The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) president Tivo Shikapwasha says the association is joyful that President Edgar Lungu has accepted an invitation to grace the album launch of Zambia Gospel singer Kings Mumbi, popularly known as Malembe Malembe.

In a statement to News Diggers!, Ministry of Tourism and Arts public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe quoted Shikapwasha as saying that the gesture was an indication of great things to come for the music industry in Zambia.

“The Zambia Association of Musicians has expressed happiness that President Edgar Lungu has accepted an invite to be Guest of Honour at Kings Mumbi aka Malembe Malembe’s double album launch marking the artiste’s decade in performing arts. Speaking at the National Arts Council offices this morning, association president Tivo Shikapwasha said it is the first in history to have a Zambian president attend an album launch. Shikapwasha said this was an indication of great things to come for the music industry in Zambia and called on audiences to come and witness they great affair,” read the statement.

National Arts Council (NAC) director Maanka Chipindi stated that the council also perceived the gesture as an endorsement for the sector as an emblem that the sector is ready to grow forward, according to Kalembwe.

“And National Arts Council Director Maanka Chipindi said the council perceives it as an endorsement for the sector as an emblem that the sector is ready to grow forward. He said the sector is not only about music and dance, but a job-creating avenue that needs to be supported and impacting people in a passive way. Chipindi said the interest shown by President Lungu is a great momentum that needs to be appreciated. Meanwhile, Malembe, the a gospel singer, has vowed to impress his audience by not only doing praises, but also adding a spice of International Afro-lyrics that should excite all sphere of music lovers,” stated Kalembwe.