Assist upcoming musicians — Chimbetu

Sulumani Chimbetu

Dendera musician Sulumani Chimbetu recently made a passionate plea to banks to grant loans to upcoming artists to start their projects. Speaking at the launch of Old Mutual Youth Fund, the charismatic singer said it was high time music was recognised as a business.

“Speaking as a youth, I appeal to banks to bankroll young artists who are finding it difficult to get loans and funds to start their projects. The problem is if I approach a bank seeking a loan, they say I must have collateral, but as a youth I don’t have a house except the one my father left which is still in his name,” said Chimbetu.

He appealed to banks to relax some loan conditions for upcoming musicians because most of them did not have much. He said the problem of piracy was continuously haunting the artists and was the major reason why most of them were poor, hence the need to seek loans from banks. “The problem of piracy is undermining our livelihoods and that is why I make this appeal,” said Sulu.

Sulumani, who has risen to become one of the best musicians in the country, took over the band left by his late father, Simon, one of the country’s finest musicians. To date he has released three albums, but it is the last album, Non-Stop which has propelled him to fame. (NewsDay)