AFRO-SOUL singer Wezi launched her debut solo project is called "Uhai" at the Alliance Francaise.The theme of the event was Uhai (Freedom in Swahili) and the songbird show cased tracks from her new mini-album.The fans were treated to her wonderfull soulful voice and performances by Maureen Lilanda, Cleo Ice Queen, Jay Rox and Wilz.Wezi's full names are Victoria Wezi Mhone.Born on 25th May 1992 and raised in Ndola, Zambia.Her father is the Late Apostal Simon Mhone and mother Pastor Royce Chanje Banda who is currently living in Lusaka city.Wezi has four siblings was encouraged to sing when she was 7 years old.At a tender age she was already singing for family members and school functions.

Wezi started writing poems and own songs when she was 11 Years Old. During her primary school,she was the Leader of a singing group in a club called "scripture union". She continued her journey in music completing her secondary education."Ambuya" was her first big hit produced by T-Sean.

With her smooth angelic voice and song writing skills she went on composed a number of Afro-soul tracks.These included "Tichitenji","Planga na Nsimbi" and others.Her duet with rapper Willz produced the mega and award winning hit "Toliwe".She has since collaborated with a host of Zambian artists namely Marky 2,Cleo Ice Queen   and General Ozzy on the song "Pamodzi".Wezi has established herself as musical icon in Zambia and more is expected from her buzzing solo career. 

April 30 ^th 2016 will be a day RnB artist Roberto(Robert Banda) will always remember .He won the Song of The Year Award for the hit “Ama-Rula” at the Zambia Music Awards and on the same night scooped the Pan African Artist of the Year award at the Namibia Music Awards(2016NAMA's). That is a remarkable achievement that will boost his local and international music credentials.Massive congratulations to Roberto and BrathaHood Music.

This is what the Artist said on Instagram.... “ Wow. I wake up and am humbled by messages from all over the world, congratulating me for last night's double wins. A 1st in Zambian history. Thank you to everyone that has been supporting and believing in me. My wife, my mum, Ozzy, Agnes you are a genius, the ever supportive, Chabinga family, RCZ Chilenje, my entire family. I swear in life you can not achieve it all without support from Family, friends and everyone who dedicates their time just for you. Thank you to all my fans across the globe. Great thanks to @teamkamikazi who worked tirelessly. @Brathahoodmusic my team for real. Everyone in Namibia. We have come a long way and thank you for this award. God bless you all ”

General Ozzy is back on the scene with a new video for the track “I can't wait” .The smooth reggae influenced song was produced by the veteran beatsmith Ben “Blazer” Kalulu. The video was shot in South Africa demonstrating the hard work and effort some Zambian local artists are putting in to market their music internationally.

Probably one of Zambia’s most celebrated talents,General Ozzy’s(real names David Banda)musical back ground goes as far back as 1996 whilst in high school. December of 2004 saw the release of his first single called “Osalila” under Sling Beats studio; this was an instant hit that went to the top on Radio count downs around the country which lead to the official release of his debut album “The General” with Hits such as “Chino Chalo”,” Making Me High” and a collaboration with Kanji on “Wenye” qualified Ozzy to become a house hold name around the country.

His second album titled “General-Eyez” was released in 2006 which had songs like “Nimusanga” feat. K’millian probably one of the best collaborations Zambia has seen thus far.His third album Titled “The Trilogy” was lead by a knock out single called “Potential” which was voted song of the year for 2008 on The Radio Phoenix Local Rhythms Count Down sponsored by Zain.

His fourth album ‘Kobili’ meaning ‘Money’ was simply a fantastic album and had irresistible tracks like “Take my heart, and I need a girl” where Ozzy collaborates with Uganda’s finest duo ‘Radio and Weasel’.On the local front,Ozzy collaborated with notable artists like OC "Obama" on the track "Zanga" produced at Romaside Studios by TK Siyandi.

General Ozzy teamed up with his brother and musical artist Roberto to form the family owned label Brotha Hood Music. In 2014 Ozzy released his long awaited album”5-Star” which featured club jams like “Komboni Dugude” and also earned him a nomination for the Best DanceHall Album category at the 2015 Mosi Zambia Music Awards ceremony. The year 2015 would be incomplete without mentioning the duet with songstress Wezi on the dancehall laced track “Pamodzi” and the subsequent release of his Christmas album "UnstoppableEP".

His consistency and versatility among others and many of his artistic attributes are what has earned him his musical acclaim among his peers in the industry. Years of hard work and determination has made General Ozzy the all time Zambian artist.

NYEMBA is the latest music sensation to enter the Zambian music scene. The dance floor hit “Yelele” has pushed the budding songwriter and Afro-RnB singer to the top,earning positive reviews by the local DJ's and critics. Born Maria Nyemba on 27th March, 1986 in a family of nine siblings,she showed her interest in Music at an early age. Nyemba started off as a rapper.However,she soon realized her melodious voice was best suited for singing while she was at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School. The songbird set aside her career dream of being a Psychologist and followed her passion to became a musician. Inspired by various 90's RnB hit makers Brandy,Aliyah etc.,the songbird honed her vocal and songwriting talents.

