Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts, Fumba Chama, popularly known as Pilato, is set to deliver the keynote speech at the upcoming Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) Summit. The event is scheduled to take place from 9 to 10 February 2024 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
PANAF Summit, a new platform for discussions on policies, experience sharing and advocacy strategies surrounding artistic freedom across the African continent, will feature Chama’s insights from his unique dual perspective as both an artistivist and a policy maker. Prior to his appointment as Permanent Secretary, Pilato gained recognition as a prominent hip hop artist and activist, addressing political, poverty, and social issues in Zambia through his music.
Chama’s journey as an artist includes impactful songs such as the 2010 release, humorously labeling non-performing Zambian MPs as “mental patients,” and the politically charged ‘Bufi’ (2013), which tagged the late Zambian president Michael Sata as a “father of lies.” These works garnered resistance from the ruling party, leading to intimidation tactics against him.
Currently wielding influence in a position of power, Chama is poised to drive positive changes in the arts sector, particularly in the areas of policy and infrastructure. His address at the PANAF Summit promises a unique blend of artistic passion and policymaker acumen.
The Summit’s program will encompass plenary sessions, panel discussions, and contributions from distinguished speakers, including Juliana Akoryo, Director of Gender and Community Development in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Uganda, Samuel Sangwa from CISAC, Sam Brakarsh – Regional Representative for Africa for Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), PEN America, and prominent artivists Maemba Vitali from Tanzania and Teardrops from Kenya, among others.
Registration for the Summit is free and can be completed by clicking here.
