After declaring that he would not re-contest his position as Zambia Association for Musicians (ZAM) president, Zambia's renowned reggae artist Maiko Zulu bowed down to pressure from members to rescind his decision and participate in the polls which he won.

The dreadlocked reggae star therefore continues as ZAM president after he democratically defeated his only contender Aaron Sikasunda with 49 votes against a paltry four.

This was during the ZAM Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held in Lusaka on Monday and was overseen by the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolutions of Disputes (SACCORD).

The twist of things came about after Maiko gave his 'last' speech as president of the association that some members believed that it was too early for him to exit the ZAM presidency hence calls from the membership for him to re-contest.

Maiko gave what was deemed as an inspirational 'last' speech which convinced most members that he was the right man to continue with the foundation and the growing of the musical association.

The president elect says the earlier decision for him not to run for the second term in office was purely personal and had nothing to do with the constitution of the ZAM hence members saw it fit for him to continue because he was constitutionally eligible.

"It is so humbling for me to realise that people have confidence in my leadership and asked that I re-contest, they felt the industry was going to lose out if there was no continuity from my end," he says.

Earlier, Maiko told Times Entertainment that his earlier decision not to re-contest the position was aimed at according himself time to analyse and address issues that were arising in governance of the country now that there was a new Government in place.

He said that time had come to critically analyse the new Government without any fear or favour and that he could ably do without extra responsibilities such as being the ZAM president.

Now that he is again in the driving seat of the ZAM, will he continue with his project of critically dissecting the new Government? We are yet to see. His only contender, Sikasunda accepted the verdict of the polls and wished the reggae star all the best in superintending over the affairs of ZAM.