NO EVIDENCE, NO OUTRAGE
…musicians body rejects political narratives, urges artists to report before police instead of hosting press conferences
By DAVID KANDUZA
THE Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has fiercely rejected demands for immediate public condemnation following reports that prominent artists Rich Bizzy, Chester, Shenky, and Kadafi were attacked by unknown individuals in Solwezi, North Western Province.
In a sharply worded statement issued by ZAM president Brian Bwembya dated July 30, 2026, the association adopted an unapologetic stance against social media trial by jury, declaring a strict policy of “evidence before outrage.”
ZAM leadership took aim at the speed of modern social media allegations, calling out the tendency for digital platforms to act as investigator, prosecutor, judge, and jury before lunchtime.
Bwembya said ZAM explicitly demanded real, genuine evidence before issuing statements.
He said musicians claiming assault were directed to police stations, not press rooms.
The ZAM leadership openly doubted the claims, labeling opposition factions as bitter and prone to leveling false accusations against the ruling party.
Bwembya said the association firmly drew a line between the music industry and national politics, refusing to let the organisation be weaponised for elections.
The body completely rejected becoming a branch office for any political campaign.
Bwembya said official verdicts would be withheld until Sate authorities independently establish the facts.
The briefing concluded with a blunt call for patience over speculation, reminding the industry that verified facts remained far more useful than competing political narratives.