the zambian music series: amayenge
amayenge was founded in choma, southern province, in 1978 by kris chali. started as crossbones — one of many zambian acts playing gigs based on rock in the zamrock era. after a change in direction they became amayenge — a name unchanged for nearly fifty years.
the musical style: kalindula — the distinctively zambian popular music genre that emerged from the traditional music of the bemba-speaking peoples of luapula, northern, and copperbelt provinces. originally played on homemade banjos, a four-stringed bass called the mbabadoni, ngoma drums, chisekele shakers, and metal bells. amayenge replaced the homemade instruments with electric guitars and modern drums — but the rhythmic foundation, the call-and-response structure, and the dance-oriented energy remained.
what makes amayenge's contribution extraordinary is not just the longevity — it is the scope. they have songs in tumbuka, lenje, tonga, lozi, kaonde, nkoya, and luvale — in addition to bemba and nyanja. they have embraced the musical traditions of all 73 tribes of zambia and made the entire nation feel a part of their unique vibe. in a country as ethnically diverse as zambia, this is not an easy achievement. amayenge achieved it.
kris chali died on 30 may 2003. the band continued — under fraser chilembo and then alice chali, the founder's widow. more than two decades after the founder's death, still performing, touring, recording, winning awards.
seven times the ngoma award for best band. the brath award for best kalindula band. the zambia international trade fair best band award.
the band has a song called chipolopolo — recorded in honour of the zambian national football team. the series that began yesterday with the 2012 AFCON has a soundtrack. amayenge gave it to them.
the band that started in choma in 1978. that never stopped. that is still playing.
the zambian music series continues. 🇿🇲🎵
