Amayenge is a popular Zambian music
group. Started by Kris Chali in 1978 in Choma, the band was originally
called Crossbones, one of many Zambian acts that had spring up to do
gigs based on Rock. Later the band became known as the New Crossbones,
after a change in direction, sponsorship and
amangement. The musical
style of the group is called kalindula,
a distinctive Zambian popular style with traditional African roots.
Chali died 30 May 2003, but the band has continued with Fraser Chilembo
as their leader. Amayenge has received worldwide attention from WOMAD in
London to Asia and the Americas. In the words of one author:
| “ | Amayenge have dominated Zambia’s music scene for the almost two and half 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. |
” |
The band has continued to perform in Zambia and other southern
African countries. Their membership has changed somewhat in recent years
but news reports from the Times of Zambia, Zambian Post and Zambia
Daily Mail routinely report their activities. A recent report is typical
of news accounts of the band:
| “ | …the ‘Never-fading’ Amayenge Asoza did not have to wait until the whole arena was filled with fans before they started unleashing their collection gathered over a period of 20 years. With such a record, no one could resist the Amayenge, led by Alice Chali, when the crew delivered a two by two circle dance. |
” |
Kalindula
is a Zambian musical style that was originally played on “banjos”
(pronounced ‘bahn-jos’), a 4-stringed bass (called ‘mbabadoni’ or
‘kalindula’), [ngoma] drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells. Western
guitars and percussion have replaced the homemade banjos and drum sets
used previously
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Current Band Members: 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), Sam Chiluba (Bass)
Fraser Chilembo – Band Manager
US Tour
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. The band was enthusiastically
received by audiences across the Pacific Northwest.
