By Francis Chipalo
The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has thrown its full support behind President Hakainde Hichilema’s second term, saying the country’s creative sector is ready to play a bigger role in creating jobs, promoting Zambian culture and strengthening national pride.
ZAM spokesperson Edmond Miti said musicians should not be viewed solely as entertainers, but as nation builders, taxpayers and custodians of Zambia’s cultural identity who require greater protection, recognition and partnership from Government.
In a statement made available to Zed Gossip, Miti reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the Hichilema administration during its second term.
“As an association, we reaffirm our full support and commitment to working alongside your administration,” Miti said.
The association also commended what it described as the achievements of the New Dawn Government, particularly in education, economic stabilisation and sectoral development.
Miti said a stable economy and investment in education have a direct impact on the creative industry because artists depend on audiences with disposable income as well as platforms and opportunities to showcase their work.
ZAM believes the President’s second term presents an opportunity for Zambia to take its music industry to another level by moving away from an informal survival-based sector towards a structured and sustainable industry.
Miti said Hichilema’s second term should be the period in which Zambia’s music industry moves “from hustle to industry.”
“As you begin your second term Mr President, the Zambia Association of Musicians looks forward to strengthening our partnership with your government,” he said.
The association wants to work with Government on policies and frameworks that can strengthen the protection and welfare of musicians and other creative professionals.
According to Miti, key areas of concern include the safety of artists, protection of intellectual property and the welfare of creative workers, particularly those operating within the music sector.
ZAM said stronger policies could also help create conditions for sustainable growth across Zambia’s music and wider arts industry.
The association’s position comes at a time when Zambia’s creative sector continues to grow, with musicians, producers, promoters, content creators and other industry players increasingly contributing to the country’s cultural and economic landscape.
For the music industry, stronger intellectual property protection remains particularly important as artists seek to benefit financially from their music in an increasingly digital environment.
Miti said ZAM remains ready to collaborate with Government in developing initiatives that can safeguard musicians while creating opportunities for the sector to contribute more significantly to the national economy.
The association believes that with the right policies, investment and institutional support, Zambia’s music industry can become a stronger source of employment, entrepreneurship, cultural promotion and economic activity.
ZAM’s endorsement of Hichilema’s second term therefore comes with a call for deeper collaboration between Government and the creative sector, with the association positioning musicians as important partners in Zambia’s development agenda.
The association says its goal is not only to see Zambian music grow, but to help build a professional and sustainable creative industry capable of creating jobs, protecting artists’ rights and taking Zambian culture to audiences locally and internationally.
