B Flow: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = B Flow | | name = B Flow | ||
| image | | image = | ||
| caption = B Flow in performance | |||
| caption = | | birth_name = Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya | ||
| birth_name = Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|11|12}} | ||
| | | birth_place = [[Kabwe]], [[Zambia]] | ||
| nationality = [[Zambian]] | |||
| other_names = B’Flow, B-Flow | |||
| occupation = Musician, Social Advocate, Entrepreneur, Radio Presenter | |||
| known_for = Music For Change Initiative, HIV/AIDS Advocacy, ''KaliDanceHall'' | |||
| years_active = 2009–present | |||
| notable_works = ''Voiceless Woman'', ''Dear Mama'', ''Sunda Station'' | |||
| organisation = Music For Change, [[Zambia Association of Musicians]] | |||
| title = B Flow | |||
| website = | |||
}} | }} | ||
==Early life and education== | '''Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya''' (born 12 November 1986), popularly known by his stage name '''B Flow''' (also stylised as '''B’Flow''' or '''B-Flow'''), is a Zambian Afro-Dancehall and Hip Hop artist, media entrepreneur, and civic advocate. He is best known for his fusion music style called '''KaliDanceHall''', which combines traditional Zambian Kalindula rhythms with modern dancehall beats. His work spans music, public health advocacy, youth engagement, and social justice. | ||
B Flow was born in Kabwe on 12 November 1986. At the age of 8 he and his friends played a small band by turning pots and buckets into drums and making Banjos(non-electric guitars) using tins, planks and strings. Among that band B Flow was the only one who is now a professional musician. Brian started out as a member of the School Boys' Scout Club in Grade 1 at Kasanda Malombe Primary School in | |||
Kabwe. He left the club shortly and became a basketball player. In his 4th Grade, Brian and his mother moved to Serenje with where he joined the poetry club at Serenje Boma School and participated in competitions; reciting poems. The following year Brian learned how to beat the African drum and became a drummer and singer in the school cultural group. He was also one of the only two male dancers in the group. During his 10 Grade at | B Flow is the founder of the ''Music For Change Initiative'', an organisation that uses music to raise awareness on pressing social issues including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and human rights. He also serves as the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) Committee under the [[Zambia Association of Musicians]] (ZAM), where he promotes socially conscious music and youth outreach. | ||
Internationally, B Flow is recognised as a Global Ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a U.S.-based health organisation. In this role, he uses his public platform and performances to spread messages of prevention, stigma reduction, and empowerment, especially among young people. He was also the **first Zambian artist to officially launch an album at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, in an event supported and hosted by the United States government. | |||
The stage name "B Flow" emerged from local fans who frequently praised his lyrical "flow" during early performances. Over the years, he transformed that recognition into a personal brand, merging art with activism. | |||
In November 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow among its 16 Voices of Activism Against Gender-Based Violenc, an international campaign that highlighted individuals using their platforms to fight GBV. His inclusion alongside global activists underscored the international reach of his message and his growing influence beyond Zambia. | |||
Aside from his musical and advocacy work, B Flow is also a part-time radio presenter and peer educator. He remains active in community engagement programmes, public dialogues, and youth mentorship across Zambia. | |||
== Early life and education== | |||
B Flow was born in Kabwe on 12 November 1986. He was raised by his grandmother Matilda Chiti-Byrne and his mother Mirriam Mulenga Mumba Byrne, a policewoman. | |||
[[File:Young B Flow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|360x360px|left]] His father Mathews "Mizzy" Kasoka was a football coach for Kabwe Warriors football club. B flow cames from a family full of renowned Zambian musicians like [[Chris Mbewe]] of [[The Great Witch Band]], [[Anna Mwale]] of [[The Mwale Sisters]] and [[Ras Willie]]. | |||
B Flow's grandmother Matilda was a teacher by profession and she taught him how to read and write English which then became his favourite subject. When he was 6 years old, he enrolled at Kasanda Malombe Primary School. In 2nd Grade, he joined the school Boy Scouts for a few months. | |||
[[File:B FLOW School.jpg|thumb|right]] | |||
At the age of 8 he and his friends played a small band by turning pots and buckets into drums and making [[Banjos]](non-electric guitars) using tins, planks and strings. Among that band B Flow was the only one who is now a professional musician. Brian started out as a member of the School Boys' Scout Club in Grade 1 at Kasanda Malombe Primary School in Kabwe. He left the club shortly and became a basketball player which his uncle Frank Byrne introduced him to and played for fun for about 7years. | |||
