Amayenge

Last updated

Amayenge is a popular Zambian music group. Started by Chris Chali in 1978 in Choma, the band was originally called Crossbones, one of many Zambian acts that had sprung up to do gigs based on rock. Later the band became known as the New Crossbones, after a change in direction, sponsorship and management. The musical style of the group is called kalindula, a distinctive Zambian popular style with traditional African roots. Chali died 30 May 2003, but the band has continued with Fraser Chilembo as their leader. Amayenge has received worldwide attention from WOMAD in London to Asia and the Americas. In the words of one author:

Contents

Amayenge have dominated Zambia’s music scene for the almost two and half decades by embracing all the 73 tribes of Zambia and making the entire nation feel a part of their unique vibe. They are without a doubt, the most versatile and successful band in the history of Zambian music.

The band has continued to perform in Zambia and other southern African countries. This team made Zambia to be known in Southern Africa in terms of Music. The team also inspired a lot of young people in Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Congo DR. Their membership has changed somewhat in recent years but news reports from the Times of Zambia, Zambian Post and Zambia Daily Mail routinely report their activities. A recent report is typical of news accounts of the band:

...the ‘Never-fading’ Amayenge Asoza did not have to wait until the whole arena was filled with fans before they started unleashing their collection gathered over a period of 20 years. With such a record, no one could resist the Amayenge, led by Alice Chali, when the crew delivered a two by two circle dance.

Kalindula is a Zambian musical style that was originally played on "banjos" (pronounced 'bahn-jos'), a 4-stringed bass (called 'mbabadoni' or 'kalindula'), [ngoma] drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells. Western guitars and percussion have replaced the homemade banjos and drum sets used previously

Current Band Members: Alice Chali (Dancer/Vocalist, Obert Chali (Vocalist/Dancer), Emmanuel Kayeji (Dancer/Vocalist), Bester Mudenda (Dancer/Vocalist), Jonathan Nthanga (Lead Guitar), Mathews Mulenga (Rhythm Guitar), Joseph Mwamba (Drums), Davy Muthali (Percussionist), Chabala Chitambo (Percussionist), Donald Njovu (Percussionist), Eddy Moto (Sound Engineer), Sam Chiluba (Bass), Fraser Chilembo - Band Manager

US Tour

In 1996, Amayenge traveled to Whidbey Island, WA, where they met up with Moye Kashimbi, who had left Zambia to marry US citizen, Vernon Huffman, who became Tour Director for Amayenge. The band was enthusiastically received by audiences across the Pacific Northwest.

Discography

The band is also included on the following recordings:

Awards

2007 - Brath Awards, Best Kalindula Band
2005 - Ngoma Awards Festival, Best Band award (6th time to receive this award)
1993 - Best Band of the year at the Zambia International Trade Fair Show

Newspaper articles

Zambia Times:

Zambia Daily Mail Zambian Post: Thursday December 21, 2006 "Artistes converge at Mumana for Valentines" By Augustine Mukoka, Joseph Mwenda and Pictures Thomas Nsama Thursday February 22, 2007

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jazz band</span> Musical ensemble that plays jazz music

A jazz band is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music. Jazz bands vary in the quantity of its members and the style of jazz that they play but it is common to find a jazz band made up of a rhythm section and a horn section.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm section</span> Group of musicians within a music ensemble or band

A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm section is often contrasted with the roles of other musicians in the band, such as the lead guitarist or lead vocals whose primary job is to carry the melody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ozomatli</span> American band

Ozomatli is an American rock band, formed in 1995 in Los Angeles. They are known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and incorporating a wide array of musical styles – including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop, and others. The group formed in 1995 and has since released seven studio albums. The group is also known for advocating for farm-workers' rights and immigration reform. The band has performed in various countries all over the world, including China, Tunisia, Jordan, Cuba, and Burma. Although the band has had many member changes over the years and has sometimes had as many as ten members, the current six members have been in the band since its debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Zambia</span> Description of Zambian music

The music of Zambia has a rich heritage which falls roughly into categories of traditional, popular and Christian music.

Zamrock is a musical genre that emerged and gained popularity in Zambia during the early 1970s. It has been described as a fusion of traditional African music and psychedelic rock, garage rock, hard rock, blues and funk, taking influence from popular bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, the Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, and Cream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Duhks</span> Canadian folk band

The Duhks are a Canadian folk fusion band, formed in 2002 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Featuring banjo, fiddle, guitar, percussion, and vocals, The Duhks blend folk music together with various Canadian and American traditional styles, including soul, gospel, old-time country string, and zydeco. The band also commonly plays traditional Irish dance music, integrating Latin-influenced percussion as well as often Celtic- and Cajun-influenced fiddle-playing.

