ZAMBIAN MUSIC LEGENDS OF THE EARLY 2000’s PART 1: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The early 2000’s was an amazing period for Zambian music as most of the legends launched their music careers during that period. The songs then usually had a great message whether it be a love song or addressing a serious community issue, these amazing artists made that time so memorable for so many people. Many of these artists music career’s were able to see the light of day thanks to the existing label of that time which was Mondo music headed by Chisha Folotiya, the platform really paved the way for most of the artists we refer to as legends now. We are taking a look at where are these artists now and what exactly are they up to.

JORDAN KATEMBULA (JK)

When JK stepped on the Zambian music all the way from Copper belt and his unique voice quickly made him a force to reckon with, his consistency in the industry has been like no other, he had a successful career in the early 2000’s with hits like Balikuzembaika, Ba neighbor, Ka gelo, Ka silimu, Lubineh and Kankuluwale. The amazing thing about JK is how he managed to switch up his style and appeal to the younger crowd when he grew older, he was still making hits even in 2015.

As at now he has not released any music, he chose to focus on his various businesses, he had a brief stint in politics but that did not last very long and we can be certain it is not the last we have heard of him. As unique as his voice may be a new age musician Rich Bizzy has come on the scene sounding a lot like JK.

K’MILLION

He was one of Zambia’s biggest artists, the R&B legend of Zambian music, if you were around during this period and did not know K’million then you probably lived under a rock because literally every song this man put out was a hit, album after album, he ruled the early 2000’s for a really long time, with hits like Teti ndale, waona Manje, Mukabene, Niwe weka. The man does not need to put out anything new because what he did for the Zambian music industry is enough and does not go unnoticed.

We have not heard much from him of late, he had resurfaced a couple of years ago and put out a song with Macky 2 but did not have the kind of impact he hoped for. As at now it looks like he retired from music completely but you will never know.

KANJI

Kanji was known to feature a lot on Ozzy’s songs, they collaborated quite a bit, she was the Rihanna of that era, every male artist wanted to have her amazing vocals on his song. She brought a fresh perspective to the female and many fell in love with her sweet persona. She was known for hits like Mr big star, Chi daddy, weo, her funky and some what controversial lyrics kept fans wanting more.

Kanji went on to get herself a Law degree and is now a certified lawyer and eventually joined the Zambia Airforce and is now a Colonel and doing amazing things in the military. She has maintained a public profile but whether her new position allows her to some day get back to music is very unlikely.

OZZY

Ozzy was Zambia’s dancehall King, he rocked our early 2000’s with hit after hit with songs like Chimutengo chamanga, Ona Mummy and Take my heart. These songs are still being played in various places and people still enjoy them.

Ozzy has tried to stay consistent by working with his younger brother Roberto who is currently one of Zambia’s biggest celebrities at the moment and they have a record label called ‘Brotherhood thing’ and they have worked together for some time now.