Rupiah Banda tells leaders to embrace artistes, watchdogs of society

The Fourth Republican President says leaders can only ignore artistes at their own peril because their observations and depictions of society are rarely wrong.

President Banda said this last night when he officiated at the wedding reception of musician Mukubesa Mundia, popularly known as Petersen, and Rosemary Msisha, held at Fallsway Events Centre in Lusaka.

He says leaders are usually so preoccupied with the demands of running the affairs of the nation that they nearly forget that they also need time to observe what else is affecting society.

The former Head of State has described Petersen as highly talented, highly polite and highly Zambian.

He hopes that he will continue with his music so that Zambians can continue benefitting from his talent.

President Banda and his wife Thandiwe have been long-time fans of Petersen’s music.

Mrs. Banda could not attend the wedding reception as she is still in South Africa undergoing treatment.

The former president who was accompanied to the reception by former Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and former ambassador to Japan Joe Mwale.

This is according to a press statement made available to QFM News by Office of the Fourth Republican President Deputy Administrative Assistant Kennedy Limwanya.