IT’S about time the authorities considered the young people during national celebrations such as Youth day and Independence Day.
The traditional way of celebrating such national events does not provide much celebration for the young people because of its formal nature.
Many youths have shunned such events save for a few who are selected from schools, churches and other organisations leaving out the majority to engage either in illicit activities or just languish in the compounds during such holidays.
The recent held first anniversary of Komboni radio at the Show grounds in Lusaka is an eye opener that our youths need to have a day they can celebrate.
Though, young people misbehaved during the show by consuming alcohol, the majority were at their best behaviour.
Some youths were spotted trekking to their various townships as early as 0300hours in the morning on foot while others opted to stick around until it was much safer to go home after the event that started around 1000 hours only finished after 02:00 hours the following morning.
There is no denying that music helps people cope in times of social and economic problems. During the 2008 World Economic Crisis, Americas National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommended listening to music as one of the way of coping with the crisis.
Yes good music is good for the body and soul and greater when you see the hero behind that hit performing live in concert.
It is therefore my wish that the Ministry of Tourism and Arts can emulate our great neighbour Zimbabwe and countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria in celebrating national events especially for the youths by organising youthful events such as a music concert or a carnival for the enjoyment of the young people.
An international artiste likeAkon or P Square or better still a collection of most happening Zambian artists to perform in a stadium wouldn’t be a bad idea after all.
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After a three year absence the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) are back and unfortunately no Zambian artist will represent the country at these prestigious honours to be held on June 7, 2014 at the Durban International Convention centre in South Africa.
The prestigious MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) nominations were revealed at a glittering nominations celebration at The Sands, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday by MTV Base VJs Nomuzi Mabena and Sizwe Dhlomo, alongside Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Tim Horwood, Channel Director, MTV Base and Shirley Mabiletja, Brand Manager: Absolut, Pernod Ricard South Africa, in the presence of nominees AKA, Beatenberg, DJ Clock, Burna Boy, Mafikizolo, Professor, Oskido and Yuri Da Cunha.
The biggest and brightest contemporary artistes from across the African continent and beyond were nominated in 15 different categories including Best Male, Best Female, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year.
Broadening the scope of the MAMA awards franchise, achievement in non-music fields was recognised in “Personality of the Year”, and “Transform Today by Absolut”, an award designed to recognise and support young, emerging and original African creative talents who use their imagination to fuel social transformation and bring positive attention to the continent.
Tied for first place in the nominations were South African artists Mafikizolo and Uhuru, and Nigerian artist Davido, who each scored 4 nominations while going directly head-to-head for Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Following closely behind with 3 nominations each were Nigerian artists P Square (Best Group, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year), South Africa’s Mi Casa (Best Group, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year), and Angolan artist Yuri Da Cunha (Song of the Year, Best Lusophone and Best Collaboration).
Hot on their heels with two nods each were Angolan star Anselmo Ralph (Best Male, Best Lusophone), Nigeria’s Wizkid (Best Male, Best Collaboration); Gabonese artist Arielle T (Best Female, Best Francophone) and Diamond from Tanzania (Best Male, Best Collaboration).
Other artistes from across the African contemporary music spectrum nominated for the awards included: 2Face, AKA, Amani, Beatenberg, Big Nuz, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Danny K, Diamond, DJ Buckz, DJ Clock, DJ C’ndo, DJ Ganyani, DJ Kent, The Arrows, Donald, Don Jazzy, Dr Malinga, Dr Sid, Efya, Espoir 2000, Fally Ipupa, FB, Ferre Gola, Flavour, Fuse ODG, Gangs of Ballet, Goldfish, Heavy K, Ice Prince, JD, KCEE, Khuli Chana, LCNVL, Lizha James, Matthew Mole, May D, Mi Casa, Michael Lowman, Nakhane Toure, Nelson Freitas, Olamide, Oskido, Professor, The Parlotones, Phyno, Radio and Weasel, R2bees, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Shortstraw, Stanley Enow, The Arrows, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Uhuru, Youssoupha and Zakes Bantwini.
The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal supported by Absolut is a spectacular awards show and music celebration, taking place in South Africa for the first time on 7 June 2014. Held at the Durban
International Convention Centre (ICC), the awards will air live across the continent at 21:00 CAT on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130).
Celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, MAMA 2014 will feature dazzling performances from African and international artists, including the awards ‘signature collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures – a high point of every show.
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ROAD SAFETY TIP – No matter how happy you are and enjoying your night out, make sure you have a designated sober driver to drive you home or better still leave your car home and get a taxi. Drunk driving apart from being dangerous it is also a serious offence punishable by imprisonment.
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