ZAM Clarifies Position on Political Endorsements Ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections

The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has issued a public statement clarifying its position on the involvement of musicians in political campaigns ahead of the 2026 General Elections, emphasizing that the association has not endorsed any political party or candidate.

In a statement released by its National Executive Committee, ZAM reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a non-partisan professional body that represents the interests of musicians across Zambia, regardless of their individual political affiliations.

The association stated that while every musician has a constitutional right to support, endorse, or campaign for a political party or candidate of their choice, such decisions are strictly personal and should not be interpreted as representing the views of ZAM.

“Every artiste has the individual right to support, endorse, or campaign for any political party or candidate of their choice. However, such decisions cannot be made under the umbrella of ZAM due to our non-partisan nature,” the statement reads.

Musicians Free to Participate in Political Campaigns

ZAM acknowledged that election periods often create employment and business opportunities for musicians, who may be contracted by political parties or individual politicians to perform during campaign events.

The association said it welcomes opportunities that allow its members to earn an honest living through their creative work, irrespective of the political party they choose to work with, provided such engagements are conducted within the law and in accordance with professional ethics.

Call for Professionalism and Peaceful Campaigns

While recognizing the role musicians play during election campaigns, ZAM urged all artistes to conduct themselves professionally by promoting messages that encourage peace, unity, and democratic values.

The association cautioned musicians against engaging in character assassination, hate speech, insults, or any form of expression that could incite violence or create division among citizens during the election period.

According to ZAM, artistes have a responsibility to use their platforms positively and contribute to peaceful democratic processes.

ZAM Reaffirms Its Neutrality

The association reiterated that it has not endorsed and does not intend to endorse any political party or candidate contesting the 2026 General Elections, including presidential, parliamentary, or local government candidates.

It stressed that any political endorsement made by an individual musician should be regarded as a personal decision and not the official position of the Zambia Association of Musicians or its Executive Committee.

Appeal to Political Stakeholders

In concluding its statement, ZAM called on political parties, musicians, supporters, and members of the public to promote peaceful, respectful, and issue-based campaigns that strengthen Zambia’s democratic values.

As Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Elections, the association says it remains committed to supporting the welfare and professional interests of musicians while maintaining its non-partisan stance.