Billy releases new album, denies betraying artists
Mzimba West member of Parliament Billy Kaunda has ended his three-year of strictly politics—releasing three singles from his upcoming Kapolo wa Moyo this week.
This is the 12th album for the one-time bestselling musician who shot to fame on the wings of his high-flying debut Mwapindulanji in 1998 and it comes after the release of Mudzandikumbukire in 2009.
Speaking for the first time since his return, Kaunda brushed off as wrong criticism that his nine years in Parliament symbolise betrayal to artists who wanted him and the legislators from art background to spear-head the stiffening of the Copyright Act to clamp down piracy which impoverishes the creative industry.
He says such accusations show a lack of understanding because law-making is a long process which cannot be handled single handedly.
Billy explained: “As Callista Mutharika’s deputy at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, we initiated the amendment of the Copyright Act in my first term (2004-2009). But that proposed law has not reached the legal affairs committee of Parliament. To be tabled in the House, the law also has to undergo consultations by the Law Commission before Cabinet scrutiny.”
Kaunda sits on the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee. He says there is need for concerted efforts to lobby decision-makers to fast-track the review of the law.
The comeback musician joined politics in 2003 and went on to win Blantyre City South East seat. In 2009, he switched to Mzimba.
His entry into politics came on the back of Agalatiya, a 2003 release which earned him reprisals and renown due to scathing condemnation of the reign of terror, corruption and power thirsty which marked the ending of Bakili Muluzi’s rule.
He says the upcoming release is no ploy to hoodwink his constituents to re-elect him next year. The songs are predominantly gospel, at least if Ndinazolowera, Mwachisomo and Mulungu Anditsogolera are ample hints.
Apart from the cover track, others include Zipita, Ndi Wachifundo, Anali ndi Cholinga, Tikondwe mwa Yesu and Ukwati Woyera.
He says people should expect to see him back in performance when he and Ben Mankhamba tour all regions to launch the album in December.