Nyemba kicked off her professional music career by signing for Independent record label Ikonik Music .She has since then become the labels headlining female artist. The combination of upcoming producer DJ Lo's beat making skills and Nyemba's RnB vocal prowess resulted in the mega hit “Yelele” whose video has been a regular feature on MTV base. Other tracks by the artist include “Sweet Sweet Love” , “Ijah Nkhani” and “Mutima Wanga”.

She has worked with several local Zambian artists such as Cactus Agony, Dandy Krazy and label mates Tony Shuk and ProSyd. Nyemba has gained more fame and recognition having opened for African greats Zahara and Fally Ipupa. Her strong ambition,unique beauty and musical talent is set to carry her to higher heights as she establishes herself as Zambia's newest female musical sensation.

Kantu Siachingili widely known by her stage name Kan2 is one of Zambia's fast rising female Afropop and RnB artists.Kan2 burst onto the Zambian music scene when she backed XYZ Entertainments Ltd label mate Slapdee on the hit track“Remember”.She is also known for hits “Mungeli”, "Alangizi” with Slapdee and “Million”. Kantu's growing musical talents were recognized by her double nomination for “Best Collaboration” and “Best New Artist “ at the 2015 Mosi Zambia Music Awards event.

Her latest offering “Lonely” is a catchy dance floor hit produced by Big Bizzy for K-Army .Kan2 is a very talented vocalist and set be Zambia's and Africa's next big thing!

 

Dalisoul or "Mwana wa mu Komboni" as he is fondly called by his fans was born Madaliso Phiri.Growing  up in Mtendere compound,Dalisoul was interested in music from a young age, first performing in his church choir. He took part at  various talent search competitions where his  performances gained him wide recognition.Dalisoul made his debut as a single artist in 2001 with the song “Kuninena” and has since worked with many top Zambian musicians such as JK, Petersen, Danny, B1,Afunika,Petersen and Mampi. He made the first ever video-cd in Zambia and his first album, entitled “Shansha,” is still jumping off the shelves.He followed this hits like "Chipyango", "Vomela", "Munsunge Munshe" and "Menso Yalibe Maketani" which features B1 .

Dalisoul's music is about reality – it talks about the hardships of living in townships and the trials people face in life. He hopes to strengthen people by encouraging them to utilize whatever resources they have and make the best of every situation. He considers himself to be an advocate of the people, speaking on their behalf with music. He hopes to bring about change by highlighting social issues affecting youth in Zambia.

In December ’09, he released a hit single featuring Petersen, entitled “Condoms” which has been dominating the airwaves and clubs. He says he wrote this song to break the taboo about condoms; he wants to encourage people to be safe and protect themselves. While behavior change is difficult, he hopes that some will take the message to heart.Dalisouls' music has crossed borders and is widely listened to in Malawi,Zimbabwe and other countries in the Southern African region.His collaboration with Malawian artists Skeffa Chimoto and Armstrong resulted in radio hits "Musiye Ayende" and "One Day".

After a brief lull in his musical career,Dalisoul has came back with great tunes such as Ndichiritseni which features Indy K and the latest dance floor banger  “Chikanda Mbwelenge“ which features Willz, Mr. Nyopole. Backed by the energetic Jerabo Dancers,Mwana wa mu Komboni's strong stage presence incorporating elements of dance and theatre, still continues to captivatate the Zambia audience.

ZAMBIAN-BORN and British-bred singer and songwriter Katongo Temba has finally put her new single Baba on video.The Afropop song was composed and arranged by veteran producer Chali ‘Bravo’ Mulalami.The video which was recently published on YouTube has been quickly gaining popularity. The track ‘Baba’ is an upbeat, fun, flirty and lyrically rich song, and shows appreciation for the African man.In the video, you can watch Katongo being flirty with a dark and well-built man. When she released the single last June, her publicist predicted it to be one of the best songs with an international Afropop crossover appeal to come out of Zambia.

“Paired with Katongo’s sultry vocals, you have a match made in heaven, and, simply, music to your ears,” her publicist said in a statement.“Listeners are drawn in by the up-tempo afro-drums and the catchy chorus finds you involuntarily moving to the rhythm. A song definitely to match the greatest Afropop songs ever released, and one fans will not get enough of.” Katongo, who has been writing songs since the age of 11, can be described as an Afropop singer as evidenced by her self-released debut EP ‘My Way’ which is packed with dance influenced tracks laced with African drums and Caribbean rhythms that instantly grab ones attention and showcases her ability to deliver meaningful lyrics with strong, yet soothing vocals.

