Levy Sakala

Levy Sakala (died 17 June 2021) was a Zambian musician, singer-songwriter, and later a pastor, best known as one half of the influential duo the Sakala Brothers with Moses Sakala. Their blend of contemporary and traditional sounds—popularised as Makewane (rain-shrine) music—shaped Zambia’s post-independence pop and folk scene for more than three decades.

Levy Sakala -

Born	Matero, Lusaka, Zambia
Nationality	Zambian
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, pastor
Years active	1988–2021
Known for	Co-founder of the Sakala Brothers; the hit song “Kum’mawa”
Notable work
Awards
Children

Early life

Sakala grew up in Matero (Chingwele), Lusaka. He met future bandmate Moses Sakala in a school choir and traditional dance troupe, beginning an enduring musical partnership rooted in township life and church influences.

Music career

The Sakala Brothers emerged in the late 1980s/early 1990s, gaining national prominence with songs that married urban guitar band idioms, call-and-response vocals, and Ngoni/Nyanja storytelling. Their signature track “Kum’mawa” (also stylised Khumawa/Kumawa) became a Zambian staple on radio and stage.

The duo’s albums notched chart success and industry awards, including Londole (No. 1 on national charts; 1999 Ngoma Awards – Best Album) and Sandra (2001 Ngoma Awards – Best Album). Other popular titles associated with the band include “Sandra ku Kabwata,” which remains a nostalgic staple in live sets and media replays.

Makewane (rain-shrine) style

The Sakalas framed their sound as Makewane Music—named for the historic rain-shrine traditions—blending rural ceremonial aesthetics with urban Zambian pop to create a modern folk idiom identified with cultural continuity and national pride.

Hiatus and ministry

In 2014 Levy publicly stepped away from the duo following a near-death experience in 2013, saying he wished to dedicate his life to God; media at the time reported the Sakala Brothers split after 25 years together. He later appeared in media as a reverend, discussing faith and music on talk shows.

Death

Sakala died on 17 June 2021; his passing was widely reported by Zambian outlets and social platforms associated with local news and music communities, with tributes led by his longtime collaborator Moses Sakala. He was buried Memorial Park in Lusaka. The same day also saw national mourning for former President Kenneth Kaunda, whose death was confirmed on 17 June 2021.

Legacy

Moses Sakala produced tributes and memorial performances in Levy’s honour, and scholars have since noted the cultural significance of funeral songs connected to his passing (e.g., Moses Sakala’s “Chobaba”), reflecting on how Zambian popular music mediates grief and memory.

Selected songs

• “Kum’mawa” (a.k.a. Khumawa/Kumawa) – signature track and radio staple.
• “Sandra ku Kabwata.”
• Additional titles associated with the group include “Londole,” “Born in Matero,” “Langoma ka Makewane,” and others documented in streaming catalogues.

See also

• Zambian music
• Moses Sakala
• Angela Nyirenda
• Makewane Music