Culture is important in everyone’s life and Zambian artists have a role to play in preserving it through music. Zambian music sensation Frank Chirwa popularly known as Afunika “the eye of an eagle” has urged fellow music artists not to forget their culture when composing songs.
In an interview with the Lusaka star, Afunika says many artists just compose songs without taking time to reflect on what is happening in their country and then write about it.
He explains that most local artists follow the western type of music instead of writing songs to reflect and represent their own cultures. Afunika adds that many local artistes pay much attention to western music videos and replicate the western style into the Zambian culture.
“There is totally nothing wrong with using other people’s songs to learn and see how we can best improve our songs and videos but following or trying to imitate everything in their songs and videos is what isn’t right. We are Zambian artists and so the music we compose must come out Zambian too.” he said.
Afunika whose best known for the Kalindula touch in his music laments that he was inspired by the late Zambian music legendary PK Chishala adding that he appreciates PK Chishala's music.
“I am not at any point embarrassed to sing in my local language because it represents who I am and where I am coming from," he says.
Meanwhile, Afunika adds that culture is important in everyone’s life and Zambian artists have a role to play in preserving it through music.
The Kopala Swag crew member further states that imitating western culture will only destroy the Zambian culture that our ancestors have tried to preserve.