A fresh yet ancient sound has returned to the musical scene. The electrified fusion of psychedelic rock funk and local rhythms known as Zamrock from Zambia is experiencing a new surge of popularity after its initial emergence more than fifty years ago. The music genre which used to be the rebellious anthem for independence has now gained popularity among worldwide listeners and serves as inspiration for major modern music artists. The revival movement places Witch at its core because this band represents the quintessential sound of the genre through their enduring raw energy and hybrid musical style which persists across different time periods.
Witch, short for We Intend To Cause Havoc, drove this movement. The band, founded in Lusaka in 1971, grew to become the nation’s most well-known group. Bringing urgency and flair to the stage was Emmanuel Chanda, their front man, also known as Jagari. His name was a tribute to Mick Jagger; his voice reflected the roughness of the day. Between 1972 and 1977, Witch released five albums. Their early output was raw, full of garage energy and rock and roll attitude. Later efforts displayed the band’s range and aspiration with a dreamlike, hallucinogenic vibe.
Jagari once stated, “We had the influence of rock and roll, but we were Africans. We could not play the actual rock and roll; we had to mix our own elements into it.”
Zamrock’s original intensity emerged as part of a national initiative to support native cultural expressions. The Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda established a radio rule which required 95% of music to be Zambian. The policy started in the early 1970s to build national unity during post-independence times while offering local musicians the opportunity to create their musical identity. Zamrock vanished as Zambia’s economy fell and political and social activity grew more stressed. Many of its major players passed away, ceased recording, or were forgotten. The genre, once full of promise, fell to quiet.
The group then reemerged in 2011. An American music label published a collection of their work, which drew worldwide attention far beyond Zambia. Jagari, now retired from music, went back onstage. A fresh group brought the songs to America and Europe. Soon after, came a film that exposed Witch to a whole new generation of admirers. “The sound is wild, honest, and entirely its own,” said Eothen Alapatt, head of the label. “It’s difficult not to be blown away when first heard.”
Witch’s comeback has drawn more focus to Zamrock. The musical sound from Lusaka has since spread throughout the world. Amanaz’s Easy Street received a sample by Tyler The Creator in 2020 while Yves Tumour incorporated Witch’s Strange Dream into his 2021 track Jackie.The genre’s distorted textures made their way into Travis Scott’s 2023 track Collapse through samples of Chrissy Zebby Tembo’s Trouble Maker.The original local musical expression of pride and defiance has evolved into a powerful force which drives modern music trends around the world. Witch are back with Sogolo, a new release, more than fifty years after their first album. In June 2025, the band became the first Zamrock band to play Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
For Jagari, the resurgent interest is more than a second chance. It is one approach of preserving the sound alive. “Zamrock had disappeared into obscurity,” he notes; “but now it is having a rebirth. The excitement is rising.”
The vibrant local music scene that developed in postcolonial Zambia has evolved into a global musical movement. Witch are also creating songs once again. For the entire world, they are changing Zamrock’s history.
