THE EYE VIEW: When Principles Change with Political Colours

Yo Maps at HH’s campaign launch in Lusaka. Credit: Hakainde Hichilema facebook page

By Mbanga Irvine Ilukui

One of the greatest weaknesses in Zambian politics is not necessarily the rivalry between political parties. It is the tendency by politicians and their supporters to judge the same issue differently depending on who is involved.

The reaction to musician Yo Maps’ performance at President Hakainde Hichilema’s presidential campaign launch provides a timely example.

For many Zambians, seeing one of the country’s biggest musical stars headline a major political event was simply another performance by an artist doing his job. Yet only five years ago, the same Yo Maps faced intense criticism after recording and performing the campaign song Alebwelelapo for Zambia’s Sixth Republican President, the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu, alongside Macky 2 and Mampi.

At the time, many supporters of the then-opposition UPND accused the musicians of abandoning neutrality, choosing politics over professionalism and placing money ahead of patriotism. Some artists also distanced themselves from political performances. Among them was Drimz, who publicly stated he would never use his talent for political campaigns.

Fast forward to 2026.

Drimz has since participated in a campaign song supporting President Hichilema. Yo Maps, Mampi, JK, Slapdee, Wile, Mozegator and several other musicians who have previously performed for different political parties are now appearing at UPND campaign events.

There is nothing inherently wrong with that.

Musicians earn a living through performances. Political parties, just like companies, churches and private organisations, hire entertainers for public events. That is part of the entertainment industry.

The question is not why musicians perform for political parties.

The real question is why the same conduct was condemned in 2021 but is celebrated today.

That contradiction illustrates a much deeper problem in Zambia’s political culture.

Too often, political loyalty determines whether something is considered right or wrong. The standard changes depending on who is involved.

Examples are easy to find.

The UPND strongly opposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 10 in 2020, arguing that it had been rushed and lacked adequate consultation. Years later, critics accused the same party of pushing Bill 7 through Parliament under similar concerns about limited consultation.

Likewise, the Patriotic Front criticised former Vice-President Nevers Mumba for openly supporting President Hichilema, despite the fact that former President Rupiah Banda had publicly campaigned for Edgar Lungu during previous elections.

Freedom of expression has also frequently been viewed through partisan lenses. During the PF administration, many opposition supporters defended outspoken government critics as exercising constitutional rights. Today, similar debates emerge whenever criticism is directed at the current administration, with positions often changing depending on political affiliation rather than principle.

The burial disputes surrounding former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda and Edgar Lungu have also revealed how political positions can shift once parties exchange roles in government and opposition.

Even political violence, a vice that nearly every party publicly condemns, is often denounced only when committed by political opponents while being ignored or excused when committed by one’s own supporters.

Perhaps the most worrying trend is the increasing tendency to interpret politics through regional or ethnic identity. Political parties frequently accuse each other of exploiting tribal loyalties, yet similar mobilisation strategies appear across the political divide whenever elections approach.

These examples do not suggest that one political party is uniquely guilty.

Rather, they expose a broader national problem.

Zambian politics often lacks consistency.

Many citizens evaluate political events not according to facts or principles but according to which political party or leader is involved. The result is a political culture where identical actions are condemned one day and applauded the next.

Democracy functions best when citizens hold all leaders to the same standards.

If violence is wrong, it should remain wrong regardless of who commits it. If constitutional processes deserve protection, they should be defended consistently. If artists have the right to perform for political parties, that right should apply equally regardless of which party hires them.

Politics should not determine our principles.

Rather, our principles should determine our politics.

As Zambia heads toward the August elections, perhaps the greatest test is not only for political parties but also for citizens themselves. Can we judge issues objectively? Can we criticise our preferred leaders when they are wrong and acknowledge our opponents when they are right?

Until that happens, double standards will continue to shape our political discourse, and genuine democratic maturity will remain elusive.

The country deserves better.

Mbanga Irvine Ilukui writes from Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America.

Editor’s Note: The Eye View is Zambian Eye’s weekly opinion and analysis column. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Zambian Eye.