The notes are born where nature itself sings unknown melodies, but blooms where there are ears to hear them.
How it sounds
As if Bob Marley and Frank Zappa were secretly found under Victoria Falls and the result of this flirt is Zamrock.
A mix of psychedelic rock, folk-rock, and reggae, calypso with African tempo, and early heavy metal guitar distortion.
Why listen to it
It is very interesting to mix these sounds and it can definitely be an inspiration for creating new musical motifs.
Undoubtedly it consists of very talented musicians, who do not have the complex of acceptance of American and European musicians.
Why not
Because it did not manage to evolve and mature.
Apart from its original uniqueness, it was lost in its mirror image, so it is simply a category for encyclopedic study, rather than for audio enjoyment.
It is generally far from the problems of the “western world” because almost no one knows where Zambia falls.
Where we meet it
Especially in Zambia!
When did it start
Their first appearance dates back to the ’50s, with artists such as Stephen Tsotsi Kasumali, William Mapulanga, and John Lushi.
However, the first official record of the genre is from the ‘70s.
Who are the pioneers
Zambian DJ Manessah Phiri is credited as the “godfather” of the genre!
However, the creator of the genre is considered Rikki Ililonga with his band Musi-O-Tunya.
But also WITCH, Amanaz, Chrissy “Zebby” Tembo, and Paul Ngozi with the Ngozi Family are considered pioneers.
You have to listen
Smokey Haangala, Keith Mlevhu, Azna de L’Ader, Cosmos Zani.
Days of glory
Within the borders of this African country from the mid-1970s to the 1980s.
The truth is that we cannot imagine groups being stacked outside their dressing rooms.
Nevertheless, it is the “black pearl” for many avant-garde musicians, especially jazz.
Red card
The genre disappeared in the early ’80s, as many bands of the genre began to enter on more psychedelic sounds.
At the same time, the financial situation of their bands pushed them towards Soul and Disco.
It generally failed to find a buying public outside the country.
What is it confused with
With Afro-Caribbean music, Fusion jazz, acid rock, and psychedelic rock
How do you describe it to an irrelevant
Have you been to Zambia? How could you know then!
Ask a musician with colorful capes and an African hat to explain.