zambian like music- Kalindula. Kalindula music has never really sounded different to our ears. It continues to bear the same old characteristics, but remains a successful genre.

Thanks to computer software, making beats has never been easier. Supported by advanced sound recording systems and the emergence of never seen before talent, nothing less than good music is expected. However, good music also depends on several other factors. Back in the day, competition between producers was not really defined. Today, Teyabana iyo (No kids allowed). In the past, a beat was either made at Roma side (TK), by Jerry fingers, Ben Blazer or sling beats.

But, today. Wow! Just Look at the work the new players have done. The likes of Dice, Shom-C ,Tonny Breezy, Cream Dollar, Tsean, MZenga Man, Vue Smallz, Skillz, Dj Buggar, Magg 44, Baska Baska and a lot more others. Who could have envisioned this back then? These players have redefined Zambian music. Their ever creative minds have produced ‘sick’ beats that leave you dancing, sentimental, in euphoria and decades later, will breed nostalgia in you.

Around 2008, Zambian music witnessed the birth of a Producer who has greatly contributed to the becoming platinum of musicians who have in turn influenced the game greatly. Baska Baska came on the scene as a master of unique beat creation. The way he played around with snares was very interesting. Dandy Crazy’s first Hit- Mami can be accredited to him.

But redefining music is never complete without the owners of the voices- the singers. First of all, salute to the legends, Mc Wabwino, Crisis Mr Swagger, J.k, Ozzy, Danny, K.Millian, Nasty D, Ba Crazy, Joe Chibangu, General Kanene, Slap D, Hamooba,TY2, Mozegetor, Macky 2,Roberto, Ruff Kid now known as Ruff Kaida, Alubusu mhsrip, Mampi, Shatel, Black Muntu, The third, Mainza, Pompi, Petersen , Danny Peddle among many others.

Today we accredit the evolution of the game to the present players. The industry is simply flooded, but standing out more than others initiates recognition. Also the consistency of some legends is simply stupendous, Jk’s for example. We celebrate the best that ever did it in the modern day: Macky 2, the genius minds Chef 187 and Stevo, the sweet voiced, Judy yo, Afunika, T.sean, Brisky, B.Flow,Salma, kantu, Pilato, B1, the unmatchable P.jay mhsrip, Dalitso, Kay Figo, Magg 44, Muzo, OC, Willz, Swish,Slap D, Jae Cash, Zone Fam, Bobby East, Abel Chungu and myriads more.

Technology has been a useful tool. Not only does it allow for easier production of music, it also enables easier distribution of music, given the escalation in the number of Zambians with access to the World Wide Web. Indimba.com is with no doubt the biggest Zambian online music distributor apparently. Packed with latest jams from well known artists, indimba.com allows you to pick out whatever hit (mostly done after 2012) you wish to have for free. However, indimba does not give enough attention to underground or upcoming musicians just like most radio stations. Believe me there is so much talent out there that deserves recognition and if they are not supported, the growth of the industry remains stunted bearing in mind that variety is the spice of life. Why should an artist have to pay a local radio DJ to have their song played on radio? That is preposterous. Talented underground artists deserve every support they can get to make it. However, Zambianmusicblog.com does endeavor to feature a lot of upcoming artists and itsretunes.com is a great hub for contemporary gospel music lovers. All three websites are however doing quite the job though. We never had such 10 years ago. Music is easily ‘replicated’ in the process and everyone gets a copy, but beware of the rising piracy problem. Also the first ever Zambian music app called Zee music is available for download on ITunes and Google play. This one really supports so many underground artists.

JK and Salma

Coming to music videos, we may want to focus on a particular trend setter, Jordan Katembula. By observing his videos from Ka gelo to Telemundo loving, you can nearly describe the transition of Zed music videos to date. I have never seen Zambians fuss so much about a Zambian music video more than the time J.K delivered KapiriPiri. Yes, the beautiful Salma Dodia was on everyone’s lips (mostly because she was mixed), but how elegant and impeccable the video appeared is what made history. Zambia had for the first time seen a somewhat western video done by a Zambian. As J.K continued to produce more high definition pictures and winning awards for them, he started getting other artists out of their comfort zone to spend more on videos and today we have seen the plummet of videos shot using simple digital camera. Musicians are excelling at videos. Zone Fam have been good, Chef 187 just to mention a few.

