Michael Baird’s album Zambia Roadside – Music From Southern Province features tribal drumming and women’s choir singing as well as breakneck guitar-based tracks about hunting and one that praises chiefs.
These styles were formed following Zambia’s independence, when President Kenneth Kaunda ordered that at least 95% of radio music should come from homegrown composers in order to build national identity and promote national pride.
Zamrock
In Zambia’s 1960’s and 70’s were years of profound change. After its independence from colonial rule, modernization took hold rapidly with young people finding employment while discovering rock music through bands like Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. Inspired by these legendary rockers’ influence, Zambian musicians formed their own bands, producing an altogether unique form known as Zamrock that combined traditional instruments with psychedelic fuzz guitar psychedelia as well as James Brown-inspired rhythms to produce this new sound that has endured until this day.
Although Zamrock was short-lived, its popularity spurred a generation of young Zambians into music genres that span from covers songs in miners’ taverns to dedicating all their time and efforts into it; bands like Paul Ngozi’s Musi-O-Tunya and Rikki Ililonga’s WITCH became influential and continue to be heard today.
Zamrock was immensely popular, yet eventually its golden era was quickly dismantled due to economic issues. Copper prices declined, making recording studios and concert venues prohibitively costly for bands performing it. Furthermore, AIDS epidemic was at its height, impacting many Zambian musicians involved with playing Zamrock music as many became sick with it.
Over time, much of this music was lost or dispersed; however, in recent times there has been renewed interest due to music lovers from the West discovering this music’s heritage. Music blogs and YouTube uploads helped revive it further while record labels began digging up old vinyl records to reissue. Thus artists like Emmanuel Jagari Chanda and Rikki Ililonga could tour America and Europe again.
Today, Zambian music remains immensely popular around the globe. Inspired by other countries’ cultures while remaining uniquely African-based. This music showcases Zambia’s remarkable musicians’ talent.
Kalindula
Zambian music can be divided into a number of genres. These include rumba, kalindula, ngoma and batonga which all draw influence from African traditions as well as European and American hymns. Furthermore, many Zambian musicians also belong to churches where they perform their music at church services.
Kalindula music is distinguished by the use of Zambian banjos, homemade guitars fashioned out of materials such as wood, metal and tin cans. They feature multiple tuning options and can be played using two or three fingers; further variations exist that feature up to six strings on the instrument.
Kalindula music is often performed for sundown serenades or social evenings after harvesting or attaining success, reflecting Zambia’s cultural diversity. It can be heard playing in taverns, homes and at local ceremonies; its emotional resonance makes kalindula an integral part of Zambian culture.
Kalindula’s immense popularity gave birth to additional musical genres. Its use of different languages and its ability to reach a wider audience fostered a sense of national unity in Zambia, while also encouraging its culture of Zambian folklore to flourish. Kalindula quickly become the most beloved form of dance music from 1970s-1990s.
In the 1980s, a hybrid form of kalindula known as Kweli or township kalindula emerged. Artists such as Oliya Band, Masasu Band, Serenje Kalindula Band and Junior Mulemena Boys helped popularise Kweli across South Africa.
While Zambian kalindula movement was once popular, Congolese rumba eventually overtook it in terms of musical popularity by the mid 1990s – becoming the main musical genre found at taverns and other venues. Still popular today in rural and urban settings alike, kalindula remains popular thanks to its emotive lyrics, catchy rhythms, and its perfect qualities for danceability.
Hip-Hop
Rap music’s arrival has altered Zambian popular music. While older people may lament its absence, others enjoy exploring new genres. While this movement has brought some economic success, Zambian artists must become more creative and flexible to stay afloat; many now rely on part-time jobs or guest performances as sources of income; this trend has resulted in less popularity for traditional genres such as Kalindula or Zamrock.
Hip-hop music and other emerging styles have inspired a new generation of Zambian musicians. Influenced by popular American, Jamaican, and Congolese styles as well as their own personal musical styles developed their own distinctive sounds which have found success on local markets such as Zambia. Fans have coined this new sound “Kopala Swag”, and some notable acts include Chef 187 and Macky 2.
Although Kalindula music’s popularity has fallen over time, it still exists and some original artists continue to produce new songs and perform live shows primarily within the Copperbelt region.
Traditional Zambian music may have declined in recent decades, yet it still plays a crucial role in Zambian culture. The genre’s rhythmic, lyrical themes have long been used for ritual and spiritual purposes as well as ritual cleansing rituals. African drums and polymeters are frequently featured in Zambian songs while modern versions often incorporate vocal chants and call-and-response patterns into contemporary compositions.
Zambia experienced severe economic struggles during the early 1980s due to a decline in copper mining. This economic turmoil resulted in many of Zambia’s established musical groups disbanding and foreign influences becoming prominent within many bands formerly dedicated to Zambian music being adopted instead. Radio stations became overwhelmed with reggae from Jamaica as well as hip hop and R&B from America that intruded onto Zambian radio waves without restrictions designed to promote it.
