There’s a lot to be said for the good old days when minstrels could be paid to ensure that they, quite literally, sang your praises.
Even Sir Robin in Monty Python and the Holy Grail had one.
That’s what ANC Youth League president Julius Malema may well wish for on Thursday when maskandi group Izingame Zoma release their new single uMalema on radio stations across South Africa. The song’s lyrics are reportedly critical of the league leader, suggesting that he is “uncontrollable” and does not respect his elders in the ANC.
Izingame Zoma are no strangers to the youth league. In 2007, the youth league defended their song Msholozi, which praised Jacob Zuma and criticised Thabo Mbeki, and saw no problem with it becoming the unofficial soundtrack to the Polokwane conference. But that, it seems, was not enough to buy their eternal support and loyalty.
On the weekend it was reported that the youth league would be attempting to block the song’s release.
League secretary general Sindiso Magaqa was quoted in various media outlets as saying, “If they release that stupid song, we will hit them hard.”
But that was a few days ago, and it seems the youth league have since turned their attention to more pressing issues, such as the outcome of Malema’s disciplinary hearing.
League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu told the M&G: “We don’t give a damn about that song. Let them do what they want. We have bigger things to focus on.”
So that is that, it seems.
Head of the law clinic at the Freedom of Expression Institute, Mbalenhle Cele, said that even if Malema did feel offended by the track once it was being played on radios all over the country (and, given the amount of publicity the track has already received, it seems unlikely that its release will be a quiet affair), it would not mean that he or anyone else could simply demand that it be removed from the airwaves.
“The right for freedom of expression must not impose on someone else’s right to dignity, but it’s a balancing act. The Constitution protects freedom of expression, including artistic expression, which this example would fall under, but does not protect expression which incites, or harms, or is hate speech.”
She added that a number of defence options would be available to them, should any complaint against the song reach the point where the group could be charged with defamation.
The group could argue the criticisms of Malema in the lyrics were a valid personal opinion.
But this, of course, is hypothetical. And one would surely understand if the thought of more legal battles over songs and song lyrics did not really appeal to Malema at all.
Neither the band nor their management were available to comment.
As an aside, and this is certainly not a suggestion for Malema, this is how Sir Robin finally gets his minstrel to shut up.