Zamrock Returns: How Zambia’s 70s Rock Legends Witch Are Sparking a Global Revival
In the early 1970s, Zambia gave birth to a groundbreaking music genre known as Zamrock — a fiery fusion of Western rock ‘n’ roll with African beats, rhythms, and cultural expression. At the forefront of this movement was a band whose very name made their mission clear: WITCH, an acronym for "We Intend To Cause Havoc." More than five decades later, the band has returned with fresh music, global recognition, and a historic performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025, bringing Zamrock roaring back to life.
Zamrock was born in the aftermath of Zambia’s independence from British colonial rule in 1964. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Black Sabbath, local musicians like WITCH layered fuzz guitars, native drums, and African instrumentation into a rebellious and electrifying sound. WITCH, fronted by the magnetic Emmanuel "Jagari" Chanda, became a symbol of cultural pride and artistic revolution.
Despite early success in the 1970s, the genre faded amid economic downturns, social upheaval, and public health crises in Zambia. By the mid-1980s, Zamrock had all but disappeared until a powerful comeback decades later. In 2011, Now-Again Records reissued a WITCH compilation, sparking renewed global interest. This led to documentary features, sold-out international tours, and collaborations with major artists like Jack White, Mike D (Beastie Boys), Madlib, and Clairo.
Even hip-hop titans like Tyler, The Creator and Travis Scott have sampled Zamrock in recent projects.
“Zamrock is facing a rebirth,” Jagari says. “It had sunk into oblivion. But the interest is growing.”
WITCH's latest albums 2023’s Zango and 2025’s Sogolo blend vintage soul with modern production, proving the sound’s timeless appeal. Their upcoming performance at Glastonbury marks a historic first for a Zamrock band, introducing new audiences to this once-forgotten genre.
Born in the copper-mining town of Kitwe, Jagari’s journey began with jukeboxes, Mozambican radio stations, and village music. Though nicknamed after Mick Jagger, Jagari redefined the identity: “Yes, he's great. But I'm African. I needed a name that reflected my roots.” He eventually embraced the name Jagari after discovering it also meant "a brewer of dark brown sugar" a fitting metaphor for a sound that’s both rich and raw.
WITCH is now more than just a revival band they are cultural ambassadors of Zamrock’s legacy and future. As they continue to tour and release music, they shine a light on Zambia’s rich musical history and its evolving global relevance.