By Bennie Mundando
THE Ministry of Tourism and Arts says there is no international artiste who has been cleared to perform in Zambia this weekend.
According to the Ministry, in accordance to provisions of the National Arts Council (NAC) Act Cap 170 of the Laws of Zambia and Statutory Instrument 129 of 199 5 Section 5, no person or organisation is allowed to promote any artistic event without a promoters license obtained from the National Arts Council of Zambia.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe says at the moment, the ministry can confirm that there is no application that that has been received by NAC.
“All foreign artists are supposed to be cleared at least three months before the event and are expected to pay 20% of performance fees as Withholding Tax Clearance to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). In view of the above, we write to advise the Committee to urgently normalize these matters if the foreign artists are to be cleared to perform in Zambia.
“The Ministry appreciates the support it received including from the Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu in ensuring that all art forms are promoted and developed,” Mr. Kalembwe said.
This Saturday, October 17, 2020, the PF Copperbelt provincial mobilisation committee will hold what it has termed a COVID-19 sensitization rally in Ndola where leaders will also share the PF developmental agenda for 2021 and beyond to be addressed by committee chairperson, Bowman Lusambo.
According to the advert, the party had invited South African singers Master KG and Mafikizolo who was expected to light up the stage alongside local artistes such as Yo Maps, Chanda na Kay, among others, at Ndola’s Musa Kasonka stadium.
