Zambia’s Creative Industry Shaken as Scandal Engulfs Mwaka Halwiindi and David Kazadi

Youth Village Zambia
5 Min Read

Zambia’s vibrant creative industry is grappling with shock and speculation following a developing scandal involving two of its most prominent rising stars: actress, model, and digital personality Mwaka Halwiindi, and acclaimed filmmaker and former Hot FM Zambia CEO, David Kazadi.

The controversy erupted after an explicit video surfaced online last week, allegedly featuring a young woman resembling Halwiindi in a compromising situation. The footage, graphic in nature, circulated swiftly across social media platforms and private messaging groups, sparking widespread public outrage and media attention.

In response, Zambian authorities moved quickly to contain the fallout. Halwiindi was reportedly taken in for questioning as part of a broader investigation into the video’s origins, distribution, and the identities of the individuals involved. Shortly after, David Kazadi was also taken into custody and is currently assisting police with ongoing inquiries. While it remains unclear whether Kazadi appears in the video or was involved in its production or leak, law enforcement has confirmed his role in the investigation.

The incident has reignited interest in the professional relationship between the two creatives. Halwiindi and Kazadi previously collaborated under Kazadi Films, a production company operating under the Hot Media Group, chaired by Oscar Chavula, Kazadi’s uncle and the board chair of Hot FM Zambia. One of their most notable projects, “Day In My Life | Work pt1,” remains a fan favourite and offered viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Halwiindi’s journey as a young creative. Its candid tone and relatable content cemented her reputation as a rising digital influencer.

David Kazadi, on the other hand, became a household name following the success of his 2020 film “Black Dollar,” which gained critical acclaim and marked a major milestone as the first Zambian movie linked to Netflix. The film, which explored gritty themes of corruption, ambition, and survival in urban Zambia, helped position Kazadi as a trailblazer in the local film industry and an advocate for bringing Zambian stories to global platforms.

However, the unfolding scandal has since led to significant consequences. Hot FM Zambia has formally announced Kazadi’s dismissal as CEO, effective immediately. In a statement signed by board chair Oscar Chavula, the media group affirmed its commitment to upholding public trust, noting that while the company respects legal due process, the serious nature of the situation necessitated swift action.

“Mr. Kazadi no longer holds any role within Hot FM Zambia or its affiliated entities. Interim leadership has been appointed to ensure continuity of operations,” read the statement. The company also assured the public that normal programming and business functions would continue uninterrupted and reiterated its cooperation with law enforcement.

As investigations continue, both Halwiindi and Kazadi remain at the centre of a media storm. No formal charges have been laid against either of them, and they are presumed innocent as the legal process unfolds. Still, the court of public opinion remains divided, with online discourse ranging from empathy to condemnation.

Legal experts and media analysts have cautioned against trial by social media, warning that viral scandals often compromise the right to privacy and the presumption of innocence. They argue that such cases must be treated with fairness and objectivity, especially when reputations and careers are at stake.

Beyond the immediate controversy, the situation has reignited important discussions about digital privacy, ethical content sharing, and the responsibilities that come with public visibility in the internet age.

For now, the fate of two of Zambia’s most promising creative voices hangs in the balance. Halwiindi, known for her authenticity and storytelling, and Kazadi, celebrated for pushing Zambian cinema forward, now face an uncertain chapter in their professional and personal lives.

As the nation watches with growing interest, one thing remains clear—truth, due process, and justice must guide the way forward.

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