Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) President Brian Bwembya, popularly known as B Flow, has responded to criticism from some artists who have questioned why the association has been actively involved in organising football matches.
Speaking during the ZAM Annual General Meeting (AGM), B Flow said the association has noted with sadness that some artists, particularly those who are not members, have accused the music body of turning the industry into a football team.
He explained that such views often come from individuals who only follow the association’s activities through social media without understanding the real purpose behind the football matches.
“We have noted with sadness that some artists who are not our members think the industry has been turned into a football team.
Unfortunately, when you’re watching happenings through social media it will look that way,” B Flow said.
B Flow clarified that the football matches are not meant to replace music industry activities but are part of a broader strategy for social networking and unity among artists.
He said the games have created opportunities for musicians to connect, build friendships, collaborate on projects and even organise joint shows.
“These football matches are for social networking. Today many artists have made friends, collaborated with other artists and held shows together through these social games,” he stated.
The ZAM President stressed that the association remains a professional body dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of musicians, and not a sports organisation.
“ZAM is a professional music association and not a footballing association,” he said.
He further pointed out that the visibility and engagement the association has gained in recent times has partly been boosted by these football games, which have attracted both public attention and artist participation.
B Flow then challenged artists who have been criticising ZAM from outside to consider joining the association so they can fully understand the benefits that come with membership.
“So I urge you all, those that think this is a bad idea, to come and join ZAM. Maybe when they join us they will know the opportunities that come with membership and even appreciate these social networking football games,” he said.
His remarks have since sparked debate among artists and fans, with many agreeing that networking activities such as sports can strengthen unity in the entertainment industry, while others have urged ZAM to ensure its main focus remains on music development and artist welfare.
