Biography of Amayenge

Amayenge is the name of a popular Zambian music group. Started by Kris Chali in 1978 in Choma, the band was originally called New Crossbones. The musical style of the group is called kalindula, a distinctive Zambian popular style with traditional African roots. Chali died 30 May 2003, but the band has continued with Fraser Chilembo as their leader. Amayenge has received worldwide attention from WOMAD in London to Asia and the Americas. In the words of one author: The band has continued to perform in Zambia and other southern African countries. Their membership has changed somewhat in recent years but news reports from the Times of Zambia, Zambian Post and Zambia Daily Mail routinely report their activities. A recent report is typical of news accounts of the band: “ ... the ‘Never-fading’ Amayenge Asoza did not have to wait until the whole arena was filled with fans before they started unleashing their collection gathered over a period of 20 years. With such a record, no one could resist the Amayenge, led by Alice Chali, when the crew delivered a two by two circle dance. ” Kalindula is a Zambian musical style that was originally played on "banjos" (pronounced 'bahn-jos'), a 4-stringed bass (called 'mbabadoni' or 'kalindula'), [ngoma] drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells. Western guitars and percussion have replaced the homemade banjos and drum sets used previously Current Band Members: Alice Chali (Dancer/Vocalist, Obert Chali, Emmanuel Kayeji, Bester Mudenda, Jonathan Nthanga, Mathews Mulenga, Joseph Mwamba, Davy Muthali, Chabala Chitambo, Donald Njovu, Eddy Moto, Sam Chiluba Fraser Chilembo - Band Manager