In a surprising turn of events, Zambian music heavyweight Yo Maps has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Kwacha Music Awards (KMA), expressing a desire to contribute to the industry in a different capacity as a sponsor.
A statement issued by Olios Records on behalf of the chart-topping artist confirmed the withdrawal, adding that Yo Maps intends to support the awards financially, should such an opportunity be allowed.
The move has stirred conversation across the music scene, with some praising it as a mature step toward uplifting the industry beyond personal accolades.
But the announcement hasn’t been met with universal applause, fellow artist Chile One responded swiftly and passionately, issuing an open letter to the KMA committee in which he raised serious concerns about the implications of allowing active musicians to sponsor award categories.
He warns that such actions could cast doubt on the legitimacy of the awards and undermine the hard work of other nominees.
While Chile One acknowledges the importance of sponsorship in growing the Zambian music industry, he emphasizes that fairness and integrity must remain at the heart of any award system.
Echoing his sentiments is the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) , who have clarified its stance on the matter sharing that an active musician cannot sponsor an award ceremony or any of its categories, as this may compromise the integrity of the awards, while also affirming Yo Maps’s right to withdraw from the competition.
The association has expressed appreciation for Yo Maps’s gesture but suggested alternative forms of industry support that would avoid conflicts of interest which could include funding studio time for emerging artists, supporting collaborations between new and established acts, sponsoring music videos for upcoming musicians and organizing educational masterclasses on music business and artistry.
ZAM further advises the KMA committee to maintain its current sponsorship model, which relies on long standing corporate partners rather than individuals with active stakes in the music scene.
As the countdown to the 2025 Kwacha Music Awards continues, the incident has ignited a broader conversation about transparency, power dynamics, and the evolving role of top-tier artists in the Zambian music landscape.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
