Kidist Kifle challenges Zambia Association of Musicians over handling of ‘Budget’ controversy

Kidist Kifle has criticised the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) and artiste B Flow over their handling of concerns surrounding “Budget,” the new song by her husband, Yo Maps, arguing that the matter should have been addressed through private and professional channels rather than public commentary.

In a statement posted on her official Facebook page, Kifle said neither B Flow nor ZAM made any attempt to contact Yo Maps before issuing public remarks on the track.

“I believe it is important to address this matter with clarity and honesty. At no point did B Flow or ZAM make any effort to reach out… it would have been both respectful and appropriate… to engage us through the proper channels before making public statements,” she said.

Read more: Association says moves made to effect edits on Yo Maps controversial ‘budget’ video

Kifle said that if the intention had been to offer guidance or constructive criticism, industry bodies should have used direct communication, adding that taking the dispute public risked undermining meaningful dialogue.

“The decision to instead take a public route… raises valid questions about the underlying motive. It shifts the situation from what could have been a

constructive conversation into something that appears more performative than solution-driven,” she said.

She cautioned against what she described as inconsistencies in the way musicians are held to account.

“If you hold one person to a particular standard, you should hold everyone to it… otherwise it starts to feel targeted,” she said.

Kifle also defended her involvement in the matter, saying her interest extended beyond personal ties.

“This is not just a creative issue — it is a business matter that affects what we are building,” she said, adding that she does not need to be an artiste to speak on the issue.

She said she remained committed to professionalism, transparency and mutual respect, and was open to discussions — provided they were genuine.

“We remain open to meaningful dialogue, but that dialogue must be rooted in sincerity, not spectacle,” she said.

Debate over the “Budget” song and its accompanying video has in recent days fuelled discussion about artistic expression, cultural sensitivity and accountability in Zambia’s music industry.

On Saturday, ZAM issued a statement acknowledging public concern over scenes in the latest music video by Yo Maps Yo, saying it has engaged the artiste and his team to address content deemed culturally inappropriate.

In a statement issued by ZAM president, Brian Bwembya, the association said it had received complaints from members of the public regarding certain scenes in the video for the song Budget, which features Frank Ro and Dizmo.