“Mariama”, a programme with African music. Pop music from Zambia (1)
This is the first episode of a series in which Mariama features pop music from Zambia. Zambian music was at an all time high from the late 70’s until the 80’s. Inspired by popular pop music from neighbouring country Congo the traditional instruments were replaced by the guitar, bass and drums. A style developed that is known as Zam-rhumba. Other music styles developed that were rooted more in the Zambian tradition. The best known styles are Kalindula and Mantyantya. The Zambian music industry collapsed completely during the economic depression of the 90’s. Luckily Zambian music has been flourishing again since 2000 with as biggest catalyst the record label Mondo Music. Apart from that they produce new artists they also put energy in the reissuing of nostalgic hits with Sounds of Zambia-compilations and the Zambian Legends series. Most of the original recordings got lost but the creaking elastic guitars, bass lines and honest voices revive from LP to CD. And that is a good thing because this music is too beautiful to get lost in time. In this episode we will broadcast a selection of songs from Sounds of Zambia volume I and III.
A beautiful introduction of beautiful music….from Zambia.
