Secrets of African Rhythms; with Sampa the Great
Some of Zambia and South Africa's best musicians discuss their music
Sampa the Great was born in Ndola in Zambia and became interested in music from a young age, writing poems and singing from the age of 9, spending time in both Zambia and Botswana. She released her first mixtape in 2015 whilst at university in Australia and created a sound influenced by everything from classic hip-hop, to Zamrock. Her latest album 鈥楢s Above So Below鈥�, was released last September and came about after returning home to Zambia during the early days of the pandemic.
Thandiswa Mazwai is one of the most influential South African musicians around today. She has been at the forefront of change in South African music since the late 90s with her politically-conscious lyrics and stunning vocals, both as a solo artist and lead singer of ground-breaking trio Bongo Maffin.
Emmanuel Jagari Chanda is a founding member of the Zambian Rock genre, better known as Zamrock, which blends rock, with funk, and African rhythms. He was the leader of the band WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) who were the first band to record a commercial record in Zambia in the seventies.
Magnus Mando AKA Mag44, is a rapper and music producer who has expanded Zambia鈥檚 musical horizons. He started singing and rapping in church, before writing his own lyrics which gave birth to his career. He also co-produced Sampa the Great鈥檚 latest LP.
Together they鈥檒l be talking about music standing the test of time, African music, and the new generation of musicians.
In part 2 of the show, Thandiswa Mazwai will be taking us through a playlist she鈥檚 called 鈥楢 few of my favourite places鈥�, featuring music from Oumou Sangar茅, Skunk Anansie, and Lee 鈥楽cratch鈥� Perry.
