Fast-rising musician Keturah has received K2 million from leading ICT service provider Spark Systems Limited ahead of the Diplomatic Fun Fair in Zambia on Saturday where she is expected to perform.
The money, according to her
manager Pemphero Mphande, is expected to enable the artist to perform at Lusaka
Agricultural Show Grounds in Lusaka.
Sparcs could have chosen any
artist but they chose me because they see the talent and they want to give me
an opportunity to grow and be better. In the end that’s what companies should
do to support talent and art in an Africa where it is always undervalued. They
have given back to society in the best way and they will not regret because
local girl is just getting started,” she said.
The “As you wish” and
“Munitengeleko” singer said this was a historical moment as she will be
performing outside Malawi for the first time.
“I have embraced it with
joy. I have been singing for years and it seems 2021 has been my breakthrough
year and I am happy because this is my first time to perform outside Malawi and
for my other home Zambia. It’s an experience I will always cherish.
“I am very excited to be in
Zambia. I have roots with Zambia and I speak about three languages from Zambia
because I have spent a part of my life there. This is like coming back to my
other home only this time as a musician,” she said.
Keturah said she will use
the show to promote her music in Zambia.
“It is also exciting to have
the honour of being the artist performing at the inaugural diplomatic fun fair
from Malawi. Zambia and Malawi, beyond sharing physical borders also share a
lot in common. It is my hope that this is a part of a continued relationship
between us and that I can also get to be known in Zambia better,” she said.
Sparc Zambia Country Manager
Misheck Mweemba pledged to support musicians of Keturah’s calibre.
“As a company we pride
ourselves in social event that not only display Africa’s unique culture to the
rest of the world but also gives musicians a platform to grow their influence
beyond borders. The African spirit and culture is deeply embedded in Sparc
Systems and we shall continue to support such artists as and when we can,” he
said.
Mweemba said as a company
that operates across Africa, the fun fair was important to stakeholders.
“The interaction and
knowledge sharing that is taking place here is something all of us should be
proud of. We are happy to be part of this and see all these beautiful cultural
displays from various exhibitors. We need to appreciate and embrace our way of
living and render all the support it needs. Sparc systems has contributed K2
million to get Keturah to perform at this event.
“It was pretty easier for us
because we looked at the theme of the fun fair and unanimously agreed that
Keturah was the ideal artist for the event,” he said.
And commenting on the development,
Second Secretary Consular at the Malawi High Commission in Zambia Esnattie Gama
Kaimila hailed Sparc Systems for the timely and invaluable support which the
company has been offering to various activities organized by the Mission in
Lusaka.
“The Malawi Mission in
Lusaka, Zambia is most grateful to Sparc Systems for their invaluable support
throughout sponsorships. In the past, the company sponsored the Independence
Anniversary Celebrations organized by the Mission in Lusaka. The High
Commission greatly appreciate the patriotism and generosity of Sparc Systems
Limited,” she explained.
First of its kind, Kaimila
believes the event will provide a platform for engagement and cultural
exchange.
“As for the embassies
accredited to Zambia, it is giving us a platform to showcase and promote
cultural diplomacy through creative expressions such as music arts and cuisine
among others,” she added.
The Diplomatic Fun Fair will
bring together the various nations’ culture, crafts, music, dance and cuisine
alongside that of the host nation, Zambia.
