Fellow Nurses Africa | Lagos, Nigeria | 16 October, 2025
A young Zambian nurse has found herself at the center of national attention after a video of her rapping in her professional uniform went viral, prompting disciplinary action from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ).
The video, believed to have been recorded during the 47th Copperbelt Combined Graduation Ceremony held on October 14, 2025, shows the newly graduated nurse, identified as Lisa Kaoma rapping along to Kanye West’s “Good Morning.”
However, the NMCZ described the clip as “irresponsible and unprofessional,” saying it undermined the dignity of the nursing profession. In an official statement released on October 15, Registrar and CEO Beauty Siansende Zimba said:
“The uniform worn by nurses and midwives is a symbol of trust, compassion, and professionalism. Any behavior that undermines this symbol erodes public confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions.”
The Council stated that it had identified the nurse and would take disciplinary action in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Act No. 10 of 2019, warning that sanctions could include suspension or removal from the register.
The situation quickly drew mixed reactions online with some condemning the nurse’s actions as unprofessional, while others defended her as a symbol of perseverance and youthful expression.
Youth Advocate and President of Youth Alliance Zambia, Tiza Mukuka, criticized the Council’s stance, saying:
“It would be absolutely foolish to punish her for celebrating a lifetime achievement. In a country where many young women drop out of school, Lisa’s success should be celebrated, not condemned.”
Amid the controversy, the nurse herself released a heartfelt apology video, saying she never meant to disrespect her profession.
“I apologize. I was simply too over-excited, I’m the first in my family to graduate,” she said in the clip shared on Zambia Reports’ Facebook page. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I was just celebrating my success and my parents’ joy.”
The apology has since softened public opinion, with many calling on the NMCZ to reconsider its stance and allow the nurse to begin her career without disciplinary hindrance.
While the Council has not yet confirmed whether it will proceed with punishment, the incident has reignited national discussions on professionalism, social media ethics, and freedom of expression among healthcare workers.
What’s your view on this?
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African Nurses. We educate, inform and support the nursing profession.
Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
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