Maiko vows to weed Selassie’s African Union field
By SAM PHIRI
Zambia’s reggae star and child rights activist, Maiko Zulu, will tomorrow share a stage with South African songbird Yvonne Chaka chaka in Kampala, Uganda for a live performance at the ongoing African Union Summit.
Maiko who is Fair Play for Africa regional Ambassador, left for the Ugandan capital on Wednesday accompanied by his wife Daputsa (Sista D) and is expected to mingle with various artistes including Nigerians, Sasha and Lami, Nakaya and Sarah Mitaru of Kenya as well as a host of Ugandan local artistes.
Only recently, the dread-locked musician set Durban alight during the World Cup at a memorable concert held at the King Zwelethini Stadium.
The AU performance gives the Zambian reggae icon an opportunity to take part in an initiative first proposed by the figurehead of the Rastafarism religion, Emperor Haile Selassie 1, who is credited for the ideas behind the creation of the then Organisation of African Unity OAU (the forerunner of the African Union).
Maiko’s music has in the past addressed the very issues that are being tabled at the summit, such as good governance, women and children’s rights, and HIV/AIDS, making his presence in Kampala even more significant.
The Zambian artiste has continued raising the banner of reggae music across the continent and putting Zambia on the spotlight.
“We are deeply humbled to note that our music is being recognised as a tool for developing our continent and we thank our fans for their invaluable support,” Michael said shortly before his departure.
He does not forget to espouse the late king of reggae, Bob Marley, music either: “Like Bob, we play Kings’ music and it’s just fitting that we play where kings gather. AU is His Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie’s creation and we are simply going to weed the field which our father planted.”
Maiko is expected back in to the country after the summit.
