THE much-anticipated Stanbic Music Festival (SMF) kicks off today at the Lusaka Polo Field, bringing together both local and international artists for a two-day musical extravaganza aimed at uniting people through the power of music.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the headliners, 39 year old Omari Ishmael Grandberry aka Omarion and 47 year old Taalib Johnson aka Musiq Child expressed their excitement to perform for the first time in Zambia.
“I can’t wait to perform and hopefully Inspire everyone, especially the artist that are going to be sharing the stage with myself and Omarion. Maybe they could pick up a few things that will help them along the way,” he said.
“We have learned a lot along the way doing what we do. It’s better to sort of soak it up rather than us telling you. There are a lot things that we know that we don’t know that we know but we just do them because that is just what we are so you have to be there.”
Omarion, opening the briefing with a local greeting, “Zambia mulishani,” shared his gratitude.
“What a beautiful culture, what beautiful people coming from so far to be able to get this kind of greeting, the love and appreciation is beyond words,” Omarion remarked.
He said he see the Stanbic Music Festival as a platform for cultural exchange.
“Sometimes our culture feels displaced so for you guys to say welcome home, it means so much. So I would like everybody to come in high spirits and express joy in the best way because we are going to have a good time,” added Omarion.
Stanbic’s Chief Finance and Value Management Officer Mizimo Musokotwane, reiterated the bank’s commitment and support for the country’s music industry as she believes it captures the essence of Zambia’s musical heritage.
“We believe in the power of music—it unites our people and fosters a culture of purpose-driven unity and being purpose driven with a strong desire with a strong desire to elevate the standard of music in our industry,” she said.
By bringing international artists to Zambia since 2014 Stanbic has been able to establish vital connections between the local music industry and the global stage.
Musokotwane added that the festival will feature a lineup of Zambian; on Friday Macky 2, the WITCH band, Yo maps, Omarion and Musiq Soul Child.
On Saturday Mampi, Danny Kaya will join Yo Maps, Musiq Soul Child and Omarion to wrap up the event.
However, last evening, popular rapper Chef 187 who was supposed to be part of the local acts that will perform tomorrow announced his withdrawal from the event citing an an incident that transpired which he did not fully disclose.
Meanwhile Madison General Insurance CEO, Chabala Lumbwe, revealed that his company would be providing liability insurance for the event to ensure international standards of hosting are met.
He said the company will be sponsoring to the tune of US$ 5 million.
On behalf of the government, Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts, praised the platform for promoting collaboration between local and international artists.
“The insights shared by Omarion and Musiq Soulchild will resonate with our local talent, enhancing their artistic journeys,” he said.
And Zambia Association of Musicians president Davison Munsanda emphasised the importance of events like the SMF in terms of growing the economy through music.
The Stanbic Music Festival, which has been a staple of Zambia’s entertainment scene for the past decade, continues to grow as a platform for fostering unity through music and promises to deliver a mix of R&B, Zamrock, and Afro-pop, featuring performances.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba October 11 2024
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