Beats, ballots and Zambia's election music

Beats, ballots and Zambia's election music

Author: BBC World Service August 11, 2026 Duration: 22:58

Zambia's 8 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots on August 13, when the country will hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Fourteen candidates are gunning for the presidency but many see it as a two-horse race between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and opposition leader Brian Mundubile. The vote comes amid concerns of high cost of living and unemployment. We look at how candidates used music on the campaign trail to sway voters.

And we explain the often-strained relationship between rap music and politics as Moroccan rapper El Mehdi Lyoubi better known to his fans as Mehdi Black Wind is on trial for controversial lyrics.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Basma El Atti, Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla


Each weekday, as the afternoon draws to a close, Focus on Africa provides a thoughtful and necessary pause to understand the continent's dynamic pulse. Produced by the BBC World Service, this daily podcast goes beyond headlines, unpacking two essential stories with depth and context. The reporting doesn't just explain the major events shaping nations and communities; it deliberately highlights the individuals living through these changes, ensuring the human dimension of every story is heard. Furthermore, the program offers a vital African perspective on worldwide events, examining how global developments resonate locally. Under the steady guidance of host Nkechi Ogbonna, listeners are offered clarity and insight, making complex issues accessible. This reliable briefing is crafted to fit into your routine, arriving before the evening with the authority and nuance you expect. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a nuanced portrait of a continent, its people, and its place in the world, all delivered with journalistic rigor five days a week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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