Livingstone Based Artist Not Happy with Mosi Day of Thunder
Every April, the roar of engines and the pulse of Zambia’s biggest music festival bring Livingstone to life. Mosi Day of Thunder has, over seven editions, become more than just a motocross-fuelled extravaganza: it’s a cultural beacon, drawing thousands of fans and putting our city—and country—on the global map. Yet behind the pyrotechnics and chart-topping headliners, a quieter storm has been brewing among Livingstone’s homegrown artists, who this year found themselves glaring at empty stages.
When Home Turf Feels Like Foreign Ground
For decades, Livingstone’s musicians have watched major festivals sweep through town—bringing international DJs, Lusaka’s pop princesses, and the big-city hype—while local rappers, vocalists, and bands wait by the wings. This year under the “Thunder Mashups” banner, fans were invited to vote on collaborations among eight A-list acts: Towela Kaira, Xaven, Vinchenzo, Jae Cash, Triple M, 76 Drums, Chanda Na Kay, and JC Kalinks. And yet, of that ambitious shortlist, only Jae Cash calls Livingstone home.
It wasn’t just a snub; it was a pattern. From Instagram confessions by unsigned rappers to private WhatsApp grouses among studio engineers, the message was clear: “If this is our festival, why does it feel like someone else’s?” When proximity to the Zambezi Falls wasn’t enough to tip the scales, many wondered whether “host-province privilege” is just a myth.
Enter B Flow and the Promise of Change
In a timely intervention on Facebook, chart-topping reggae-dancehall pioneer B Flow broke the silence:
“Our Southern artists have talent that commands as much respect as any Lusaka or Kabwe act. I’m calling on the Zambia Association of Musicians to open dialogue with the festival committee—so that next year, we’ll see Southern Province names across every stage.”
It was more than a soundbite. B Flow’s reputation for advocacy—championing music education and artist rights—lends weight to his pledge. By roping in ZAM, he wants concrete commitments: dedicated showcase slots, regional scouting workshops, and mentorship pipelines that begin months before the festival gates open.
Why This Matters Beyond the Playlist
At a glance, this might read as a tussle over who gets top billing. But for Livingstone’s creatives, it’s about visibility, economic opportunity, and community pride. Festivals like Day of Thunder ripple through town: guesthouses fill up, tuk-tuk drivers rack up fares, and souvenir vendors celebrate their best month of the year. For musicians, one slot can translate to new fans, bookings in Lusaka, and even cross-border tours into Zimbabwe.
Moreover, the festival brand itself risks stagnation if it remains Lusaka-centric. International attendees expect an authentic Zambian soundtrack—drums and vocals forged by the people who know this land best. Celebrating diversity onstage only deepens the festival’s appeal.
Paths Forward: Amplify, Integrate, Empower
1. Regional Auditions & Pre-Shows
Rather than waiting for one marquee weekend, why not springboard local talent through a series of “Thunder Trails” across Choma, Monze, and Kalomo? Short showcase slots at pop-up events would build momentum—and fan votes—long before April.
2. Mentorship from Headliners
Pairing Livingstone acts with established artists for studio sessions could yield those viral mashups everyone wants. Imagine a Jae Cash × Livingstone Slim track hitting social media—authentic, homegrown, and undeniably Zambian.
3. Formal ZAM Representation
A Southern Province committee within the Zambia Association of Musicians would ensure ongoing dialogue with festival organizers, plus access to training grants and networking opportunities.
Looking to the Horizon
With just days left before Mosi Day of Thunder 2025 roars into the Busiku Grounds, local artists are watching B Flow’s words—and organizers’ schedules—closely. Will there be last-minute wildcard slots? A surprise sunrise set on the Light Up Zone? Even if not, the conversation has shifted: Livingstone creatives have made their case in public view, and the promise of ZAM involvement means this isn’t just another social-media gripe.
For every beat dropped and engine revved, Livingstone deserves its artists center stage. Because when our people perform, the thunder truly echoes home.