But away from her music, Katongo, who is also an international model, does charity work and has been aligned with the charity ‘Africans United Against Child Abuse’ (AFRUCA). Recognised as a supporter of the charity, Katongo, alongside other speakers, has spoken at the House of Commons on two occasions. She is also the co-founder of Pamoja Women’s Foundation with her sister Kanta Temba.  

SINGER and songwriter Angela Nyirenda is launching her new album titled ‘Salary’ after which she will embark on a nation-wide tour which will start in Lusaka and end in her home town of Chipata.It’s Makewane music through-out. Angela, who burst onto the scene in 2004, wants to take her career to another level, 11 years after her first single release and seven years since her last release ‘Zambian Girls’.“The long-awaited album will be launched in a series of spectacular Computickets events in Lusaka on 2 October, 2015 at the prestigious Government Complex, followed by a family show at Belvedere Lodge on 3 October.

“ Ms Nyirenda then intends to take the show on the road and give Zambians all around a feel of her new sound,” says Munyumba Mutwale of VL Talent, who is managing Angela.“The multi-lingual album, featuring songs in Kaonde, Bemba, Nsenga, Ngoni, Tonga and English is produced by Moses Sakala of Sakala Arts Centre and is said to be his best work yet.“The critically-acclaimed producer continues to work behind the scenes in ensuring that the production is nothing short of excellent.

Angela continues to touch lives with her music, especially following the tragic loss of her child to heart disease.” Angela has been inspired to join the efforts of the National Heart Coalition of Zambia in contributing to the philanthropic aspiration of one day opening a hospital for heart patients and reaching out to those who have lost loved ones through her music.“In this light, Ms Nyirenda has pledged that part of the proceeds of this album will go to the National Coalition to help with the work they are doing in Zambia.”

NOT for the first time, award-winning singer and songwriter Roberto has hit the right note with his song Amarulah getting over 50, 000 downloads, a true testament to itspopularity.On his part, Roberto has been paying tribute in several tweets to the artistes who have featured on his album such as Cleo Ice Queen, Slap D, Zone Fam, General Ozzy and Chef 187 among others.Zone Fam and Slap D have featured on the remix of Amarulah, which despite some fans saying it is not as good as the original, has still proven popular.   

“I could not wait to work with these guys. True story is Jay Rox met with me at Manda Hill and threatened that he might hack my social media accounts if he did not get to hear a remix, then met Yung Verbal who demanded for new hair spray. I feared for my life and that’s show Zone Fam jumped on the remix lol. Just Joking,” he tweeted.“True story is I always wanted a song with Zone Fam because to be honest, this is the Best Group in Zambia. I could not resist having my brothers on the song, and I think this is the first of many songs to come.

 

“Slap D knocked the hinges on this [Amarulah] remix in international style. This means Slap D and Ozzy are the only artistes to feature on three of my albums. Loads of respect for this brother of mine. We had planned on a song to do together and finally the remix. Big ups Mwila Musonda for hoping onto the #1712_amarulah Album! My Brother to the bone.”

Roberto has also reserved some praise for Chef 187, Cleo Ice Queen and Reekado Banks.
“Nifuna Uzibe on the #Roberto_1712_Amarulah features Chef 187, Kopala’s finest product. This guy has skills that can’t be measured. Salutes to Chef, This song was recorded the day Pilato was launching his album at Club Zed. Recorded at BrathaHood Studio, brother murdered the track, Hands down Chef 187,” he tweets.
He says Cleo, who features on the song Fall with Ghanaian artiste Stonebwoy “murdered” the track and “loves her skills.”

KELVIN KACHINGWE, Lusaka

After releasing her debut album, Unforgettably Yours almost two years ago, songstress, Scarlet has announced plans to release her second album in the first quarter of 2015.

Scarlet says her new project will be a transition from her debut album that was a representation of her entire body of work.Describing it as a concept album, Scarlet shared in an interview that over 90 percent of the album was based on verses from the Bible.“I’m aiming for March or April and this one is a concept album, Scarlet explained. “I’m telling a story about a girl and her experiences through phases of life.”

She said so far she had written four of the songs to feature on the new album and disclosed that one song in particular would feature gospel artiste, Pompi.Among the people helping Scarlet’s second album are James Sakala of the Elect Band, Taonga Sakala, also known as Taz and producer Mutamula Mwale.As the album is being recorded live, Scarlet said most of it will be produced by Ben Blazer of Blazer studio.Though work is still in progress, the artiste expressed optimism at the opportunity to collaborate with more artistes for the project.

In the meantime, Scarlet is gearing up for her last show of the year which is set for November 1 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.She has joined forces with Bittersweet Zambia for an acoustic show which she has put together for the majority of her fans at an affordable charge.“Some people complain that they want to come to my shows but they are pricey so I teamed up with Bittersweet for something more affordable,” Scarlet shared.Her fans can look forward to performances of songs from her current album and a couple from her next album.

By Nkole Nkole