Artistes' Social Security Scheme Long Overdue

Zambia Fri 28-09-2007

Artistes' Social Security Scheme Long Overdue
By Kelvin Kachingwe

Sometime last year, the country was in mourning following the death of one of its illustrious artistes, Mpundu Mutale, who may not need further introduction to most people. But just in case, he was a receipient of the Presidents Insignia of Honour for the essential role that he played during the freedom struggle.

In addition, and perhaps most important for many people, he literally moved the entire nation, and indeed dignitaries, with his emotional performances of his all-time great, Afrika My Afrika, during African Freedom Day and Independence Day commemorations at State House.

And yet, there was the other side to his life. Mpundu Mutale, who died at the age of 71 after losing his battle against Diabetes in the University Teaching Hospital, spent his finals years as a pauper. So desperate was his situation that he was literally begging for assistance, much the same way street kids do. Only in his case, for resources to enable him undergo for specialist treatment in South Africa.

However, to so say he only needed resources for specialist treatment is not to tell the exact truth. Truth of the matter is that he needed more than that. Other than resources to enable him release audio and video tapes of Afrika My Afrika, he also needed money for his upkeep.

His abode in Chibolya, which this writer visited in 2004, was a sorry sight. It did not look much different from a stable at a pony club. His appearance was that of a disheveled old man in furrowed clothes, hair entwined, lips cracking and a ragged shirt.

"I feel my life is falling apart. Misfortunes are happening in quick succession. First it was diabetes, now I'm too broke to support myself and to have my music and film on the market," he said this writer. The hugely-built Mpundu Mutale, with a graying beard, was living alone in a makeshift home just behind Lusaka's Soweto market. At one point, he was unable to walk because of diabetes which had caused his feet to swell.

The toes on both feet were turning a greenish colour and amputation would have probably been an option had he managed to go to South Africa for specialist treatment. In Chibolya, he would go for days without a meal. Most of the time, it was his neighbour, a Mrs Liness Banda, who used to help the artiste from time-to-time.

In explaining Mpundu Mutale's predicament, Mrs Banda called on the government and other well-wishers to come to his aid. She said it was shameful for the man who had contributed so much to the struggle for independence both musically and physically to be in such a state.

Shameful indeed, and yet, it should not be. In fact, this kind of scenario is not unique to Mpundu Mutale. A number of artistes have ended-up in similar circumstances especially in time of ill-health or death. The option in most cases has been to appeal to the government and corporate sector that the artiste did some job for assistance. The other has been to hold fundraising shows by the artistes themselves in order to raise money to assist the artiste.

Perhaps those are good initiatives. But should that be the case always? A definite no. It is therefore with that Yezi-Arts Promotions and Productions has been looking at the establishment of a Social Security Scheme for Artists in Zambia. They have been having consultations over a period of time, leading to the development of a concept of a scheme for artistes.

According to senior partner in Yezi-Arts, Abdon Yezi, the process has been long although they finally have something that can be used in negotiating, and operationalising the proposed Scheme. "We are also pleased to inform you that we have already made contact with some service providers who are enthusiastic and are currently exploring means and ways of positively responding to this" he says.

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