IBA BANS THE AIRING OF BM8 & MZ8 CAMPAIGN SONG

In a statement released and directed to Hot FM owner, Mr. Oscar Chavula, the IBA says it reviewed the song and fouod that it contains politically charged and inflammatory statements that may breach broadcasting guidelines during the election period.

The Authority pointed out several lyrics in the song, including claims that political leaders use tribe and money to divide citizens, have promoted tribal hatred, enacted unjust laws, and sold national mines to associates. The IBA also notes that the song contains insinuations of satanism against unnamed political figures.

According to the IBA, these statements are unverified and lack balancing context, and may contribute to political tension, division, and emotional mobilisation ahead of the elections.

While acknowledging that political campaign songs are a form of democratic expression, the IBA has reminded broadcasters to ensure content complies with the IBA Act and election coverage guidelines to maintain fair and responsible broadcasting.

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND: Below is the full IBA statement released on 29th May 2026

Independent Broadcasting Authority

Office of the Director-General

Mass Media Complex, P.O. Box 32475, Lusaka

Tel: +260 211 250589 / 255408

E-mail: info@iba.org.zm / complaints@iba.org.zm

www.iba.org.zm

IBA/101/11/77

29th May 2026

Mr. Tawonga Chavula

Chief Operations Officer

Hot FM

Plot 2658, Los Angeles Boulevard Road, Long Acres

P.O. Box 38031

LUSAKA.

Dear Mr. Chavula,

RE: CAUTION AGAINST THE BROADCAST OF THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SONG "BM8 NA MZ8 BENGILE" BY BLAZE ZAMBIA

The above subject matter refers.

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) wishes to caution Hot FM against the airing or continued broadcast of the political campaign song titled "BM8 na MZ8 Bengile" by artist Blaze Zambia.

Following a review conducted by the Authority, pursuant to the IBA Act, the IBA Election Coverage Guidelines, and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Authority has established that the song contains content that raises compliance concerns under election broadcasting standards.

The analysis established that the song contains politically charged and inflammatory statements, including allegations that political leaders:

i. "use tribe and money to make people hate each other";

ii. "have caused tribal hatred";

iii. "have advanced unjust laws and hatred"; and

iv. "sold the mines to their friends."

The song also contains insinuations relating to alleged satanism by unnamed political opponents. These statements are presented without verification or balancing context and may contribute to political tension, hostility, division, and emotional political mobilisation during the electoral period.

While the Authority recognises political campaign songs as a legitimate form of democratic expression, stations are required to ensure that content aired on their platforms:

To promote a pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation. 

[Brave Heart News  | UnlockingMinds]