The Resurgence of Zamrock Pioneer Jagari Chanda

Emmanuel 'Jagari' Chanda, once hailed as Zambia's most eminent rock star, reminisces about the 1970s when his band WITCH (an acronym for 'We Intend To Cause Havoc') led the Zamrock movement—a fusion of traditional Zambian music with the psychedelic rock sound. Chanda, the flamboyant frontman, would crowd-surf to frenzied fans after stage-diving during their high-energy performances that would last for hours.

Creating history, WITCH's debut album Introduction was released in 1972, becoming the first commercial full-length Zamrock record and selling prolifically despite Zambia's limited music industry infrastructure at the time. Their energetic live shows, unique fashion sense, and local-centric ethos were in lockstep with the post-independence Zambian spirit following the end of British colonial rule in 1964.

However, just as they peaked, a combination of social turmoil and the AIDS crisis led to WITCH's decline. Chanda, turning away from the music industry, dedicated his time to teaching and aiding his wife with church activities.

The turning point came when Los Angeles-based label Now Again sought to re-release WITCH's complete discography in 2012. This renewed interest breathed life into the Zamrock genre, attracting international attention. Italian filmmaker Gio Arlotta, propelled by fascination, journeyed to Zambia, producing a rockumentary titled We Intend to Cause Havoc, reviving Chanda's legacy for a new audience.

Now, decades later, Jagari Chanda has staged an incredible comeback. WITCH's allure has withstood the test of time, with their comeback album Zango released in 2022, featuring the unique blend of Afrobeat and psychedelic pop that initially captivated listeners. On tour once again, Chanda and WITCH continue to promote peace, love, and unity through their music, demonstrating that their spirit remains undiminished by time.

This journey from past to present encapsulates the enduring appeal of WITCH and their frontman Jagari Chanda, whose message of harmony transcends generations, inspiring fans both old and new.

comeback, Zamrock, legend