Zone Fam

From Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia
Zone Fam
Zone Fam 3.jpg
Background information
OriginLusaka, Zambia
GenresAlternative hip hop, R&B & pop
Years active2009–present
LabelsSlam Dunk Records
Websitewww.zonefam.com
MembersJay Roxa
Yung Verbal
Dope G
Past membersThugga

Zone Fam is an alternative hip hop group originating from and based in Lusaka, Zambia. The group is managed by Duncan Sodala.

History

Old photo before Thugga left the group

The group was formed in 2009 after they were all signed to Slam Dunk Records. They gained popularity after the release of their debut album single Shaka Zulu On Em which received nationwide airplay, topping radio charts and got worldwide reviews off YouTube. In 2011 they went on and released their first studio album, The Business: Foreign Exchange, which was best seller of that year. In 2012, Zone Fam signed their first international deal under record label Taurus Musik of Kenya, which helped them produce songs from their upcoming album Barcode namely, Translate and Contolola, which won them a Channel O Award at the Channel O Music Video Awards for Best Group. They also have to their name the award for Best African Group at the Global African Music Awards.

Musical style

The majority of Zone Fam songs incorporate hip hop and contemporary R&B . However, their rap is a combination of English , Nyanja and Zulu languages. Bemba represents their pride of the Southern African culture.

Members

  • Dope G (born Sam Sakala)
  • Jay Rox (born Jackson Banda)
  • Yung Verbal (born Reginald Lube)

On 1 April 2015, one of Zone Fam members, Thugga, announced that he was leaving the group to pursue a solo gospel. He had been a member of the group since its inception in 2009.[1]

Discography

  • The Full Script (Mixtape) (2010)
  • The Business: Foreign Exchange (2011)
  • Barcode (2015) unreleased As of 2015

Awards

  • Channel O Music Video Awards for Best Group
  • Best African Group at the Global African Music Awards.

References

  1. Feb 18, 2014 http://www.sdrtv.com/2014/02/zone-fam-nominated-for-world-music.html slamdunk news
  2. Sep 6, 2013 http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2013/09/06/zone-fam-nominated-for-channel-o-music-video-award-2013-vote-request/ uk Zambians
  3. http://www.reverbnation.com/zonefam
  4. Jun 1, 2014 http://www.afroheatbase.com/Zone-Fam-Ntete.html afrobase
  5. Apr 2, 2012 http://vimeo.com/zonefam
  6. Sep 24, 2012 http://www.haveplentymusic.com/new-music-zone-fam-contolola/ havemusic
  7. Dec 12, 2014 http://www.ezmmagazine.com/blog/zone-fam-twitter-verified/ EZ magazine
  8. 14 March 2014 http://www.hypemagazine.co.za/2014/03/exclusive-zone-fam-way-forward/ hypeMag
  9. 15 July 2013 http://thebestofzambia.com/2013/07/zone-fam-zambias-number-1-hip-hop-group/