Lusaka, Zambia – May 2026 – Kidist Kifle, wife to Zambian music star Yo Maps, has issued a strong statement following the ongoing debate surrounding her husband’s trending music video “Budget.”
The video has sparked heated reactions on social media, with some members of the public calling for it to be edited, while others defend it as artistic expression.
“No Effort Was Made to Reach Out” – Kidist Kifle
In her post, Kidist expressed disappointment, stating that neither B Flow nor the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) made any effort to contact Yo Maps directly before making public statements regarding the matter.
“At no point did B Flow or ZAM make any effort to reach out to Yo maps regarding their concerns,” she wrote.
Kidist emphasized that proper engagement would have been more respectful and professional.
Questions Raised Over Motives Behind Public Statements
Kidist noted that if the intention was to offer constructive guidance, the matter could have been handled privately through appropriate channels.
She suggested that the decision to go public created the impression that the issue was being used for attention rather than resolution.
“The decision to instead take a public route without prior engagement raises valid questions about the underlying motive,” she stated.
She also warned that if one artist is held to a standard, the same standard must apply to everyone, otherwise it appears targeted.
“This Is Not Just Creative, It’s Business”
Kidist further stressed that she has every right to speak on the issue because she is directly involved in Yo Maps’ brand and business.
She stated that the controversy affects what they are building as a team, making it more than just an artistic discussion.
“This is not just a creative issue, it is a business matter that affects what we are building,” she said.
“We Remain Open to Dialogue”
Despite her concerns, Kidist said they remain open to meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, but insisted that it must be rooted in sincerity and professionalism rather than public spectacle.
“We remain open to meaningful dialogue but that dialogue must be rooted in sincerity, not spectacle,” she concluded.
The statement has triggered mixed reactions online, with some applauding her stance while others argue that public accountability is necessary when content is viewed as culturally sensitive.
