31/01/2025
YO MAPS SHARES:
To: The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) and Its President,
I address this statement to the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) and its leadership, not out of personal grievance but out of deep concern for the integrity and fairness of the association that is meant to serve and protect all Zambian artists without bias or favoritism. It is both disheartening and disappointing to witness an organization that should be a pillar of unity and progress become selective in its engagements, seemingly favoring certain artists while turning a blind eye to the struggles and concerns of others.For a long time now, I have endured unwarranted attacks, false narratives, and organized attempts to discredit my work from a cartel of artists who have made it their mission to diminish my contributions to the Zambian music industry. These individuals have, on multiple occasions, used various platforms to attack me, undermine my achievements, and spread negativity about my brand. Despite their persistent efforts, I have remained focused on my craft and my fans, refusing to engage in unnecessary conflicts.
For quite some time, I have observed a concerning pattern in the way ZAM handles conflicts and disputes within the music industry. When artists choose to launch unprovoked attacks against me—whether through public statements, music, or social media—the association remains silent. No statements are made, no interventions are offered, and no effort is made to foster peace and mutual respect among artists. However, the moment I stand up for myself, the narrative shifts dramatically. Suddenly, ZAM finds its voice—not to address the root cause of the conflict, but to frame my defense as a disruption. This double standard is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the association’s commitment to fairness and impartiality.
The role of ZAM, as a professional body, is to protect and uplift all artists, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, the current approach seems to suggest otherwise. It is not the duty of any artist to suffer in silence while others are given free rein to slander, attack, or undermine their hard work. If the association claims to represent the interests of Zambian musicians, then it must do so with integrity, impartiality, and accountability. Picking and choosing when to be involved—especially in a manner that only seeks to reprimand certain artists while excusing others—is a betrayal of the very values that ZAM should uphold.
Music is a competitive industry, and disagreements will arise, but it is the responsibility of a professional body such as ZAM to mediate conflicts with fairness and not to allow internal biases to dictate its actions. If the association is truly committed to fostering unity and growth within the Zambian music industry, then it must take a stand against all forms of bias and selective intervention. It must create an environment where all artists, regardless of their standing or success, are treated equally and afforded the same level of protection and support.
I, therefore, call upon ZAM and its leadership to re-evaluate their approach to conflict resolution and artist representation. If this association is to maintain any credibility among the very people it claims to represent, it must commit itself to impartiality, transparency, and fairness. Anything less than that only serves to divide the industry further and diminish the trust that artists have in the institution.
This is not just about me. It is about ensuring that every artist in Zambia is given a fair and equal platform—to express themselves, to defend themselves, and to be supported by the very organization that claims to have their best interests at heart. Respect must be mutual, and fairness must be universal.
I hope this statement serves as an opportunity for reflection and necessary change.
Sincerely,
Elton “Yo Maps” Mulenga
