By 
The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) has released a detailed timeline of its engagement with the team of popular artiste Yo Maps over the controversy surrounding scenes in his “Budget” music video, amid growing public debate and allegations of misinformation.
ZAM president, Brian Bwembya, said the disclosure was prompted by what he described as a “false narrative” suggesting that the association had not engaged the artist’s camp on the matter.
He said ZAM’s intervention was aimed at addressing public concerns while protecting both cultural values and the production investment behind the video.
According to Bwembya, ZAM first contacted Yo Maps on April 26, 2026, following public complaints about certain scenes in the video. The association then engaged the video director, Longwe Nyirenda, also known as Director Lo of Reel Studios, urging corrective action.
Bwembya said ZAM proposed the use of YouTube’s in-platform editing tools instead of removing the video entirely, citing concerns over production costs and audience reach. He said the director later indicated that he had consulted Yo Maps and received approval to proceed with the suggested edits.
Read more: Association says moves made to effect edits on Yo Maps controversial ‘budget’ video
ZAM further stated that it was later informed that a revised version of the video had been submitted to Africori, Yo Maps’ distribution partner, for replacement on YouTube, with an expected turnaround time of 48 hours.
However, by April 30, the original video was still online, despite assurances that a “clean version” had been processed.
Director Lo reportedly attributed the delay to rejection of the initial upload and ongoing efforts to resolve technical issues with YouTube.
Bwembya said that following continued complaints from members of the public, faith leaders and parents, ZAM followed up with Yo Maps’ management.
During a conversation on May 2, 2026, with manager DJ Kandeke, ZAM reiterated its concerns.
Bwembya claimed Kandeke questioned why parents were allowing children to access the video and argued that the production was not intended for local television broadcast.
Kandeke is also said to have raised concerns over what he described as selective enforcement against Yo Maps, referencing earlier action by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) over a motorcade celebration following the artist’s AFRIMMA award win.
RTSA has previously regulated road safety compliance during public celebrations in Zambia.
Bwembya also defended ZAM’s relationship with Yo Maps and his team, saying the association has consistently supported the artist’s international engagements.
He cited assistance with visa recommendations, facilitation of international bookings including in Burkina Faso, and support with travel-related processes for the artist and members of his Olio Records team.
Bwembya further claimed ZAM played a role in securing Yo Maps’ release following an immigration-related arrest in Namibia.
In his statement, Bwembya referenced provisions under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025, which restrict publication of private communications without consent. He requested Yo Maps, Director Lo and DJ Kandeke to authorise the release of relevant communications to support ZAM’s position.
He said he would not tolerate attempts to damage his reputation or that of the association, adding that ZAM remains committed to supporting artists while upholding professional and cultural standards.
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