Witch

In the early 1970s, Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda (named after Mick Jagger) embodied
the spirit of optimism in newly independent Zambia. As the charismatic frontman of
Zambia’s most popular rock band, WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc), he became the
face of Zamrock — an electrifying fusion of traditional Zambian rhythms with influences
from The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath and James Brown. The band’s concerts in dusty halls and on makeshift stages were moments of collective ecstasy: audiences dancing on police vans, Jagari leaping into the crowd, and a raw, infectious energy surging between band and audience. However,
economic crisis and the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s led to the band’s break-up. In 2012, WITCH’s albums were reissued by the US label Now-Again Records, sparking renewed interest and leading to the group’s reunion with a new line-up centred on Jagari Chanda and keyboardist Patrick Mwondela. Since then, a younger generation has rediscovered their almost forgotten, raw and rebellious sound, and WITCH have returned to the stage with highenergy performances at major festivals. In 2023, they released “Zango”, their first new studio album in 40 years.