Amayenge

Founded in Choma in 1978 by Kris Chali, Amayenge (formerly called Crossbones) is one of the popular Zambian music groups. The group is no doubt, the most versatile and successful band in the history of Zambian music. Their musical style is called kalindula, a distinctive Zambian popular style with traditional African roots. The band continued with Fraser Chilembo following the death of Chali on 30 May 2003. It received worldwide attention from WOMAD in London to Asia and in America.

Current band members include Alice Chali (dancer / vocalist, Obert Chali (vocalist / dancer), Emmanuel Kayeji (dancer / vocalist), Bester Mudenda (dancer / vocalist), Jonathan Nthanga (lead guitar), Mathews Mulenga (rhythm guitar), Joseph Mwamba (drums), Davy Muthali (percussionist), Chabala Chitambo (percussionist), Donald Njovu (percussionist), Eddy Moto (sound engineer) and Sam Chiluba (bass).

Kalindula is a Zambian musical style that was originally played on banjos, a 4-stringed bass (called mbabadoni or kalindula, drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells. Western guitars and percussion have replaced the homemade banjos and drum sets used previously.

The music ensemble continues to dominate the country’s music scene for almost two and half decades by embracing all the 73 tribes of Zambia and making the entire nation feels a part of their unique vibe.

The band has continued to perform in the country and other southern African countries. Their membership has changed somewhat in recent years but news reports from local media routinely report their activities.

In 1996, Amayenge traveled to Whidbey Island, WA, where they met up with Moye Kashimbi, who had left Zambia to marry US citizen, Vernon Huffman, who became Tour Director for Amayenge.

They made their debut single ‘Ukuilondola’ (meaning to introduce oneself) in 1979. This was followed by the recording of an LP titled ‘Amayenge’ (1989) in Brentford, Middlesex, England. In 1991 the released an album calle ‘Phone’. They have released more than nine albums.

They have been recognized in certain awards. In 2007 they won the Brath Awards as the Best Kalindula Band. In 2005, they won the Best Band award (6th time to receive this award) category at the Ngoma Awards Festival. In 1993, they won the Best Band of the year at the Zambia International Trade Fair Show.