Lilanda urges unifying, issue-based music
By Prince Chibawah in Mansa
Mon 24 June 2013, 14:00 CAT

Maureen Lupo Lilanda says the music industry has potential to contribute to Zambia's economic development if well established.

In an interview, Lilanda said the music industry was capable of creating employment opportunities, especially among the youth.

"But this can be achieved if the government and other stakeholders come on board to develop it," she said.

The singer also said the government should consider venturing into other technology of curbing piracy in the country rather than coming up with holograms.

Holograms are gadgets intended to distinguish genuine products from pirates, and the government has assured that the market is well protected by this measure.

But Lilanda said piracy had continued to rise in the country because of constant changes in media technology.

"As much as we appreciate the government's strides to facilitate the hologram, by now we should further start thinking of other technology that would supplement in reducing the ever-growing levels of piracy in the country," she said.

Lilanda disclosed that the music industry in Zambia had become non-existent due to high levels of piracy.

"…The music industry no longer exists in the country. Some of us have managed to make it to date because of the passion we have for music," she said.

Lilanda, who has been in the music industry for over 30 years, urged the government to introduce deliberate policies that would uplift the standards of Zambian music.

"There are no tangible policies in place dedicated to the promotion of Zambian music. That's why Zambian music is failing to compete or be recognised on the international market due to less efforts put in," she explained.

Lilanda noted that there was need for the government to initiate deliberate programmes to empower local musicians with necessary support.

She also urged Zambian missions abroad to take up the challenge to market Zambian music to the outside world.

Lilanda added that the missions abroad were strategically positioned to assist in marketing Zambian art and culture.

Meanwhile, Lilanda urged fellow musicians to compose music aimed at addressing challenges affecting the country.

She said composing music that exposed challenges facing the country would enable those in authority to address such problems accordingly.

"Let's try to commit ourselves to compose music that is really issue-based. The music that will promote the rights of the people, the music which will preach peace and love and also the music which will unite people regardless the tribes," added Lilanda.