Musician Arrested For Mocking President In A Song

Popular Zambian musician, Pilato has been arrested over a song that officials said defamed the president, Edgar Lungu, by accusing him of drinking too much and being incompetent. 31-year old Pilato (real name Chama Fumba) was detained in Lusaka on Monday and charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, his lawyer told reporters at the capital’s central police station.

Singing in a local language, musician Pilato, mocks a man named Lungu who the lyrics say has no ideas but carries a suitcase full of bottles of whisky. Lusaka police commanding officer Charity Katanga said the musician would appear in court on Tuesday and faced a penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine if convicted.

“The song is a recipe for public order as the people playing it are being attacked by those who feel it is an insult on the presidency,” Katanga told Reuters. “He has been charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.” Fumba faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison or a fine if found guilty.

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