Kalindula is a kind of bass guitar which gives its name to a style of popular music in southern-central Africa. It originated in the late 20th century and is popular in Zambia and is also found in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Some people claim it originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo but this cannot be fully supported by the evidence. It combines features of 20th century popular music with rhythmic and metric elements.

Jordan Katembula known professionally as JK, is a Zambian singer, songwriter and record producer. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Zambian music and the R&B genre in Zambia.

Call is a Pakistani rock band from Lahore, Pakistan. The current line-up was formed in 2002, the group consists of Junaid Khan, Zulfiqar J. Khan and Muhammad Sultan Raja.

Mashombe Blue Jeans is one of a number of kalindula ensembles from the Southern Province of Zambia. Like other kalindula groups, they sing and play a style of Zambian music that blends traditional with modern musical materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of Zambia</span> Overview of and topical guide to Zambia

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Zambia:

Zambia, officially known as the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west. The capital city is Lusaka, located in the southeast of the country. The population is concentrated mainly around the capital and the Copperbelt to the northwest.

Stewart Sukuma, born Luis Pereira in 1963, is a Mozambican singer. Sukuma's stage name means "rise up" in Xitsonga and "push" in Swahili. He was born in Cuamba, Niassa Province. Coming from a modest family, Sukuma loved music; he moved to the Mozambican capital of Maputo in 1977, learning to play percussion instruments, guitar and piano. Five years later, Sukuma joined a musical group as a vocalist. He received a Ngoma Mozambique award in 1983, and has been described as "Mozambique's most popular male vocalist". Sukuma's songs include "Felizminha", "Xitchuketa Marrabenta", "Sumanga", "Male" and "Why". He sings in Portuguese, English, Swahili, Echwabo and Xitsonga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yvonne Mwale</span> Musical artist

Yvonne Mwale is a Zambian Afro-Fusion, jazz and blues singer.

Witch are a Zamrock band formed in the 1970s. Widely seen as the most popular Zambian band of the 1970s, WITCH, was headed by lead vocalist Emanuel "Jagari" Chanda. The band formed during Zambia's post-independence golden days, but by the late 1970s, economic collapse and increasing government authoritarianism saw WITCH, like most Zamrock bands, fading away. The band was revived in 2012 after reissues of their records became popular abroad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B'Flow</span> Musical artist

Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya, recognized professionally as B Flow, is a prominent figure in the Zambian entertainment landscape, bearing multifaceted roles as a musician, media personality, humanitarian, philanthropist, and staunch advocate for social justice. Furthermore, he stands as the esteemed founder of "Music For Change," a notable initiative dedicated to leveraging the power of music for social transformation.

Mukubesa Mundia, better known by his stage name Petersen Zagaze is a Zambian Reggae and Afro Dancehall recording artist and record producer from Lusaka, Zambia. He initially gained major recognition after his third single in 2005 Munyaule. Petersen a holder of a Bachelor of Art's Degree in Public Administration is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of his own label imprint, Zaga Lyfe Entertainment, Octopus Media and 2016 Kora Awards Best Male Southern Africa Nominee.

Mwila Musonda, known professionally as Slapdee, is a Zambian hip hop and rap musician. Having won multiple awards since his debut in 2006, he is often regarded one of the pioneers of Zambian hip-hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dom Flemons</span> Musical artist

Dominique Flemons is an American old-time music, Piedmont blues, and neotraditional country multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He is a proficient player of the banjo, fife, guitar, harmonica, percussion, quills, and rhythm bones. He is known as "The American Songster" as his repertoire of music spans nearly a century of American folklore, ballads, and tunes. He has performed with Mike Seeger, Joe Thompson, Martin Simpson, Boo Hanks, Taj Mahal, Old Crow Medicine Show, Guy Davis, and The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malama Katulwende</span> Zambian author and thinker (born 1967)

Malama Katulwende is a Zambian author and thinker, born in the Luapula province. A teacher by profession and educated in Catholic Seminaries and at the University of Zambia (UNZA), he first appeared on the literary scene with poems published in an anthology titled Under the African Skies: Poetry form Zambia in 2001.