The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has announced a strategic partnership with UNICEF and Plan International aimed at tackling malnutrition and promoting child welfare through the power of music and cultural advocacy, beginning with a major mission in Gwembe District.
In a statement issued by ZAM, the association revealed that the initiative comes at a time when malnutrition continues to affect thousands of vulnerable families across Zambia, with Gwembe being one of the hardest-hit districts in recent years.
Gwembe District has faced severe food shortages over the past three years due to prolonged drought conditions, which negatively affected farming activities and livelihoods. During this period, many families have survived mainly on emergency food rations and support from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Although recent rainfall has brought renewed hope for improved harvests this year, ZAM emphasized that the effects of long-term malnutrition remain serious and require urgent and sustained intervention to protect children and households.
To respond to this crisis, ZAM has joined forces with UNICEF and Plan International to raise awareness and strengthen community engagement around child welfare issues such as nutrition, children’s rights, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
ZAM says the partnership aims to use the influence of Zambia’s leading musicians to amplify the message and drive behavioural change, while UNICEF and Plan International provide expertise and support in addressing humanitarian needs.
Currently, a delegation of selected ZAM members and artists is in Gwembe District to witness firsthand the impact of interventions funded under the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and implemented by international partners.
The artists taking part in the mission include some of Zambia’s most celebrated names such as Janet Mwandu, Jay Rox, Tianna, Frank Ro, Abel Chungu, and Sista D.
The delegation is being led by ZAM President Brian Bwembya, popularly known as B Flow, alongside Secretary General Chomba Lesa-Malembeka and Publicity Secretary Edmond Mbanga Miti.
ZAM stated that the Gwembe visit marks only the first phase of a broader national framework, as plans are already underway to expand the initiative to other parts of Zambia once the first mission is completed.
As the programme grows, ZAM is expected to take a leading role in executing community sensitization campaigns, using music as a powerful tool to educate the public, promote child welfare, and support the fight against hunger.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no Zambian child is left behind, stressing that musicians have a responsibility to use their platforms for positive national impact beyond entertainment.
The partnership has been welcomed as a strong example of how the arts and humanitarian organizations can collaborate to address social challenges, particularly in districts facing extreme climate-related hardship.
