As the country prepares to go to the polls next Tuesday, some artists contesting for parliamentary seats have said that if elected, they will use their positions to support the creative sector.
While the sector has made progress in other areas there are still longstanding challenges in the industry that the aspiring politicians say having creatives in Parliament will present an opportunity to push for change.
Speaking in an interview, actor, film director and musician Kendall Kamwendo, who is contesting for the position of member of Parliament (MP) as an independent candidate in Dowa Ndolera Constituency, said the creative sector faces many unresolved challenges and having artists in Parliament will provide an opportunity to drive positive change.
“If I am elected, it will not only benefit my constituency, but being a creative gives me a platform to champion reforms that benefit the creative and cultural sector,” he said.
Kamwendo highlighted one key area he intends to focus on which is championing the establishment of dedicated performance venues for artists.
Musician Skeffa Chimoto who is contesting as MP for Nkhotakota Nkhula South Constituency on Malawi Congress Party ticket said while currently his focus is on his constituency, if he gets elected and has legislative privileges, he will not forget where he came from.
“If given a chance to sit in Parliament, I will not forget where I’m coming from. I cannot forget that music has taken me these far and fellow artists should know I will always remember them in this regard to promote the industry,” he said.
Hip-hop musician, Fredokiss real name Penjani Kalua, who lost his bid in 2019 for Zingwangwa-Soche Constituency, has again thrown his hat into the ring as candidate for the same seat this year.
In a separate interview, musician Fredokiss said his role goes beyond representing the arts adding that while many artists have supported him, others are even afraid to perform at his functions showing misconceptions around politics.
“That in itself reveals the state of mind created around politics. I am here to demystify politics and prove such fears wrong. For me, this path is bigger than music or the arts, it is a generational mission,” he said.
Billy Kaunda is another artist who is contesting this year. This year he is also vying for the position of MP for Mzimba Kafukule Constituency.
