The Zambian Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that certain local musicians have been banned from performing at state functions, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Speaking during a joint media briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe said there is no government policy that prevents any artist from participating in official state events.
Mr. Chileshe explained that artists selected to perform at state functions, particularly those attended by the President, are chosen by the Standing Committee on State Functions based on the nature and requirements of each event.
According to the Permanent Secretary, reports alleging that musicians such as Rich Bizzy and Chester have been blacklisted from government functions are not supported by facts.
He noted that some of the artists mentioned in the circulating claims have recently participated in official government events, indicating that no restrictions have been imposed on them.
Mr. Chileshe further stated that artists are free to associate with political parties and express their personal views, adding that political affiliation alone does not determine eligibility for participation in government events.
He, however, explained that event organisers may consider various factors, including the nature of a specific event, when selecting performers for official functions.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana called on members of the public to be cautious when consuming and sharing information online.
Mr. Kawana described disinformation as a growing challenge that can negatively affect national unity and informed public debate.
He cited recent claims involving institutions such as the Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as examples of information that had been publicly clarified by the institutions concerned.
The two Permanent Secretaries encouraged citizens, content creators, and media practitioners to verify information through credible sources before sharing it on social media platforms.
They stressed the importance of responsible communication and urged the public to rely on official statements and verified information as Zambia continues efforts to combat the spread of false and misleading content online.