PETERSEN IS A ZAMBIAN BEFORE HE IS A MUSICIAN.

Dr Kenneth David Kaunda was a teacher and Choirmaster before he became a politician. He became President of Zambia at the age of Forty (40), the youngest in the history of our nation. Obviously there were some people who thought a simple primary school teacher could not liberate a nation from colonial rule. Being a teacher and a part-time musician/Choirmaster did not stop Dr Kaunda and his peers from leading the liberation struggle and subsequently attaining independence.

There comes a time when those who speak truth to power realise that their voices are needed on a different platform, especially when the civic space is shrinking day by day. When the decision makers continue ignoring the voices of human rights defenders, some of the human rights defenders have no choice but to grab a seat at the decision making table.

It is folly to castigate a man for his decision to aspire for public office simply because you believe that musicians can only sing songs. The same brain that works when composing all those uplifting songs can work to discuss solutions to the challenges our country is facing. If the guy is a holder of a Green National Registration Card (NRC) and has a Grade 12 School Certificate, then he qualifies to stand for MP because it is his democratic right. It would be disappointing to see a youth discouraging a fellow youth when we all know that the country is in dire need of youth voices to represent their peers.  

The 2021 parliamentary seats must be filled with young people, especially those who are equal to the task, honest, level-headed and courageous because the future of Zambia belongs to the youth. We must support any youth who sacrifices to put what they do on hold in order to focus on securing the future of our country. Young aspiring candidates like Mukubesa Mundia A.K.A Petersen deserve to be supported whether they decide to vie independently or on a party ticket. I am nonpartisan myself but I am 100% for the idea of having young people in key leadership positions now more than ever. The people occupying leadership positions today must be ready to start mentoring the next generation of leaders. They must understand that success is not success if it is not successive. Good legacies are those we talk about when we mention people whose greatness helped others to become great. 

Go Mukubesa "Petersen" Mundia. Go and represent your people my friend. Follow your conviction because only you know what is driving you to take the stance you have taken (icikalipa cumfwa umwine). No one will stop you, no one has the right to. The Zambian music family is behind you and beside you. All the best Comrades.

B'flow.