By Tiyese Monjeza:
Amapiano star Jetu on Friday called upon the government and human rights players to uphold elderly rights in the country.
Jetu, dubbed the Amapiano Queen, said this in Zomba where she entertained and interacted with fellow elderly people during World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day commemorations.
“Let the country stop abusing us. Malawi needs to start respecting the elderly. It pains to hear people out there accusing the elderly of practising witchcraft. This is uncalled for and must stop,” Jetu said.
The artist, who continues to trend with her music adventures supported by her grandchildren, further said that she would continue performing in different gigs to show that the elderly have a role to play in the development of the country.
“I want to defy all those who look down upon the elderly. I will continue entertaining the nation and even beyond,” Jetu, who recently performed in South Africa for the first time, said.
Jetu left no stone unturned at the event and excited the audience with her dance moves, offering songs such as ‘Wakalamba Wafuna’ and ‘Chakwaza’, with some elderly members joining her on stage.
The Blantyre-based artist, who is in her 70s, is Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisation (Manepo) ambassador.
Jetu was not the only performer on the day as she shared the stage with Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe, which dished out traditional dances such as Beni, Vimbuza and Gule Wamkulu.
There was also a performance from Zomba-based hip-hop artist Lipepedwa.
Manepo Executive Director Andrew Kavala said they roped in Jetu since she is the organisation’s ambassador.
Kavala said Jetu, being a well-known artist, would easily reach out to young people for them to be respecting and safeguarding rights of the elderly.
“We are so impressed with the turnout of the youths, whom we believe will be champions in protecting the rights of the elderly. We want the nation to celebrate the elderly and not despise them,” Kavala said.
