Most people do not know this, but the boom in the price of Copper in the 1970s marked an exciting chapter in Zambian musical history. This history intertwined youthful rebellion and experimentation, cultural pride, and global rock influences.

This was the era of Zambian rock, stylishly called Zamrock, a forgotten psychedelic rock movement that flourished in the copper-rich nation. Usually overlooked in the broader story of African music, this genre was as daring as it was distinctive, blending traditional rhythms with hard-hitting guitar riffs and captivating stage performances.

Zamrock emerged years following Zambia’s independence from British colonial rule in 1964. This newly found freedom sparked a cultural reawakening, with young Zambians eager to forge an identity that balanced tradition and trend.

Western rock music, made popular by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, and the rest, found its way to the ears of Zambians through importation by the British ruling class and expatriates. With the increasing bombardment of the music scene with songs by Western artists like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Cliff Richard, and South African musicians like Miriam Makeba, young Zambian musicians absorbed these sounds and began experimenting with their own brand of rock and funk, infusing it with African polyrhythmic drumming style and melodies.

After Zambia’s independence in 1964, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia, who was also a musician, introduced the slogan One Zambia, One Nation, to unite the country. He also placed a decree that 95% of songs played on radio and television must be of Zambian origin, this was a turning point in the genre because these musicians needed to show Zambians that they could do the same thing Western musicians did, with a relatable twist.

Although these artists were challenged by politicians to do something more authentic, they wanted to do what a typical Zambian music lover was familiar with but with a Zambian influence.

Bands like the WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc), Blackfoot, and Aqualung, all from the Copperbelt province, Amanaz (Ask Me About Nice Artists In Zambia), and Musi-O-Tunya, were at the forefront of this emerging genre and were singing most in local languages like Bemba or Nyanja.

The WITCH, headed by Jagari Chanda, with their massive hit Introduction in 1972, 1978 I Can See It Coming by the Oscillations, Crossbones’ Wise Man (1976), 45,000 Volts by Ngozi Family (1977), Amanaz’s Africa (1975) and Khala My Friend which served as a different approach with its Blues and country music influence. These were just a few of the brilliant hits from this thriving Zamrock scene, a generation coming to terms with the rapid societal changes.

In the midst of this male-dominated scene, a woman stood out. Violet Kafula from the Crossbones band was a lead singer who never looked back. Her songs "Say That You Love Me" and "Mwe Balume Bandi" were great hits that gained a lot of traction, pushing her and her band to record a new album, Mwe Balume Bandi, which sold over 14,000 vinyl copies in two weeks.

Despite its early success, Zambian rock music faced several challenges that led to its decline in the 1980s. The global drop in copper prices devastated the Zambian economy, leaving citizens with little disposable income to pay for concerts and records. Political instability in neighboring countries further disrupted the music scene, and power outages made it hard for bands to perform or resort to performing during the day.

The 1980s brought another devastating blow to the global AIDS epidemic. Many of Zamrock’s key figures succumbed to the disease. The genre’s momentum waned, and its vibrant energy faded into obscurity.

In recent years, Zamrock has seen a resurgence of interest, thanks to music enthusiasts and labels like Now-Again Records, which have reissued classic Zamrock albums. Documentaries have helped shine a light on the forgotten genre, introducing it to new audiences worldwide.

Discover Zamrock, a vibrant blend of African rhythms and Western rock that emerged in 1970s Zambia.

The Zambian Psychedelic Rock Scene of the 1970s

Discover Zamrock, a vibrant blend of African rhythms and Western rock that emerged in 1970s Zambia.

Share to:

Related Blogs