Renowned Zambian musician and activist, CHAMA Fumba, popularly known as Pilato, has recently responded to public concerns about his perceived silence on social issues following his appointment as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Art.
Pilato, widely recognized for his outspokenness on governance and social justice matters through his music, has encountered criticism for what some perceive as a retreat from his role as a champion for the marginalized.
However, speaking on Diamond TV’s “This Day,” Pilato contested this narrative, asserting that his new position provides him with a fresh vantage point to address the same issues, albeit with enhanced access to resources and direct avenues for effecting change.
Acknowledging the discourse on social media regarding his perceived shift in advocacy, Pilato expressed gratitude for the sentiments shared, noting that critiques stemmed from a place of reverence for his prior work.
“I’ve noticed a lot of commentary along those lines. But democracy is not solely about identifying problems; it’s also about fostering a space for competing solutions,” Pilato remarked.
The permanent secretary further urged young people to embrace the responsibility of not only identifying societal challenges but also actively seeking solutions to address them.
“As an activist and artist, my role was to highlight issues, which I did because there wasn’t always a platform for proposing solutions,” Pilato explained.
With his current governmental role, Pilato emphasized the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the principles he has long championed.
“This presents an opportunity for me to articulate my beliefs and advocate for the proper implementation of these ideals,” he emphasized.
Pilato’s response underscores a nuanced approach to activism, demonstrating a transition from vocal dissent to strategic engagement within the corridors of power, all while retaining a steadfast commitment to his core values and the welfare of the Zambian people.
Main Image: Daily Maverick
