Artists from five SADC countries staged a series of arts and cultural performances to honour Zambia's 40th anniversary of independence during a 10-day festival.

This gave practical expression to the SADC Protocol on Information, Culture and Sport which encourages member states to jointly organise such cultural events to pursue the ideals of regional integration.

From 18 - 28 October 2004, artists came together to participate in the celebrations that apart from marking four decades of Zambia's freedom, also brought memories of Zambia’s centrality in the liberation struggle in southern Africa.

On 24 October, Zambia's National Day, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, who was guest of honour at the celebrations, recollected Zambia's "many sacrifices" in the liberation of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. He said Zambia's 40th anniversary was a momentous occasion that also reminded SADC states to integrate and cooperate more for economic liberation.

Organisers of the 40th anniversary of Zambia's independence said the event was a significant chapter in the history of the nation and region, and it was therefore worth celebrating with different artists beyond the borders of Zambia.

Zambia was the fulcrum of southern Africa's liberation struggle where freedom fighters from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe set up operational bases and received asylum.

Organisers said the Independence Arts and Cultural Festival was a resounding success. It attracted entertainers from Malawi, Madagascar, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This was a celebration of freedom in the entire SADC region. The performance also demonstrated the promotion of an extensive programme of films, music, performing arts, exhibitions, and literature in the SADC region.

"The independence arts festival is aimed to create an informal space for creative people and lovers of art to interact and enjoy the artistic offerings of nations far and wide while providing education and learning," said Antone Barral, Director of the Alliance Francaise, one of the organisers.

The carnival attracted popular international entertainers including the Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi, Malawi’s George Phiri, Phinda Mtya of South Africa and Tany Manga of French/Madagascar origins. Others were Tony "Titi" Robin and Gulabi Sapera (Indian/French) and Mahube Feat, Steve Dyer and Maureen Lilanda.

The festival, Barral said, was a unique opportunity for Zambian musicians to mix and learn other experiences from other SADC and foreign musicians. "We want to share ideas about music and other artistic and cultural issues,” he said.

A collection of top southern African musicians and vocalist under the brand name "Mahube" also performed a series of concerts during Zambia's week-long celebrations. "Mahube" is the name given to top SADC musicians and vocalists who combined to record and release various albums that were performed in Zambia under the direction of Steve Dyer to create a blend of contemporary and celebrated artists.

"Mahube" is a Tswana name that means "New Dawn" and reflects these musicians’ desire to participate in South Africa's reintegration into the cultural life of the African subcontinent.

"The music is a rich and seamless blend of infectious rhythms, soaring vocals and harmonies," says Barral. "The intricate and evocative harmonies are under-pinned by a wonderful brass section and surrounded by a clear and sympathetic arrangement."

Organisers said the festival represented the celebration not only of Zambia's independence but the oneness and freedom of the SADC region as a whole. The SADC Protocol on Information and Culture also states that member states shall facilitate and promote greater interaction and exchanges among cultural agents, media practitioners, athletes and sports personnel of the region.