At the just concluded Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) Summit on February 9th and 10th, Fumba Chama, better known as Pilato and currently the Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts, spoke passionately about the importance of letting artists express themselves freely.
Chama underscored the summit’s significance as a crucial platform for artists and policymakers alike. He emphasised that the event serves as an opportunity for artists to engage, connect, and share ideas on a continental scale.
He shared insights into positive changes happening in Zambia’s cultural scene, conveying that artistic freedom extends beyond personal expression, advocating for a broader call for economic freedom, particularly concerning copyright and royalty collection.
Commending the Zambian government’s progressive measures, Chama lauded the removal of defamation laws that had previously posed challenges for artists. This, he asserted, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to artistic expression and is a pivotal step towards supporting creative freedom. Notably, Chama, who himself had been an activist and faced arrest and imprisonment under such laws, expressed heartfelt appreciation for this significant move. The recognition of the importance of economic freedom for artists, coupled with the scrapping of restrictive laws, marks a transformative era for Zambia’s artistic community.
Expounding on the strides made in policy by his Ministry, Chama detailed the crafting of new arts and film policies aimed at safeguarding artists’ interests and bolstering intellectual property protection. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by organizations like Selam in the policy creation process through the State of Artistic Freedom report that was released in 2023 and urged for efforts from both the artistic community and the Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to popularize these policies within the artistic community.
Chama also revealed a significant milestone for artists in Zambia—they are now officially included in the social security system. This transformative inclusion signifies that artists will have a safety net provided by the government during economic hardships. It stands as a landmark achievement in the ongoing pursuit of artistic freedom, recognizing the crucial role played by artists and ensuring their well-being in times of financial strain.
He also advocated for strategic partnerships with CSOs, pointing to the recently inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between his ministry and the People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ), as a testament to these collaborative efforts. Chama stressed that such partnerships empower the government to tap into the skills, knowledge, and connections offered by CSOs for the benefit of artists, further solidifying the bridge between governance and artistic community welfare.
Closing on a forward-looking note, Chama disclosed collaborative efforts with three major financial institutions aimed at ensuring robust financial support for artists. The overarching goal is to develop financial products that are attuned to the unique challenges faced by creatives, thereby positioning creativity at the forefront of the national development agenda.
Pilato’s journey, marked by impactful songs challenging political figures, has evolved into a role where he now wields influence in policy and infrastructure. His position as an artist and policymaker promises positive transformations in Zambia’s arts sector. His advocacy for artistic freedom, economic empowerment, and collaborative governance serves as a beacon for the future development, progress, and opportunities in the arts and culture sectors.
