Petersen – Job 13.13

 
Another Controversial Album by Petersen
George da Soulchild Kaufela reports:

‘MY eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it. You know just as I do about this and now therefore, allow me to speak-out and I will face the consequences’. With those biblical words, Zambian singer Petersen is ready to face criticism of any kind for the issues he is pointing out on his latest album, titled Job 13:13.

The title track is a political satire, portraying Zambians as animals on Noah’s Ark waiting for the ‘Captain’ to lead them to dry land as promised. He is worried that if the “Mwankole” (a crow bird), sent to search for greener pastures, does not return, Zambians would be stranded.

“I have realised that music can influence decisions among people and political leaders in the country. Politicians used us musicians to campaign during the 2012 election and that shows that they listen to our songs, so we might as well use the same music to complain,” he says.

Meanwhile, Petersen does not understand why many churches conduct business in the house of God. To him, if a church announcement says “brother Chilembo is selling his car for a negotiable price or Sister Betty will be hosting a fundraising braii at church, there is no difference with trading in the house of God – and that is why he is exhorting the return of Jesus Christ to whip them again, in the song ‘Makwebo Mu Church’. (Played on last week’s Chanters Lodge Experience).

“You may look at me and fail to appreciate my understanding of the Bible but when you talk to me about spiritual life, you will see why I felt it was important to talk about what is happening in the church today,” Petersen says. Asked whether he was worried about the criticism and condemnation that his songs would attract, Petersen says critics don’t waste time on poor music.

“If you hear them talk, it means they feel the message because every aggressive song is rewarded by aggressive reactions and simple songs also attract simple reactions. I think living scared will not change lives. Music can change lives and we have to speak for the people,” he says.

In the 14 track album, Petersen is featuring upcoming artistes Shadia Zaher in the song Oxygen, Jay Kale Oh No! Remix and Herve K’ryp in a Lingala track titled Libanga a DR Congo phenomenon of commercialised praise-singing. Other songs are Ndalama, Letter to the President, Ma offals Bombay Style and Munyaule continuously. Another favourite is Bvuto yafwaka a song that likens the problems of a struggling man to a cigarette which is burning on one end and bitten on the other.


Petersen also regrets that people take time condemning his songs when there are more pressing issues to talk about. “Sometimes I feel those who merely criticise our generation forget who raised it.” He said.

In related news
Award winning Zambian artist Roberto released his new album “My name is…”  which features is hit single “Salaula” and “Love you more” plus other hits on Friday 3rd August 2012 Get yourself a copy of the album and support Zambian music.
0