If you look at the GBM video by Pilato, you may easily despise it because the setting is not really attractive. I think whoever directed that video is mad genius. Does creativity get any better than that? The gist is, artists are getting attached to the idea that a perfect music video is one that shows beautiful scenery. I mean why pretend? The industry doesn’t even pay that well and the owner of the car and money you flaunted will get his items back after the last scene is shot. The Amarulah video is really amazing, most spectacular. I mean why can’t we see it on Trace or Chanel O? Roberto is just as good as Diamond from Tanzania, but he isn’t being recognized as he should be. Anyway that is another story I will look at in part two, which will feature the international platform and Zambian music. So look out for it.

Lastly, the industry has become so vicious and entirely competitive. I mean do you remember how long it took for us to get over a hit more than a decade ago? Nasty D’s song lasted more than 18 weeks on the Local Rhythms Count Down, today that is impossible. There is always a new hit waiting to displace the current one. With creative artists like Macky 2 we are no short of hits. I picked the Local Rhythms Countdown on Radio phoenix, because it has been the most consistent chart that has represented the people’s choice.

Seeing Five-four and Salma’s song on the chart showed that Zambians had started appreciating Zambian Hip-hop performed in English. Later, two of Camstar’s songs joined the chart. This was an evolution indeed. DJ scratch, I believe from phoenix deserves some appreciation for having promoted this kind of hip-hop on his show every Saturday evening at 9.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out part two coming soon.

VALENTINES DAY

You realise this is my first post this year YEAH? Say this blog was my girl. I was too busy for it, kinda neglected it the past month. If my posting consistently is my expression of my love for it, you will probably say I failed it. But tomorrow is the 14th so “hey baby, I’m back”. You wanna mock that? Go ahead. You might as well remember to taunt the myriads of ‘romantic’ people in who turned Valentine’s Day into the hugest fuss of the year, like love is seasonal or something.

Valentine’s Day was better off without any romantic attachment to it. I wonder what Father Valentine would think of it now. Do I seem negative? First of all, respect and praise to everyone that is consistent and committed to their BAE, but, Shame upon all those who think consistency and true expression of love only exists on the 14, and after that the curve sinks low. Like I always say, if someone truly loves you, every day is Valentine’s Day, including your fights, they simply make your bond more robust. They are worth it, unless you are dealing with insecurities.

I think it is really ludicrous to not think of making a paradise every day, but this day. You last bought her flowers 5 months ago, your last date was the same way, but valentine’s oh Valentine’s day, you just gotta make it work. You last cooked his special treat centuries ago, but tomorrow, whoo you just wanna do it. Why? Because everyone else is doing it and you want  to show off just how ‘functional’ you are? Anyway, you are better off than those who never try, but they are being real about it though.

I met a new friend last week, her birthday falls on the 14th. Don’t think I’m dumb 🙂 I did check her NRC. BAZINGA!!!! Well, whether she lied or not, I am still getting her a gift, I would still do this, had her birthday fallen on any other day. I believe in making people happy and elating them and I don’t even expect anything in return. (I am afraid of unrequited love though, for real though)

So to me Valentines is about putting a smile on people’s faces whenever you have the opportunity and that opportunity is never restricted to the 14th.

Some Crazy meme reads “Valentine’s day is around the corner, so if you are secretly in love with me, now would be the time to speak up”.
Like really? Is this the only day you think you deserve to feel special? (Do you sense the fuss now?) I hope all that admit they do are not quite your type. Lol .

If I really like someone, I will not till valentine’s day, I will let you know (if you not much of a trip that is 🙂 ). Why wait for FEB next year giving room to a confident Jerk to steal who you may never know might turn out to be mind blowing and enterprising? Do you guys really get the gist? By the way, shout out to whoever is hoping to escape the mighty FRIEND ZONE tomorrow, good luck with that. If you believe the 14th is magical, in the words of Michael Sata, “I’m sorry” 😀
I also can’t wait to see people dressed in red. lol Especially that man from Lusaka, red suite, red shirt red tie, red shoes,red umbrella and red plastic carrier bags lol Could this get any crazier?

Valentines day is beautiful though, at least we get to see that the world isn’t as cold as the stories from the news, that traces of love do exist, but please don’t make a fuss. Enjoy tomorrow everyone and keep loving. Love conquers all,remembering John 3:16 is the ultimate blueprint.
I will end this on a light note “Blessed are the boys who date seventh day girls for they shall be at church the all day on Valentine’s day and will only get to see them on sunday.” Lol

Love is the flower that is never out of season.