B Flow: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = B Flow
| name = B Flow
| image =  B Flow.jpg
| image =  B Flow on stage 07.jpg
| alt =  
| alt =  
| caption =  
| caption = B Flow in 2016
| birth_name = Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
| birth_name = Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
| alias = {{flat list|
| alias = {{flat list|
* B Flow
*B Flow
* Junior Obama

* Dancehall Champion <ref>{{cite web|title=B Flow Zambia's dancehall champion|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04w9l9v|publisher= BBC Africa |accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref>
* Mr Chant-it-on
* Mr Chant-it-on
* Dancehall Champion
}}

* Ambassador 

* The Voice
}}
| birth_date = {{ birth date and age | 1986|11|12 }}
| birth_date = {{ birth date and age | 1986|11|12 }}
| birth_place = [[Kabwe]], [[Zambia]]
| birth_place = [[Kabwe]], [[Zambia]]
| relatives =  
| relatives =  
| occupation = {{flat list|
| occupation = {{flat list|
* Singer
* Singer-songwriter
* Musician
* [[Record Producer]]
* Songwriter
* [[Radio Presenter]]
* Producer
* [[Social Activist]]<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Things I Love About Zambia|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/featured/b-flow-10-things-love-zambia/|publisher= [[Okayafrica]]|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref>
* Radio Presenter
}}
}}
| spouse =  
| spouse =  
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| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flat list|
| genre = {{flat list|
* Dance-hall
* [[Dancehall]]
* Afro-Pop
* [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
* Ragga
* KaliDanceHall <ref name=Bflow/>
* R&B
}}
* KaliDanceHall }}
<!--Only list genres that are prominent/recurring in his career-->
<!--Only list genres that are prominent/recurring in his career-->
| instrument = {{flat list|
| instrument = {{flat list|
* Vocals
* Vocals
}}
}}
| years_active = 2000-present
| years_active = 2005-present
| label = {{flat list|
| label = {{flat list|
* Music For Change  

* [[Music For Change]]  
* Romaside (Former)
* Romaside (Former)
* ZedWay
* ZedWay
* K-Army <ref name=ZED/>
* K-Army <ref name=ZED/>
}}
}}
| associated_acts = {{flat list|
| associated_acts = {{flat list|
* Barack Obama
* Barack Obama
* Common
* Common (rapper)
* Queen Latifah
* Queen Latifah
* [[Chef 187]]
* [[Chef 187]]
* [[Just Slim]]
* [[Just Slim]]
* [[Macky 2]]
* [[Macky 2]]
* P Jay
* [[P Jay]]
* Harry Belafonte
* Harry Belafonte
}} <!--Only list people that made an impact to his career and Lifestyle -->
}} <!--Only list people that made an impact to his career and Lifestyle -->
}}}}
}}}}
'''Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya''' (born November 12, 1986) better known as '''B Flow''' (sometimes written as '''B'Flow''' or '''B-Flow'''), is an Afro-Dancehall and Hip Hop Artist, Media Entrepreneur, Non-political Social Commentator, Social Justice Advocate, Part Time Radio Presenter,<ref name=SKL/> Peer Educator and Founder of Music For Change Initiative. He is also the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) committee of the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).<ref>{{cite web|title=B Flow Biography|url=http://www.zambianmusicblog.co/artist/b-flow/|publisher= Zambian Music Blog|accessdate=3 March 2015}}</ref>  He is also the global ambassador in the fight against [[HIV/AIDS]] for the [[United States|American]] organization [[AIDS Healthcare Foundation]] (AHF)<ref name=SKL/>
'''Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya''' (born November 12, 1986) better known as '''B Flow''' (sometimes written as '''B'Flow''' or '''B-Flow'''), is an Afro-Dancehall and Hip Hop Artist, Media Entrepreneur, Non-political Social Commentator, Social Justice Advocate, Part Time Radio Presenter,<ref name=SKL/> Peer Educator and Founder of [[Music For Change]] Initiative. He is also the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) committee of the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).<ref>{{cite web|title=B Flow Biography|url=http://www.zambianmusicblog.co/artist/b-flow/|publisher= Zambian Music Blog|accessdate=3 March 2015}}</ref>  He is also the global ambassador in the fight against [[HIV/AIDS]] for the [[United States|American]] organization [[AIDS Healthcare Foundation]] (AHF)<ref name=SKL/>
and also the first Zambian artist to launch an album at the US Embassy. The event was proudly powered by the [[United States]] <ref name=Bflow>{{cite web|title= B Flow Releases New Album – Dear Mama |url= http://blog.kalimbaradio.com/index.php/2016/04/14/b-flow-releases-new-album-dear-mama/ |publisher= MWAPE CHISAKA |accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref> government through the embassy. The [[stage name]] B Flow was inspired by numerous praises from people who loved his 'flow'. B Flow also took a new direction with his music, changing his genre to what is now known as “KaliDanceHall” ( A mix of traditional Zambian Kalindula music and Dance Hall )<ref name=Bflow/>.  In November of 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow as on of the 16 voices of activism against gender-based violence around the world<ref>{{cite web|title=Flow named global hero|url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/bflow-named-global-hero/|publisher= Daily Mail|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ending violence in 16 days: United Nations agency shows shocking advert of woman using make-up to show violence|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/un-women-end-violence-16-days-campaign-justin-trudeau-government-activists-a7439901.html|publisher= independent|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sixteen voices for change|url=http://www.unfpa.org/16voices|publisher= independent|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref>.
and also the first Zambian artist to launch an album at the US Embassy. The event was proudly powered by the [[United States]] <ref name=Bflow>{{cite web|title= B Flow Releases New Album – Dear Mama |url= http://blog.kalimbaradio.com/index.php/2016/04/14/b-flow-releases-new-album-dear-mama/ |publisher= MWAPE CHISAKA |accessdate=23 April 2016}}</ref> government through the embassy. The [[stage name]] B Flow was inspired by numerous praises from people who loved his 'flow'. B Flow also took a new direction with his music, changing his genre to what is now known as “KaliDanceHall” ( A mix of traditional Zambian Kalindula music and Dance Hall )<ref name=Bflow/>.  In November of 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow as on of the 16 voices of activism against gender-based violence around the world<ref>{{cite web|title=Flow named global hero|url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/bflow-named-global-hero/|publisher= Daily Mail|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ending violence in 16 days: United Nations agency shows shocking advert of woman using make-up to show violence|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/un-women-end-violence-16-days-campaign-justin-trudeau-government-activists-a7439901.html|publisher= independent|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sixteen voices for change|url=http://www.unfpa.org/16voices|publisher= independent|accessdate=14 June 2017}}</ref>.


==Early life and education==
== Early life and education==
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
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.
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 [[Kabwe High School]] Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club the same year, where he actively participated in quiz and singing. In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian was elected vice president for the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his dedication to counselling his fellow pupils who used to smoke Marijuana and drink alcohol . Brian mobilized new members and taught the club about HIV and drugs. He was later trained by the [[Kabwe Adventist Family Health Institute]] (KAFHI) as a peer educator. His club won a number of quiz & talent competitions (Music, Drama and Poetry) on AIDS & Drug awareness in central province. 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.  
[[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 muisc started to grow with likes of Bob Marleybeing 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 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change.
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.
 
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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==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
# 2016 Global Heroes Award - The Global Heroes platform of Canada
 
==See also==
*[[Music For Change]]


==External links==
==External links==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|4}}
{{B Flow |state=expanded}}
{{B Flow |state=expanded}}
[[Category:B Flow| ]]
[[Category:B Flow| ]]