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Zambian music: Difference between revisions
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After independence in 1964, the most important source of popular music was the [[ Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation | Zambia Broadcasting Service ]] and affiliated bands like [[Lusaka Radio Band]] who soon changed their name to The Big Gold Six. Record companies soon formed, with most recordings made at [[Peter Msungilo]]'s [[DB Studios]] in Lusaka, and records pressed in Ndola by the [[Teal Record Company]]. | After independence in 1964, the most important source of popular music was the [[ Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation | Zambia Broadcasting Service ]] and affiliated bands like [[Lusaka Radio Band]] who soon changed their name to The Big Gold Six. Record companies soon formed, with most recordings made at [[Peter Msungilo]]'s [[DB Studios]] in Lusaka, and records pressed in Ndola by the [[Teal Record Company]]. | ||
The northern, copper-producing area of Zambia was known for singers like [[John Lushi]], [[William Mapulanga]] and [[Stephen Tsotsi Kasumali]]. Their guitar-based music grew gradually into [[Zamrock]], which used mostly English lyrics in rock songs. Bands included the [[Machine-Gunners]] and [[Musi-o-tunya]]. The most popular band in Zambian history soon emerged, [[Jaggari Chanda]]'s [[ | The northern, copper-producing area of Zambia was known for singers like [[John Lushi]], [[William Mapulanga]] and [[Stephen Tsotsi Kasumali]]. Their guitar-based music grew gradually into [[Zamrock]], which used mostly English lyrics in rock songs. Bands included the [[Machine-Gunners]] and [[Musi-o-tunya]]. The most popular band in Zambian history soon emerged, [[Jaggari Chanda]]'s [[W.I.T.C.H.]] | ||
In the late 1970s, President [[Kenneth Kaunda]] ordered that 95% of the music on the radio had to be Zambian. He hoped to encourage the formation of a Zambian national identity. Rather than using their folk roots, however, Zambians attempted to become pop stars. By the mid-1980s, the result was [[kalindula]] music. Bands included the [[Masasu Band]], [[Serenje Kalindula]] and [[Junior Mulemena Boys]]. [[Amayenge]] is considered one of the best | In the late 1970s, President [[Kenneth Kaunda]] ordered that 95% of the music on the radio had to be Zambian. He hoped to encourage the formation of a Zambian national identity. Rather than using their folk roots, however, Zambians attempted to become pop stars. By the mid-1980s, the result was [[kalindula]] music. Bands included the [[Masasu Band]], [[Serenje Kalindula]] and [[Junior Mulemena Boys]]. [[Amayenge]] is considered one of the best [[Kalindula]] bands of the past twenty years. Another top artist is [[Brian Chilala]] who, together with his band Ngoma Zasu, continues in the electric kalindula tradition. An annual concert of traditional bands (not just kalindula) was recently begun by the Chikuni Radio station in Chikuni in the Southern Province. Two of the most popular bands from that festival are [[Green Mamba (band)|Green Mamba]] and [[Mashombe Blue Jeans]]. In addition, artists such as [[Alfred Chisala Kalusha Jr.]] based their compositions on "Imfukutu" - Bemba folk music. | ||
In the 1990s, economic problems caused the collapse of the Zambian music industry. Unfettered by rules promoting Zambian music, the airwaves were covered with imported [[ragga]] and [[reggae]] from Jamaica and [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[R&B]] from the United States. | In the 1990s, economic problems caused the collapse of the Zambian music industry. Unfettered by rules promoting Zambian music, the airwaves were covered with imported [[ragga]] and [[reggae]] from Jamaica and [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[R&B]] from the United States. | ||
Some of the successful record labels in Zambia include Romaside Entertainment, Sling beats, Blaza, G-sounds, Alpha Entertainment and XYZ. Their stable of artists includes [[Jordan Katembula |J.K]]., [[Slap Dee]], [[Macky 2]], [[Chef 187]], [[Joe Chibangu]], [[Hamooba]], [[Ty2]], [[Bobby East]], [[Zone Fam]], [[Petersen Zagaze]], [[Izreal]], [[Danny]], [[Shatel]], [[Black Muntu]], [[ilato]], [[Mampi]], [[Tommy Dee]] and South African based [[Chilu Lemba]]. Sound clips of each of these groups can be heard at their website (see below). The Zambian entertainment industry recognizes popular musicians such as these at its annual [[Ngoma Awards]]. The Ngoma Awards amount to a Zambian version of the all-Africa [[Kora Awards]]. At the moment [[K'Millian]], [[Marky 2]], Slap dee, is a very popular artist. | |||
A unique hybrid form of Zambian music is found in the so-called "banjo" tradition. The Zambian "banjo" (pronounced 'bahn-jo') is essentially a homemade guitar. A wide variety of such instruments can be found in different sizes and with varying numbers of strings. Most are played using a two or three finger picking style and the tuning of each instrument is unique to that instrument. The body is made in various shapes from wood or sometimes tin cans, and the strings or 'wires' often come from discarded radial tires. Zambian banjos are used in [[kalindula]] bands throughout Zambia. | A unique hybrid form of Zambian music is found in the so-called "banjo" tradition. The Zambian "banjo" (pronounced 'bahn-jo') is essentially a homemade guitar. A wide variety of such instruments can be found in different sizes and with varying numbers of strings. Most are played using a two or three finger picking style and the tuning of each instrument is unique to that instrument. The body is made in various shapes from wood or sometimes tin cans, and the strings or 'wires' often come from discarded radial tires. Zambian banjos are used in [[kalindula]] bands throughout Zambia. | ||
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[[Category:Zambian music]] | [[Category:Zambian music]] | ||
[[Category:Culture and traditions of Zambia]] | |||
