Mampi did not whisper her political choice. The Zambian music icon placed it inside a song and proudly took her support for President Hakainde Hichilema into the public arena.
The singer, whose real name is Mirriam Mukape, released Pamone during the final stretch of Zambia’s 2026 election campaign. The song openly supported Hichilema and the United Party for National Development ahead of the 13 August vote.
Now that Hichilema has secured a second term, Mampi’s campaign anthem has returned to the spotlight as supporters celebrate the result.
It was a bold move from one of Zambia’s most established entertainers. Although several musicians performed at political events during the campaign, Mampi went further by recording a song that made her position unmistakably clear.
Mampi throws her weight behind Hichilema
Pamone, which can be understood as “together,” carried a message of unity while encouraging voters to support Hichilema’s re-election campaign.
Videos of the song circulated across social media during the days leading up to the election. Mampi also appeared at campaign-related gatherings where she entertained supporters and used her star power to energise crowds.
Her involvement immediately attracted attention because Mampi is not a new artist searching for publicity. She is a veteran performer with more than two decades in the entertainment industry and a large following across Zambia.
Therefore, her decision to enter the political conversation carried considerable weight.
Some fans welcomed the endorsement and praised her confidence. Others questioned whether musicians should become closely associated with political parties. However, Mampi appeared comfortable with her choice and continued promoting the campaign song.
State House appearance gets people talking
Mampi also appeared at State House during a march by students from different institutions in Lusaka.
The students had travelled to thank Hichilema for measures involving student loans, meal allowances, bursaries and improvements at learning institutions.
During the event, Hichilema announced plans to extend government bursaries and meal allowances to eligible students attending private universities. He said the initiative would widen access to education and reduce the financial pressure affecting students and their families.
Mampi’s presence added music and celebrity energy to the gathering. Footage from the event showed the singer engaging with the crowd while students celebrated outside the country’s most powerful office.
The appearance further confirmed that her support for Hichilema extended beyond recording a campaign song.
Hichilema wins another five years
Hichilema was declared the winner of Zambia’s presidential election after receiving approximately 60% of the vote.
His main rival, Brian Mundubile, secured around 38%, according to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
The result gave Hichilema a second five-year term, although the election was surrounded by political tension, disruptions during vote counting and opposition complaints about the process.
Mundubile rejected the result and indicated that his team would challenge it. Nevertheless, Hichilema thanked voters and promised to govern for every Zambian, including those who supported his opponents.
For Mampi, the result means that the candidate she publicly backed has retained the presidency.
Her song now forms part of the soundtrack that accompanied one of Zambia’s most closely watched elections.
Celebrity endorsements remain risky
Political endorsements can bring artists closer to powerful figures, but they can also divide audiences.
Fans do not always share the political beliefs of their favourite musicians. Consequently, an artist who supports one party may face criticism from listeners who back another movement.
There is also the question of accountability. Once a celebrity publicly campaigns for a politician, people may expect that person to speak when promises are not fulfilled.
Mampi’s endorsement means some Zambians will continue connecting her name to Hichilema’s second-term performance. If the administration delivers on employment, education, electricity and the cost of living, her decision may appear justified to supporters.
However, if daily conditions fail to improve, critics may return to Pamone and question the celebrities who helped promote the campaign.
The Queen Diva remains fearless
Mampi has never built her career by staying silent.
From her energetic performances to songs such as Walilowelela, Why, Swililili and Mulomo, she has developed a reputation for confidence, strong opinions and refusing to live according to other people’s expectations.
Her involvement in the election fits that public image.
Whether fans agree with her politics or not, Mampi made her decision openly and accepted the attention that followed. She did not hide behind vague messages or wait until the result was announced before showing support.
With Hichilema now preparing for another five years in office, Pamone has gained a new meaning. It is no longer only a campaign song asking people to vote.
It has become part of the story of an election victory—and a reminder of the moment Zambia’s Queen Diva stepped directly into the political spotlight.