Mondo Music production company played a vital role in revitalizing Zambian music during the 2000s. They identified and introduced many talented new artists – such as Shatel. For several years these performers dominated the music scene until a new wave of Zambian hip-hop artists emerged.
Reggae
Reggae music combines elements from various musical genres such as calypso, rocksteady and rhythm and blues; traditional African and Caribbean music; as well as heavy backbeating rhythms characterized by the percussion falling on beats 2 and 4 when in standard 4/4 time signature – unlike jazz or classical. Reggae typically employs bass instruments rather than keyboards or guitars when performed.
Reggae music is defined by themes of love, sexuality and spirituality. Additionally, its songs often address political topics as well as being socially and environmentally aware – reflecting its roots within Jamaica’s Rastafarian movement that originated with belief in Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie as Messiah. Over time and popularity, reggae music has continued to develop over time.
Zambian musicians of Zambia’s traditional genre are becoming more prominent and embedded into its culture, but are currently facing stiff competition from western popular music, especially among younger listeners who may prefer American or British artists over local talent. Furthermore, success doesn’t always translate to financial prosperity for musicians so some must find other means of income generation.
Zambian artists have made waves on the international reggae scene. Larry Maluma is an Australian-based musician renowned for his reggae work; he has released multiple albums and supported touring acts. Larry is highly esteemed within Australia’s music community for his contributions to its reggae scene.
Milz is another noteworthy artist. His songs draw their influence from Zambian sounds, featuring dancehall and reggae elements. Milz enjoys smoking marijuana to achieve a more relaxing state while performing his music live.
Maiko Zulu is one of many talented Zambian musicians who has released music for more than two decades, drawing influence from Western and Zambian musical styles in her politically charged music, which she performs alongside several international artists as a guest performer.
Zambian music has experienced tremendous growth over recent years. This genre boasts an iconic Zambian sound influenced by traditional songs. Lyrically speaking, Zambian songs explore topics ranging from marriage and traditional culture.
After Zambia became independent from Northern Rhodesia in 1964, Kenneth Kaunda instituted legislation requiring 95 percent of radio music be created locally – an important boost for Zambian musicians.
Kay Figo
Cynthia Kayula Bwalya, more commonly known by her stage name Kay Figo, is one of Zambia’s foremost female artists. Her musical style blends elements from ragga, R&B, hip hop and traditional Zambian rhythms such as dunka dunka into one cohesive whole; her dance moves have earned her the moniker “Vibrating Waist.” Maloza, her first album was also an enormous success.
Western pop is the dominant genre in Zambian music, featuring lyrics ranging from love stories and social criticism, as well as celebrating Zambia’s diversity through songs about different cultures and languages.
Zambian music scene is predominantly male-driven, yet some talented women artists stand out. These include Mampi, Cleo Ice Queen, Bombshell Grenade, Dambisa and Kay Figo who excel at mixing traditional Zambian rhythms with Western pop styles in their music. Their hit song titled Kanyelele which means shake it has over 1 Million YouTube views alone! These artists are widely revered for their high-quality beats and seductive voices while having great personalities to complete unforgettable performances.
Jay Rox
Jackson Ngambi Banda aka Jay Roxa first rose to prominence as part of hip hop group Zone Fam, before later going solo and releasing several albums including his latest project ‘Enigma’ which features twenty one tracks with African Rap elements gracefully interweaved with Afrobeats/Afrofusion bounce fusion music – featuring artists like Tanzanian superstar Rayvanny, Zimbabwean singer Gemma Griffiths and Zambian artiste LCJay amongst others.
This album’s songs focus on celebrating culture, people and traditions of one’s home country while paying homage to notable African figures from history. They serve as an inspirational testament to Africans and should encourage younger generations to cherish their heritage, raise their African culture higher, and live fulfilling lives.
Many Zambian artists boast diverse musical sounds, yet all share one key characteristic–patriotism. Their music combines traditional and contemporary sounds while their lyrics speak volumes about Zambian culture. Furthermore, these musicians possess remarkable talent allowing them to enthrall audiences – some have even received international recognition!
Wezi Mhone
Music is an essential element of Zambian culture, yet making a living from it isn’t always an easy endeavor. Many popular Zambian artists rely on performing at corporate events and other forms of work to supplement their incomes – some may even need to leave music altogether due to poor finances. Yet Zambia’s rich musical legacy has contributed immensely to creating its distinct sound: traditional Zambian music had clear ritualistic or societal purposes in the past but now influences contemporary forms like Kalindula (lyrically telling tales about marriage, customs, and daily life).