In his 4th Grade, Brian and his mother moved to Serenje with where he joined the poetry club at Serenje Boma School and participated in competitions; reciting poems. The following year Brian learned how to beat the African drum and became a drummer and singer in the school cultural group. He was also one of the only two male dancers in the group. At the age of 11 he started listening to reggae music a collection that his mom owned and his love for reggae music started to grow with likes of Bob Marley being hits of his early childhood. In 7th Grade, B Flow and his brother Terence Sampa were transferred back to Kabwe where they attended Broadway Primary and Basic School and he was always punished for singing and drumming in class by his class teacher at his new school. At age 13, he formed a group called Natty Boys. The group only performed at one party and disbanded because B Flow was the only member who had the ability to compose songs and the confidence to sing in front of people, while the rest of the members were shy. | |||
He then formed Hot Kays which consisted of B Flow and Zed Pride's Ron Kay, the duo dedicated their time learning the art of song writing, rhyming and arranging lyrics B Flow then known as Attic B, specialised in Rap and Ragga while Ron Kay specialised in R&B. | |||
In 8th Grade, he developed strong interest in civic education and joined the Child Rights club at school. During his 10 Grade at Kabwe High School Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club the same year, where he actively participated in quiz and singing and that the time he gave hime saelf the name B Flow a combition of his first name letter of his name and the word ''flow''. He served in the disciplinary committee of the school library and joined the school Press Club where he became Chief Printer. In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian was elected vice president <ref name=SKL>{{cite web|title= Brian Bwembya Kasoka (B Flow) |url=https://www.irex.org/person/brian-bwembya-kasoka-b-flow |publisher= Irex.org |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref> for the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his dedication to counselling his fellow pupils who used to smoke [[Marijuana]] and drink [[alcohol]]. As President, he mobilise his peers and teach them about sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and the dangers of taking drugs. He also raised awareness on HIV/AIDS through song and led the club during candlelight walks and visits to AIDS hospices. B Flow was later trained by the Kabwe Adventist Family Health Institute(KAFHI) and the Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) as a [[peer educator]]. His club won a number of quiz & talent competitions(Music, Drama and Poetry) on [[AIDS]] & Drug awareness in central province. B Flow always performed at most of the school functions which included Closing Ceremonies, World AIDS Day event, Debate Competitions and other school parties. | |||
In 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change. | After his final year High School B Flow moved to Lusaka to live with his uncles and enrolled into college. He studied Marketing and Social Science at the National Institute of Public Administration and [[University of Zambia]]. Whilst in University, B Flow was selected for a Peer Educators' training, sponsored by the Society For Family Health(SFH) in 2008. In 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change. B Flow's musical influence came from musicians like [[Nasty-D]], [[DaNNY]], Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beanie Man, [[MC Wabwino]], [[Black Muntu]], Master Flo, Sam Kuli and Alubusu. | ||
==Music and Career== | ==Music and Career== | ||
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====Negative response==== | ====Negative response==== | ||
The campaign has been a successful program but in 2015 while in [[Mongu]] B-Flow and fellow Triple V members got some negative response as some fans eneded up crashing B-Flow's car during the aftermath of the show.<ref name=LIGHT>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=63297|publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=LGH>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url= http://www.zambianews.net/index.php/sid/238357673 |publisher=Zambian News |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref> | The campaign has been a successful program but in 2015 while in [[Mongu]] B-Flow and fellow Triple V members got some negative response as some fans eneded up crashing B-Flow's car during the aftermath of the show.<ref name=LIGHT>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=63297|publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=LGH>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url= http://www.zambianews.net/index.php/sid/238357673 |publisher=Zambian News |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref> | ||
==Young African leaders initiative== | |||
