Following questioning by police today, the Zambian musician Chama Fumba, who performs under the title of Pilato, was arrested and denied bail in relation to a controversial song which some say may defame President Edgar Lungu.
The song in question is a remix of the legendary Nashil Pischen Kazembe’s Aphiri Anabwela, but featuring Pilato’s lyrics which call President Lungu “a drunk,” among several other insults.
Pilato arrived at the Lusaka Central Police in the company of lawyers and sympathisers and was immediately ushered into the interogation room where he was arrested and charged.
Police further refused to release the musician on police bond, saying they needed to get instructions from the prosecutions authority.
Freedom of speech advocates have denounced the arrest of the musician.