[DEBATE] : (Fwd) Bible-thumping rule

[Patrick Bond]

Independent on Saturday
Zuma speaks for Jesus on pop CD

January 17, 2009 Edition 1

Xolani Mbanjwa

AS the ANC faces its toughest electoral challenge to date, it is turning 
to its singing president Jacob Zuma's artistic prowess to woo young voters.

However, one of the songs on the 14-track album to be released soon is 
sure to anger many Christians as the title is Uyamemeza uJesu uthi ANC, 
which means "Jesus is shouting the name ANC".

He has collaborated with legendary artist Sello "Chicco" Twala for the 
album.

His first CD last year, which included Umshini Wam (Bring Me My 
Machinegun), reportedly sold more than 100 000 copies within a month of 
release and was among the most popular cellphone ringtones downloaded.

Twala, who has produced songs for the late pop singer Brenda Fassie, 
said Zuma's song titled Mina ngohlala nginje, mina ngohlala ngiyi ANC (I 
will always be like this, I will always be ANC) will be a hit.

"The song is about loyal members of the ANC who will remain members of 
the ANC whatever problems there may be. When we play the album and the 
song from which we sampled Zuma, people respond positively to it. They 
love it.

"As you know he (Zuma) likes to sing and has a good voice so it wasn't 
difficult to record the album," said Twala.

Some of the songs are collaborations with renowned gospel singer Debra 
Fraser, Winnie Khumalo, the Soweto Mass Choir, Zama Kwela and Peter 
Mokoena. Other tracks are instrumental beats derived from ANC struggle 
songs, while Khawuleza, is dedicated to Mirriam Makeba who died late 
last year. Another track is Siyayithanda i-ANC, which means "We love the 
ANC".

The DVD features music videos of footage recorded at ANC rallies where 
Zuma croons Umshini Wam and Mina ngohlala nginje, mina ngohlala ngiyi 
ANC songs.

The album will be sold at ANC rallies and election campaign gatherings.