Yo Maps’ manager DJ Kandeke has once again renewed his call on the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) and the National Arts Council (NAC) to take a tougher stance against South African artists performing in Zambia amid the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Kandeke, who has previously expressed similar sentiments, said he remains concerned that local authorities have not acted with the same urgency they displayed when addressing issues involving Zambian artists.
In his latest social media post, the music manager urged ZAM and NAC to treat South African performers in the same manner they handled the controversy surrounding Yo Maps’ music video.
“ZAM & NAC I’m STILL calling on you to act the same way on South African artists coming to Zambia to perform, as you do when handling BUDGET Music Videos for Yo Maps the Zambian artist,” Kandeke wrote.
His comments come against the backdrop of continued reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals have allegedly been subjected to violence, intimidation and displacement.
Kandeke argued that until the attacks against foreign nationals come to an end, South African artists should either be prevented from staging performances in Zambia or face stricter measures from local arts regulators.
The music manager appeared to suggest that if regulators were able to intervene over certain scenes in Yo Maps’ music video, they should equally demonstrate solidarity with victims of xenophobic violence by taking action against entertainment events involving South African artists.
His renewed appeal follows the recent postponement of South African artist Sun-El Musician’s concert in Lusaka, with organisers citing the prevailing situation surrounding xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Kandeke’s latest remarks have once again sparked debate across social media.
Some users backed his position, saying Zambia should stand with fellow African nationals affected by xenophobic violence by temporarily suspending performances by South African artists.
Others disagreed, arguing that musicians should not be punished for actions committed by individuals in their country and that entertainment should continue to promote unity rather than division.
The discussion has also reignited broader conversations about how Zambia should respond to xenophobic attacks affecting its citizens and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
As of publication, neither the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) nor the National Arts Council (NAC) had publicly responded to Kandeke’s renewed appeal.
His latest statement has nevertheless placed fresh pressure on the two institutions as stakeholders continue to debate the appropriate response to the ongoing xenophobic attacks and their impact on cultural exchanges between Zambia and South Africa.
