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Afrorock with a clear message

Frank von Niederhäusern10-29-20252 min. read

Their band history is legendary. Now W.I.T.C.H. from Zambia are touring Europe with a new album and are making two concert stops in Switzerland.

Afropop and Afrojazz are well-known and popular among fans of non-European music. But what about Afro rock? In the 1970s, there were several attempts to combine the simple power of rock 'n' roll, which was gaining popularity at the time, with the complex rhythms and harmonies of African music. Among the pioneers of this movement were W.I.T.C.H. from Zambia. Their name, "We Intend to Cause Havoc," clearly expressed their intention. They were frustrated that Zambia, a model African state since gaining independence in 1964, was slipping back into economic and political instability in the 1970s. To this end, W.I.T.C.H. adapted music from loud and hard bands such as Black Sabbath or the young Rolling Stones.

A decisive influence on Afropop

This fusion was soon called Zamrock, and it celebrated huge successes. The band W.I.T.C.H., led by the singer Emanyeo "Jagari" Chanda — whose nickname references Mick Jagger — was worshipped in the '70s and '80s. However, this success ultimately damaged the band. The leader, Jagari, soon quit, after which the band degenerated into a disco band and eventually disbanded. All of the band members except Jagari later died of AIDS or other ailments. Jagari became a music professor.Since 2006, various editions of the band's music have been available again, and listeners today are amazed by the band's creativity. Their music seems to have helped lay the foundations for globally successful Afropop. In 2011, Jagari began reactivating his band, and today he is accompanied by musicians from Zambia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, including Geneva guitarist Stefan Lilov.In June, the new album "Sogolo" was released. It emphatically celebrates the zamrock of the time but underpins it with contemporary sounds. The album mixes the exotic fusion sound of the '70s with anthemic, colorful Afropop. The band's live performances, which are currently touring Europe, are colorful as well.Frank von Niederhäusern, Kulturtipp
The article appeared in the current issue of Kulturtipp. More information and subscriptions are available at kulturtipp.ch

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