Zambia is known for its eclectic mixture of Western and local influences in its music scene. After Zambia formally gained independence from Northern Rhodesia in 1964 under Kenneth Kaunda’s administration and became independent, Kenneth passed a law mandating that 95 percent of radio music played be local or Zambian origin – alongside an economic boom brought on by copper production this gave birth to an exciting music scene that remains vibrant today.
Today, Zambian musicians create a hybrid form of music known as Zed Beats. This genre blends elements of R&B and hip hop music with traditional Zambian sounds to form its signature sound. Some notable artists of Zed Beats include JK, Danny Kaya, Petersen Zagaze Macky 2 and K’Millian.
B Flow
Zambian music has been heavily influenced by contemporary international styles. These influences can be heard in its melodies and rhythms which define Zambian contemporary popular music. Kalindula music, a genre drawing on sounds and themes found in traditional African instruments is popularly played. The instrument features stringed bodies with fingers or sticks used to play it. Commonly referred to as banjo due to its similar shape and sound characteristics but often misrepresented.
Over the past twenty years, several kalindula bands have found considerable success. Most notably is PK Chishala with hits like ‘Kabelebele’ and ‘Pastor’; another popular group is Glorious Band.
B Flow, a female singer known for her signature gyrating moves, made waves upon entering the Zambian music scene when her first album Maloza quickly sold-out; Chimo ni Chimo outshone its predecessor even further.
Danny is one of the leading forces behind Zambian rap’s rise, pioneering a sound known as Zed Beats that blends reggae, zambique and hip-hop influences. Alongside his music career, Danny also enjoys radio hosting duties and founding youth development organisations in Zambia – plus serving as global ambassador for AIDS Healthcare Foundation!
Danny
Early Zambian music was inspired by local beliefs and practices, with troubadours travelling between mining camps entertaining exhausted workers with songs and morality tales. President Kenneth Kaunda later mandated that 95% of radio programming contain local music – intended to foster national identity through sound. Unfortunately, musicians rushed into becoming pop stars rather than keeping to their folk roots by copying popular tunes from other African countries.
Zamrock was an amalgamation of psychedelic rock, funk, and traditional Zambian music that combined these styles. The subculture surrounding Zamrock defied conservative tendencies; main bands including WITCH and Mosi-o-tunya at that time.
Zambian music today is dominated by two styles known as Zed Beats and Zed Hip-hop, which feature uptempo beats with lyrics that offer either social commentary or love songs, alongside traditional drumming rhythms and polymeters. Their immense popularity in Zambia has attracted numerous talented producers and directors who create impressive music videos for these songs – many are showcased during the Born n Bred Music Video Awards initiative that honours well-conceived, professional videos.
Mampi
Long before nineteenth-century colonial rule transformed Zambia’s culture, indigenous people used music as a form of celebration and preservation of their customs and traditions. They used the genre known as Kalindula (traditional Zambian music) to do this using drums and various membranophones such as bows, reed flutes, horns, bells, with its narratives exploring family values such as marriage ceremonies as well as day-to-day life issues.
After Zambia gained independence from Britain, Kenneth Kaunda instituted a law mandating that 95 percent of radio music be composed by Zambian artists. Coupled with an increase in copper mining production, this fostered an ideal environment for the country’s musicians – many bands formed and an array of musical styles emerged over time.
One of the most iconic musical genres to emerge in Zambian culture during this era was Zam-Rock, an amalgamation of Western rock music and traditional Zambian rhythms. Bands such as WITCH and Isaac Makpikwe embraced western rock but added their own Zambian flavor by including local instruments like mbira and ngoma drums as well as lyrics written in local languages; these influences can still be found today in contemporary Zambian music where African call-and-response and traditional drum rhythms dominate most forms.
Macky 2
Macky 2 is one of the most beloved Zambian artists today. His music explores many issues related to gender-based violence and abuse; its lyrics are in Chichewa – Zambian language. For instance, in his song Hope Macky 2 raps as though from an urban boy before going on to explain the challenges women and girls face living in male-dominated societies.
Hip-Hop music in Zambia may still be relatively new, yet it has quickly gained in popularity. A variant known as Zed Hip-Hop draws elements from western hip-hop while employing distinctive Zambian beats not found elsewhere.
Zambia’s music scene has traditionally been dominated by male artists. Recently however, an increasing number of talented female artists such as Mampi, Cleo Ice Queen, Bombshell Grenade Dambisa Kay Figo and Salma Dodia are breaking through into its increasingly patriarchal space and challenging the status quo of Zambian music culture. These women are fighting back against patriarchy with their work.
Kalindula music hails from Central Africa, with its upbeat rhythm and distinctive bass guitar sound often performed by groups such as Serenje Kalindula, Mulemena Boys and Amayenge bands. Additionally, this genre often incorporates traditional drums and other instruments for added effect.