ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has decorated the vital role of artists in mobilising society to actively participate in key social events and drive positive change.
President Mwinyi made the remarks during a meeting with renowned Bongo Fleva artist Mbwana Kirungi alias Mbosso who visited the State House in Zanzibar yesterday.
Mwinyi emphasised that art is not just only a form of entertainment but a powerful political tool that can effectively engage citizens in public gatherings, election campaigns and significant social events and expressed his commitment to working closely with the artists on various government and party-related initiatives.
“Art is a powerful tool for communication; it has the capacity to inspire, inform and shape public opinion. Whether through music, drama, or visual arts, artists play a crucial role in influencing society positively. Their work goes beyond entertainment as it raises awareness about vital social, political and economic issues. “As President, I firmly believe in the importance of arts in political engagement.
ALSO READ: BASATA reveals 30 award categories for artists contest
It is instrumental in mobilising citizens during public gatherings, election campaigns and other key events.
Artists have a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making them valuable partners in promoting unity, national pride and positive social transformation.
“Our party will continue to collaborate with artists to ensure that our programmes and events receive meaningful public engagement. Their creative contributions are essential in enhancing the effectiveness of our outreach efforts, making it easier to connect with people on a deeper level.” For his part, Mbosso spoke about the power of art in conveying important messages through music, drama and other forms of artistic expression.
“We have the ability to communicate in ways that resonate deeply with the public. As artists, we have the unique opportunity to shape narratives and inspire action.
“By working together, we can cultivate a culture of awareness, unity and national pride. I encourage my fellow artists to use their platforms not only for entertainment, but also to educate, inform and advocate for positive social change,” he said.
