A LITTLE BACKGROUND

We the Zambian musicians work tirelessly to produce great music and feel the pressure to improve ourselves so that we can raise the Zambian Flag at great international fora. To do this, we need stake holders especially those benefiting from our music to start making meaningful contributions to our industry. Mosi and other alcoholic beverages are such products benefiting from our music as it is our music that draws the audiences to the clubs or events where people partake... think about it, can you mention 3 times in the past month when you saw someone taking a mosi and there was no music playing around him/her?

WHAT WE WANT

it is unfortunate that the musicians have not been involved as stake holders in the planning of this award. even the Zambia association of Musicians is still waiting for a later date to discuss issues concerning an award ceremony which is already underway with nominations.what a SHAME. Our voices, however will be heard:

We are hereby Demanding the following changes to the MOSI ZAMBIA MUSIC AWARDS.

1. the money for the award winners be revised with minimum being K15000.

2. performers at the awards be paid no less than K5,000

3. Transport and accommodation be provided for all nominees and performers and their stage crews.

4.Each award ceremony to be held in a different province.

5. an award given to most active artist from each province in zambia.

6. a ZedBeat category for the biggest genre of music in zambia; ZedBeat.

Please note that we have Zero confidence in ZAM, NAC or any other governing body currently "representing" artists issues as in our view they have not represented us to our expectations.

WHY WE WANT WHAT WE WANT

It has come to our attention that some private individuals and organisations are benefiting far more than the artists and Djs for whom it is apparently meant for.

It is undeniable that Zambian music has improved compared to what it was a few years ago but to go further would need the serious support from people and organisations benefiting astronomical sales of their products because of the work of musicians, producers, promoters and their managers.

deejays, musicians and promoters are working very very hard to produce the music even at the current standard, and to move to the next level need financial backing.

We are very much aware that these awards have been used as a conduit by individuals who drain the coffers of the sponsors of these awards with intentions of enriching themselves. As artists we refuse to be used in this criminal act. If these awards are meant to promote Zambian music we demand that the artist must benefit.

These individuals have made the awards and the winners a mockery and as Zambian musicians we have to say Change or we wont participate.

JUSTIFICATION

Please believe that it is not that these organisations cannot afford, its usually the person in the driving seat believing that the artists do not deserve it, while they are ready to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to international acts coming in ZAMBIA.

FAILURE TO COMPLY:

Artists who have signed this permission have legally commited to the following

1. They will NOT attend your awards ceremony

2. DENY you permission to use their names, images or likeness in nominations,voting, promotion purposes of the awards.

3.DENY you permission to nominate them or mention their names with any conection to the mosi zambia music awards.

Your cooperation is highly appreciated.