ZAM CONDEMNS MISTREATMENT OF CHEF 187 AT STANBIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of Zambian artist Kondwani Kaira, also known as Chef 187, during a sound-check session for the Stanbic Music Festival on Thursday.
Chef 187 has since cancelled his participation in the two-day festival set for Friday and Saturday in Lusaka, headlined by USA artist Omarion and Musiq Soul Child.
According to Chef 187’s management team, the artist was treated unfairly by the stage manager, who dismissed his rehearsal session to accommodate the headlining act.
ZAM President Davison Munsanda condemned the behavior, describing it as unprofessional and unacceptable, as it undermines the respect that Chef 187 and other local artists deserve.
Munsanda emphasized that while the importance of international acts is recognized, their handling must not come at the expense of local talent.
He added that the incident reflects a broader issue of neglect for local talent, which event organizers must address.
Munsanda also highlighted disparities in payment between local and visiting performers and instances of local artists being denied backstage access.
He stated that such occurrences cannot continue and noted that ZAM is in touch with both Stanbic and the National Arts Council.
Munsanda urged the government to expedite the process of strengthening regulations around event promoters to ensure they are held accountable.
Please if local artists think they are so important let them just stay away from such festivals. We cannot even pay money to go and watch chef 187 to do what? These are nobody’s we would rather pay to watch a movie than a local singer who thinks he is so important and a star.