Blending the rock and roll sounds together with more traditional African rhythms, WITCH pioneered a new genre dubbed Zamrock, and during their brief, yet prolific existence released 7 albums and were the most revered band in the country.

In June 2023 WITCH released their 8th studio album, ZANGO, ’via Desert Daze Sound — a new Partisan imprint A&Red by the founder of the Desert Daze festival, Phil Pirrone. ZANGO was recorded in DB Studios in Lusaka, the same studio where the band’s 1975 album ‘Lazy Bones’ was recorded 46 years ago.

The zango or hut illustration depicted in the album cover, tells the story of the band’s phoenix-like rebirth into its current supergroup-like state. Held by 6 columns and looked over by 6 eyes; the illustration represents 6 band members; Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda, Patrick Mwondela on keys, Nico Mauskoviç on drums and percussion, Stefan Lilov and JJ Whitefield on guitars, and Jacco Gardner on bass, also in production alongside Jasper Geluk and WITCH.

The album features collaborations with Keith Kabwe (Amanaz), Theresa Ng’ambi, Hanna Tembo, and Sampa The Great. ZANGO is full of international and inter-generational collaborations that chart musical histories from Zambia and beyond.

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Content taken from Te MATA Studio