I have no plans to contest for PMAN president, says
Lucciano WORRIED over the myriad of challenges currently facing the nation,
members of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN),
seem to have set aside their difference in a bid to seek for peace and unity in
the country. Through a nationwide campaign tagged Light Up the Unity Flame For Nigeria, the music body intends to use
music as a platform to unite Nigerians from different tribes and religion,
while preaching peace as the best option in dealing with the current security
challenges.
Speaking
at the formal flag off of the initiative held recently at the PMAN National
Headquarter in Ikeja, Lagos, the interim leader of the body Kevin Lucciano
Gabriel informed that PMAN as an association believes in One Nigeria and will
continue to salvage her together with all well-meaning patriots.
“At time
of peace, music berths joy; at times of despair, music berths hope; at times of
division, music berths unity. I have called us here today to join the PMAN
family in lighting a candle of prayer for our country Nigeria. Through this
campaign, we intend to raise the flame of unity that will burn from city to
city, household to household, state to state, churches to mosque and schools to
shelter.”
According
to Lucciano, the Unity Flame, which will visit different parts of the country,
will finally land at the Abuja National Stadium on October 1 (Independence
Day), with a massive live concert that will parade different generations of
artistes.
“We will
use our force of music as a rallying point for peace and unity in our country
because music is a fundamental constituent of our human life and co-existence.
The concert will feature musicians from all generation, while motivational
speakers will be on hand to inspire us. At the event, religious leaders will
light up an enduring flame through their prayers. We will inspire our country
to celebrate that which unites us more than that which divides us.”
Though
many have described the project as a good initiative, security challenge
remains a major concern, especially with Abuja as host city for the grand
finale.
“In
terms of security, we are praying that the Boko Haram issue and Ebola outbreak
would have gone down by then. However, we are in touch with security agencies
to ensure we have a hitch free rally; they are in support of this event. No
matter the situation in the country, we must celebrate our Independence Day. A
lot of Nigerian artistes play a vital role in the release of late South African
leader Nelson Mandela through their music. If we can do that for South Africa,
why not our country,” Lucciano quizzed.
As
against rumours in some quarters alleging that he plans to extend his stay in
office beyond October 29 next year, the interim leader declared he has no
intention to contest for PMAN president.
“Right
now, we are trying to do our best for Nigerian artistes. By now, PMAN should
have a radio station to promote works by our members. We were talking about
Alaba as our biggest problem in terms of piracy, but today, the digital music
download is our headache; who is regulating the operators? These are things we
have been trying to resolve. However, I have no plans to stay in office beyond
my mandate.”
He
continued: “My work here is to build a structure for the union and create an
avenue for a credible election for another person to carry on. I have a lot of
other things to do; I have my family to take care of,” he noted.
To
Lucciano, generational gape remains a major problem in PMAN.
“There’s
a huge generational gape in the music industry; PMAN has always been for the
older artistes. I would appreciate that younger artistes would come and
dominate the association; this industry is for them.”
He declared that the initiative is purely a PMAN project and has
no political undertone.
“This is
not a government event; it is an event organised by Nigerian artistes under the
umbrella of PMAN. We have a planning committee at work, making sure that all is
well. At the event, we are going to speak in one voice; we are going to unify
the country through music.”
Though
organisers are yet to release the list of performers for the concert, there are
indications that the show will parade both the older generation and new
generation artistes from different tribes, with some international guest
artistes being expected from South Africa, Ghana and Senegal.
In his
remark, Limpopo crooner Kcee, who joined in lighting the Unity Candle at the
flag off, pledged his full support to the project, which he believes would go a
long way in bringing a lasting peace and unity in the country.
“We are
here to support this movement. The PMAN president is our friend and he has been
leading the association in the right direction. Music brings peace and
togetherness, so, this is our opportunity to rally Nigerians together using
music as the platform, so that we can take our nation back to what it used to
be.”
To Kcee, this is a call for the nation, which every well-meaning artiste
must answer.
“I’m not
here because it’s PMAN; this is a call for our nation. I’m here because I want
to contribute to the ongoing effort to unify the country. I’m sure most of the
artistes are watching to see how serious we are; they will eventually join us,”
he assured.
In his
remark, Harrysong noted that, “we are talking about music, peace and lighting
of unity candle. If we can put this kind of ideas together and push it, it will
be better for us; I want to see Nigeria becoming great again. Every movement of
peace and music, Harrysong will always be there.”
To Daddy Showkey, this is not a platform for politically campaign.
“As an
artiste, you have the right to support any candidate of your choice; you have
the right to choose which product to endorse. However, this particular event is
purely musician’s affair and our focus is the nation not any political group.”
In a
chat with the CEO of South West Media, Charles Ndudi, he informed that the
South Africa-based outfit has decided to support the PMAN peace initiative.
“We all
know the situation in Nigeria and we can’t continue to sit and look. This is a
project will unify the country. This is the time for us as a union, as a people
and as a country to hold on to the candle and pray to God in unity. As the
consultant for the event, we will be giving our details of the concert as time
goes on,” he said.
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