Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
South African musicians have been caught between a rock and a hard place as politicians fight for the heart and minds of the people.
As the ANC squares up against the challenge posed by its dissidents who are forming a new party, artists and entertainers have now become part of this political turf.
First it was Hlomla Dandala, who last week broke his silence and declared his allegiance to the imminent political formation of the Congress of the People.
This action was followed by the launch of a new campaign by a number of musicians who together with the ANC Youth League declared on Wednesday their allegiance to the ANC.
This newspaper carried the story last week of Generations boss Mfundi Vundla announcing his resignation from the ANC to lend his support to the new party.
Among the musicians who met in Newtown to fight for the cause of the ANC were Kwa-Jazz originator Don Laka, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Kelly Khumalo, Jub Jub and Black Coffee.
The active participation of artists in politics in a partisan fashion, however, raises other issues of not putting off some of their fans who are of a different political shades. The musicians concerned are however unrepentant about their action.
"We decided on this initiative so as to offer our support as artists and to make the South African public aware about the importance of defending our democracy and to take part in activities so that we as citizens play a direct part in our future," said Laka.
"I am part of this campaign because I believe that it is the right thing for us as young people to do at this time when change is about to happen in our country," said Black Coffee.
"I strongly feel it is important that we continue with the work that we have started through the ANC and not try something new."
More artists enter political fray
Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
South African musicians have been caught between a rock and a hard place as politicians fight for the heart and minds of the people.
As the ANC squares up against the challenge posed by its dissidents who are forming a new party, artists and entertainers have now become part of this political turf.
First it was Hlomla Dandala, who last week broke his silence and declared his allegiance to the imminent political formation of the Congress of the People.
This action was followed by the launch of a new campaign by a number of musicians who together with the ANC Youth League declared on Wednesday their allegiance to the ANC.
This newspaper carried the story last week of Generations boss Mfundi Vundla announcing his resignation from the ANC to lend his support to the new party.
Among the musicians who met in Newtown to fight for the cause of the ANC were Kwa-Jazz originator Don Laka, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Kelly Khumalo, Jub Jub and Black Coffee.
The active participation of artists in politics in a partisan fashion, however, raises other issues of not putting off some of their fans who are of a different political shades. The musicians concerned are however unrepentant about their action.
"We decided on this initiative so as to offer our support as artists and to make the South African public aware about the importance of defending our democracy and to take part in activities so that we as citizens play a direct part in our future," said Laka.
"I am part of this campaign because I believe that it is the right thing for us as young people to do at this time when change is about to happen in our country," said Black Coffee.
"I strongly feel it is important that we continue with the work that we have started through the ANC and not try something new."