Seasoned musician-cum-politician Billy Kaunda is hunting for a yet-to-be identified person who has done a remake of his 2002 hit Agalatiya without his permission.

He has in the meantime lodged a complaint with the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) whose executive director Dora Makwinja has indicated that the act is a moral infringement of Kaunda’s rights because of the depiction of some characters in the song.

Whereas the original song was an attack on former president Bakili Muluzi’s abortive third term bid, the remake has taken a swipe at the current Tonse Alliance government, denouncing its alleged poor governance system.

Kaunda: It becomes really bad

In the song, which has retained the complexion of the original tune save for the message, the imitator has aimed at individuals such as human rights defender Gift Trapence, Cabinet ministers Timothy Mtambo, Sosten Gwengwe including President Lazarus Chakwera.

Titled Agalatiya Tulani Pansi Udindo, the song has been uploaded on the online music streaming platform YouTube bearing Kaunda’s name and images.  The presentation of the lyrics retains a striking resemblance to Kaunda’s original version. 

“A Chakwera tulani pansi udindo. Munanena nokha kuti zikadzavuta mudzatula pansi udindo, Iwe ndalama, unabweleranji watayitsa chipangano. Chondigwera chindigwere nditsatire Sidik Mia…goes part of the song.

In an interview, Kaunda said he is not sure of the intentions of the person, but he has promised to pursue the issue to its legal conclusion. He said his team has already embarked on a mission to identify the person behind the song.

“It becomes really bad when some people try to tarnish your name and reputation in such a way. Upon learning of the song I quickly contacted Cosoma who provided advice on how we should handle the issue. I am hopeful that the person will be found,” he said.

On her part, Makwinja said the ball is in Kaunda’s court to pursue the matter as it is a moral infringement. 

She said: “It is true that he reached out to us. We have committed to help him track the culprit. Once identified Kaunda has liberty to take the person to court. Until it’s established that he has also economically benefitted from this song, then we will come in too.”

Makwinja has bemoaned the tendency of local musicians to do other people’s work without seeking authorisation. She said most artists are enticed with the potential of earning quick fame which is not right.

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