Congolese rumba singer, Koffi Olomide, has been banned from the Zambian government from performing in the country due to several allegations that includes sexually assaulting his dancers, kidnapping them and employing them without valid permits in France. Olumide who is a regular performer in Zambia was set to hold two shows in Lusaka and Kitwe this month but the ban came following an appeal by the French embassy in Zambia, requesting local authorities to arrest Olomide if he travelled to the southern African country. 
The Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili, in the country told local media that the singer would be arrested upon arrival. The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL), also said the singer should clear his name before performing in the country. “We believe as many Zambians do that Koffi Olomide should first be cleared of all the charges levelled against him before he can perform on Zambian soil.” “It is sad to note that Koffi Olomide’s illustrious music career has been marred by allegations of human rights violations and abuses, especially of women, who are in his care by virtue of employment. In 2016, Olomide was caught on camera assaulting one of his dancers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. He was deported before he could hold his concert in the Kenyan capital. We did watch footage of the unfortunate incident in which Koffi Olomide physically assaulted a female dancer in Kenya, an incident which resulted in his temporal ban from performing in Zambia and many other countries. What is worse is that from all indications, Koffi Olomide seems to have not reformed and has no remorse, as reports of his violent and abusive behaviour continues to surface” the ZNWL said.This won’t be Olomide’s first issues in Zambia. In 2013, he assaulted a photojournalist and fled the border to avoid arrest.
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