Pilato Addresses The Resistance Bureau

Musician and civil society activist Pilato was one of four youth activists to yesterday address The Resistance Bureau. 

The event was focused on ‘Resisting the Old Guard’, exploring the generational battle for political power and economic empowerment across Africa. Looking at how youth can mobilise against dictatorship and fight back creatively against entrenched power, other panellists included Nigeria’s Samson Itodo, Malawi’s Memory Banda and South Africa’s Busiswe Cathrine Seabe. 

Addressing the forum Pilato spoke about the power of art to influence the direction of society.

“We must understand that society is designed by artists,” Pilato stated. 

If we have so much power in art to influence how people view themselves and each other then we can try and influence things in a way that is sustainable, fair and inclusive, Pilato explained.  

“Everyone has a responsibility to create a society where all can live with dignity, without injustice and in equality,” he continued. 

Pilato said that everyone has a responsibility to play a part. “Humanity is teamwork,” he commented.  

He explained that as artists can have amplified voices, “What we can do is to share the microphone and the platform to say we believe in the ideals of justice.” 

“Every member of society has a voice. What I am going to do as an artist is get my microphone and share it with somebody who believes in their own dignity and has something to say,” he explained. 

He said the importance of standing up for the rights of others is essential. 

“The only way I can defend my dignity is by defending the dignity of the weakest person in society,” he explained. 

“If I cannot defend justice of another person then how can I defend justice for myself?” Pilato questioned.