Zamrock’s Resurgence: How a Lost Zambian Sound is Captivating a New Generation
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A vibrant musical movement born in 1970s Zambia, known as Zamrock, is experiencing a global revival, fueled by contemporary artists and a renewed thankfulness for its unique blend of psychedelic rock and traditional sounds. Spearheaded by artists like Sampa the Great, and with sampling credits from hip-hop heavyweights like Tyler, the Creator and Travis Scott, Zamrock is no longer a forgotten relic of the past, but a burgeoning influence on the modern music landscape.
From Post-Colonial Freedom to a Distinctly Zambian Sound
Emerging in the wake of Zambia’s independence from British rule, Zamrock became the soundtrack to a nation brimming with economic optimism. President kenneth Kaunda’s “Zambia first” policy,mandating that 95% of radio airplay feature Zambian music,created fertile ground for a new musical identity. “We were looking for a sound and a voice that was so post-colonial,” explained Sampa the Great to the BBC. “And Zamrock was that sound – that sound of new freedom, that sound of boldness.”
The genre’s pioneers drew inspiration from Western rock icons like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, but crucially, they fused these influences with traditional Zambian rhythms and instrumentation. as WITCH frontman Emmanuel Chanda, known as Jagari, put it, “We wanted to play like those rock bands but then the African aspect was also calling: ‘You can’t leave me behind.'”
The Golden Age and Subsequent Decline
In the 1970s, Zamrock flourished despite limited recording facilities and a nascent music industry. Bands like WITCH (an acronym for We Intend To Cause Havoc), Ngozi Family, and Amanaz captivated audiences with energetic performances, often lasting for hours. “The fact that they mixed traditional music with psychedelic rock in a conservative country… and to be able to do that and be loud about it – it was something very bold to do in the 70s, let alone now,” Sampa remarked, revealing
A new Wave of Recognition
however, the genre’s momentum waned in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to economic hardship and political shifts. Recordings became scarce, and many of the original artists faded from the spotlight. Yet, in recent years, Zamrock has experienced a remarkable resurgence, thanks to dedicated record collectors, reissues, and a growing international fanbase. The work of Tyler, the Creator, who sampled Ngozi Family’s “45,000 Volts” on his 2024 single “Noid,” have introduced the genre to a wider audience. Hip-hop producers Madlib and mike D of the Beastie Boys have also publicly expressed their admiration, while Third Man Records, co-owned by Jack White, released a live recording of WITCH. The genre has even found its way onto the screen, appearing in the soundtracks of HBO’s Watchmen and the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso.
A future Rooted in the Past
Sampa the Great is at the forefront of this new wave, incorporating Zamrock rhythms into her upcoming album, which she describes as “nu Zamrock.” She believes the resurgence of the genre will be “huge,” and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging its origins. “I think there is a fear that if we are not loud about Zamrock’s origins, we might potentially be taken out of the equation. The more we think about that, the more we want to be loud about where it comes from.”
In Zambia, a renewed sense of pride in Zamrock is taking hold, with the annual Zamrock Festival in Lusaka and a dedicated museum at the Modzi Arts institution celebrating the genre’s legacy. As Jagari reflects, “The fire has been lit. Its up to the younger generation to put more firewood to it and let the flames burn.”
