Zambian Artists Deserve Fair Treatment, Says Yo Maps in Solidarity with Chef 187

Zambian Artists Deserve Fair Treatment, Says Yo Maps in Solidarity with Chef 187

Yo Maps, a well-known musician from Zambia, has publicly expressed support for Chef 187’s decision to withdraw from the Stanbic Music Festival.

Yo Maps defended the withdrawal in a forceful statement that he shared on social media, sparking a discussion over how event planners treat local artists.

Yo Maps highlighted his dissatisfaction with the treatment of Chef 187 and other Zambian musicians, blaming Chef 187’s withdrawal primarily on the promoters’ lack of professionalism.

“I stand firmly with my brother, Chef 187, on his decision to withdraw from the Stanbic Music Festival. As artists, we pour our heart and soul into our craft, and it’s essential that we are treated with the respect we deserve by promoters and organizers,” – Yo Maps wrote on Facebook.

He continued by criticising the festival organisers for their lack of consideration and inability to provide enough accommodations for Zambian performers, saying that this kind of behaviour makes it impossible for performers like Chef 187 to continue taking part in these events.

Yo Maps emphasised the value of professionalism in the field and insisted that local musicians had to be accorded the same respect as foreign performers.

“Zambian artists have continuously elevated the music scene, not just locally but globally. We deserve to be treated with the same dignity and fairness as any international act,”

Yo Maps continued in his statement, calling for the organizers of the Stanbic Music Festival to reflect on their actions.

One particular concern brought up was the poor management of logistical information. Yo Maps made the observation that it was unfair and unethical to ask musicians to spend hours waiting —from midday till late at night— to do sound checks, just to give them ten minutes. He claimed that this kind of treatment lessens the significance of the artists’ labours and dedication.

Yo Maps’ open endorsement of Chef 187 is a part of a larger movement demanding greater deference and professionalism from Zambian musicians.

He exhorted the sector to band together and demand the professionalism necessary to develop and advance Zambia’s music scene.

 “Let’s stand together to demand the respect and professionalism that will grow our industry,”

Yo Maps urged his fellow artists and industry stakeholders.

Many in the local music community have found resonance with Yo Maps, one of Zambia’s most well-known performers, endorsing Chef 187’s decision.

It draws attention to the common complaints of artists who believe that event planners frequently undervalue their contributions and talents. Promoters and event planners are sent a strong message by their united stance. Zambian talent must no longer be mistreated or treated with disrespect.

Yo Maps and Chef 187, who have both played significant roles in increasing the public awareness of Zambian music, are making it very evident that supporting local artists is crucial to the industry’s expansion.