Under the leadership of the indominatable Kris Chali, Amayenge have dominated Zambia's music scene for the almost three decades by embracing all the 73 tribes of Zambia and making the entire nation feel a part of their unique vibe. They are without a doubt, the most versatile and successful band in the history of Zambian music. From their humble beginnings in the town of Choma in Zambia's Southern Province in 1978, Amayenge have gone on to become the most successful band in the history of our country's music. They were then known as the New Crossbones, and their first single "Ukuilondolola" (meaning to introduce oneself) was released the following year and led to their debut album "Ichupo Ne N'ganda" (marriage and a home). Amayenge follow the Central African tradition of expressing the passion of life through song and dance. Their lyrics can sometimes be described as humorous, profound, and even bizarre, but always joyous. Their music is Kalindula, a musical style that originated among the Bemba people of Zambia's Luapula Province. It was originally played on African banjos (including the four-string bass "mbabadoni"), ngoma drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells. These days, European guitars and percussion have been fused in to create an amazing musical genre. Kalindula rhythms are infectious and very danceable, and the way that the lead drummer and the lead dancer work together has to be seen to be believed. They seem to anticipate each other's movements on inexplicably complex patterns. © 2002 Mondo Music
 

Unless they go to read music, most people who enter university go for their specific degrees and then begin the rest of their lives, backed by the degrees they read for, and have little or no contact with music as the source of their livelihood. Edwin Haakulipa ‘Smokey’ Haangala (born 16 January 1950) was different. He entered the University of Zambia to read English and Public Administration and while there, discovered that his love for the guitar far outweighed his love for books, and while he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree and entered the world of formal employment, first in the civil service, and later in the book publishing and newspaper worlds, his love for music always came first. And indeed music ruled his life for most of the 38 years that he lived on earth. © 2005 Mondo Music
 

Serenje Kalindula Band were the first Zambian band to come up with the real sounds of kalindula, the popular and respected traditional dance style from Luapula Province in the north of Zambia. The Band debuted with an album called 'Amanyamune' in February 1979, which introduced a touch of glamour into the Kalindula scene. Serenje provided their dance fans with their Kalindula tunes, and 'Fwanda ' - the dance of the people of Serenje and Mkushi districts in the Central Province of Zambia. For those who preferred to listen, it supplied the necessary innovation to the traditional norms. © 2005 Mondo Music
 

The Zambian encounter with foreign music frequently results in Zambian music losing out. But does the foreign music portray the experiences and reality of the Zambian situation? This is the question and challenge that John Nyirongo always posed to himself and strove to answer. Throughout his career, John displayed his skills as a balladeer. His songs are emotionally potent and entertaining. A mixture that is impossible to resist, a perfect accompaniment to a good time. The lyrics talk about basic family worries. These have an immediacy and relevance to the Zambian situation such that the image created in almost crystal clear. His sister Joyce helps sharpen the image with her powerful and versatile vocals. From 1985, Joyce hit the limelight with blockbusters that were produced by her brother and proved very popular in Zambia. In 1986, she released 'Sala', then 'Sebe' in 1988. Her final work was 'Succession' in 1990. © 2005 Mondo Music
 

The Oliya Band started playing music in Luanshya, at Mikomfwa township at Kosapo Tavern in 1980. Their originality in playing manchancha (Kaonde traditional dance music) and kalindula (Bemba traditional dance music) explains their evergreen status in music circles. Oliya Band had a passion for the promotion of the Kaonde, the Lamba and the Bemba traditional norms and culture through music. © 2005 Mondo Music