In 2015 the United States Embassy in Zambia, selected B Flow to represent Zambia in President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative ( Mandela Washington Fellowship ). He participated in the US government sponsored program for 3 months in different US cities. | |||
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do. Where’s Brian? Where is he? | |||
So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV/ AIDS. While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner " |source=— President Obama talking about B'Flow <ref name=BRIA>{{cite web|title=Brian Bwembya recognized by President Obama |url= http://www.zambiaembassy.org/in-the-news/brian-b-flow-bwembya-recognized-by-president-obama-during-the-2015-mandela-fellowship |publisher=Zambia Embassy |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange <ref name=BBF/> "" | |||
"" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " <ref>{{cite web|title= B-Flow Thanks Obama |url= http://www.kitwetimes.com/2015/08/b-flow-thanks-obama-for-recognising-him/|publisher=Kitwe Times |accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref> |source=— B'Flow posting on his [https://www.facebook.com/BBBFLOWMUSIC Facebook Page] | |||
}} | |||
During the program 44th United States President Barack Obama addressed over 700 young Africans and <ref name=BRIA/> US government officials and made a speech in which he endorsed B Flow <ref name=BBF>{{cite web|title=Zambia Musician Gets Shoutout From President Obama for Highlighting Struggle Against HIV/Aids |url= https://globalvoices.org/2015/08/08/zambia-musician-gets-shout-out-from-president-obama-for-highlighting-struggle-against-hivaids/|publisher= Globalvoices.org|accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref> | |||
<ref name=FlowBB>{{cite web|title=B Flow Thanks Obama For Recognising Him |url= http://zambianeye.com/archives/35739 |publisher=Zambian Eye |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref> for his excellent work in using his music to advocate against gender based violence and educating youth on HIV/AIDS. President Obama also announced the formation of B Flow's record company. B Flow is first artist in the world to be endorsed <ref name=BRIA/> by a sitting US president publicly in an official speech. Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), also awarded B Flow a highly competitive Professional Development Experience (PDE) to work in the American music industry with US company, Okayafrica, in New York. American organisation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) <ref name=SKL/> also appointed B Flow as global ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He is part of the organization's global '''20 by 20 Campaign'''. | |||
==US Tour== | |||
==Studio albums== | ==Studio albums== | ||
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==Awards and nominations== | ==Awards and nominations== | ||
{| class="wikitable" border="1" | {| class="wikitable" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| Most Educative Album <ref>{{cite web|title= ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards | url=http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2014/03/02/zmas-2014-an-evening-of-music-and-awards/|publisher= UKZambians |accessdate= 3 March 2015}}</ref> | | Most Educative Album <ref>{{cite web|title= ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards | url=http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2014/03/02/zmas-2014-an-evening-of-music-and-awards/|publisher= UKZambians |accessdate= 3 March 2015}}</ref> | ||
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won | |style="background: #ddffdd"| Won | ||
|- | |||
| rowspan=5 | 2017 | |||
| rowspan=5 | Kwacha Music Awards <ref>{{cite web|title= 2017 Kwacha Music Awards Nominations| url=http://www.kwachaawards.org/structure-of-the-awards/nominations/|publisher= Kwacha Music Awards |accessdate= 18 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Voting Kicks Off In the 1st Kwacha Music Awards| url=https://zedhypemag.com/voting-kicks-off-1st-kwacha-music-awards/|publisher= X-duey |accessdate= 18 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
| Best International Achievement | |||
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated | |||
|- | |||
| Best Humanitarian Award | |||
| style="background: #ddffdd"| Won | |||
|- | |||
| Best Artist (Central Province | |||
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated | |||
|- | |||
| Best Conscious Song (Know Your Status) - B Flow & [[Just Slim]] | |||
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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# 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | # 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | ||
# 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award | # 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award | ||
==See also== | |||
*[[Music For Change]] | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist| | {{reflist|4}} | ||
{{B Flow |state=expanded}} | {{B Flow |state=expanded}} | ||
[[Category:B Flow| ]] | [[Category:B Flow| ]] | ||
