It wasn’t me —Billy Kaunda
A new political song making rounds titled Kenani Ili Kuti? has gotten musician-cum-politician Billy Kaunda involved as many think the song was done by the renowned musician. The song vocals, done by up-and-coming artist Clement Bokosi, sounds like that of Kaunda that it is almost impossible for many listeners to differentiate.
In an interview, Kaunda said he understands that the new artist looks up to him for inspiration, but that in the new song the similarities with his identity are too much.
“I know he didn’t mean any harm, but he should try to create his own identity. As a politician, this song rubs me the wrong way as its message may be interpreted as my political stand when it is not even my song and people do not know this,” said the musician.
Kaunda said he has been bombarded with phone calls from the ruling and opposition sides both expressing their feedback over the song.
“I have to repeatedly tell them that it is not my song. Yes, musicians can imitate each other, but not to this extent. This is not my song,” he said.
In a separate interview, Bokosi admitted that he owns Kenani Ili Kuti and that he imitated Billy Kaunda.
“I love his music and I am inspired by his compositions. I one day want to be just like him,” he said.
When put to him that the song is now being confused as Kaunda’s, the artist said he has noticed the same.
“I have already apologised to Kaunda over the confusion. I think in future I will try to tone it down a bit. But Malawians must know that this song is all mine and I am proud of it,” he said.
The heavily political song goes in part: “Kenani ili kuti? Aaaaah Dziko lafika ponyung’unya amalawi mumve, lafikatu posauzana, amalawi mumve, khala ngati tinabwereka eee Malawi umve, tikatero tizalimbwenzera, amalawi umve.
Ali dele ali dele, Malawi umve, mkulinga utayenda naye, amalawi mumve. Mundiolotse ndikakudye Malawi umve, ichi chakoma icho chakoma, amalawi mumve, chikondi cha nkhwangwa pokwera, Malawi umve, potsika mkuzayitaya, Malawi umve”
Kaunda is a member of Parliament for Mzimba West and he won his seat in 2019 on an independent ticket.
