Ask Onix
Zamrock resurfaces as global artists embrace Zambia's retro sound
Zambia's psychedelic rock movement from the 1970s, known as Zamrock, is experiencing a global resurgence, with contemporary musicians like Sampa the Great and international stars sampling its distinctive fusion of traditional rhythms and fuzz guitars.
The origins of Zamrock
Zamrock emerged in the early 1970s, shortly after Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule. The country's economic boom and President Kenneth Kaunda's "Zambia first" policy-requiring radio stations to play 95% local music-created fertile ground for a bold, homegrown sound.
Influenced by Western rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, Zambian musicians blended psychedelic guitar riffs with indigenous melodies. Bands like WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) and Amanaz became icons, performing marathon shows in flamboyant outfits, often from dusk till dawn.
"We were Africans. We wanted to play like those rock bands, but the African aspect was also calling: 'You can't leave me behind.'"
Emmanuel "Jagari" Chanda, WITCH frontman
The fall and rediscovery
The genre's golden era was short-lived. By the late 1970s, Zambia's economy collapsed as copper prices plunged, crippling the music industry. Piracy and the HIV/AIDS crisis, which claimed the lives of many Zamrock pioneers, further hastened its decline. For decades, the movement faded into obscurity.
The revival began in the early 2010s, when Western record collectors stumbled upon rare Zamrock vinyl. US label Now-Again Records reissued albums by WITCH and other bands, sparking renewed interest. Original records, once overlooked, now sell for hundreds-or even thousands-of dollars.
Global influence and modern reinvention
Zamrock's resurgence has reached far beyond Zambia. HBO's Watchmen and Apple TV's Ted Lasso featured songs from the genre, while hip-hop artists like Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator have sampled Zamrock tracks in their work. Tyler, the Creator called the Ngozi Family "incredible" after using their music in his 2024 song Noid.
WITCH, now reformed with original member Jagari and younger European musicians, has toured globally, playing festivals like Glastonbury. At 74, Jagari reflects on the bittersweet revival: "It's like a new lease on life I never expected at my advanced age."
A new chapter: 'Nu Zamrock'
Sampa the Great, the Zambian-born, Botswana-raised rapper, is leading Zamrock's modern evolution. Her upcoming album, described as "nu Zamrock," weaves the genre's psychedelic roots with hip-hop and other contemporary influences. The first single, Can't Hold Us, features fuzz guitars and defiant lyrics: "They don't have the guts to match my prowess."
"We were looking for a sound and a voice that was so post-colonial. And Zamrock was that sound-that sound of new freedom, that sound of boldness."
Sampa the Great
Local artists like Stasis Prey and Mag 44 are also experimenting with Zamrock, while Lusaka's Bo'jangles restaurant hosts an annual Zamrock Festival. A small museum at Modzi Arts preserves the genre's legacy.
Preserving the legacy
Despite its global appeal, some Zambians worry about Zamrock being reduced to mere samples. Duncan Sodala, owner of Lusaka's Time Machine record store, emphasizes the importance of honoring its roots: "The more we think about that, the more we want to be loud about where it comes from."
Jagari, wrapping up WITCH's 2025 world tour in New Zealand, sees the revival as a torch passed to the next generation. "The fire has been lit. It's up to the younger generation to put more firewood to it and let the flames burn."
