IBA urges caution on musical content

THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has urged broadcasting stations to ensure that musical content aired on their platforms reflected Zambia’s cultural values and meets audience expectations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, IBA Director of Corporate Communication, Katendi Wandi, said music and accompanying visuals had a strong influence on society, particularly among young people, and broadcasters must therefore exercise sound editorial judgement when selecting and scheduling content. Wandi reminded broadcasters that programming should reflect the culture, character, needs and aspirations of the Zambian people, in line with Section 24(1)(a) of the IBA Amendment Act of 2010.

“Stations are expected to ensure that content aired is not only entertaining but also culturally appropriate and compliant with existing laws,” she said. Wandi further encouraged television stations to preview both local and foreign musical and film productions before broadcast to ensure their suitability for general audiences.She also called on local content producers to ensure productions intended for broadcast aligned with Zambian cultural values and legal requirements. A scene inYo Maps’s latest music videoBudgethas triggered debate after a Lusaka clergyman and theZambia Association of Musicians(ZAM) raised concerns over content deemed culturally inappropriate.

The following day, ZAM acknowledged public concern over scenes in the video, which featuresFrank RoandDizmo. In a statement issued by ZAM president,B Flow, the association said it had received complaints from members of the public, particularly parents worried about the influence of the content on younger audiences. ZAM said it had engaged Yo Maps and his team since April 26, advising that the video be edited to better reflect Zambia’s cultural values and public expectations.

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However,Kidist Kiflecriticised both ZAM and B Flow for handling the matter publicly instead of through private engagement. Kifle, who is married to Yo Maps, said neither B Flow nor ZAM contacted the artiste before issuing statements. She argued that the matter should have been addressed professionally and through proper channels before being discussed publicly.

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