There is a saying in the Bemba language, “Zambia ku chalo”, which means “Zambia to the world”. It has become something of a philosophy for Sampa Tembo, better known by her stage name, Sampa the Great.

Two things become clear when talking to Sampa the Great. One, her unwavering national pride in being Zambian. Two, the infectious energy that carries into her music. Over Zoom, we greet each other in ...

As rightly stated by writer Lisa Insansa, Zambia’s music scene has experienced multiple deaths and rebirths, reflective of turbulent social, economic, and political realities. However, the country’s ...