Zambian musicians are shaping the soundscape of today with fresh energy and authentic stories. This feature spotlights five Zambian musical artists making waves right now. Whether rising stars or established names, they each bring unique style and flair, proving that Zambia's music scene is as dynamic as ever.
Turn on the radio, check your TikTok, or walk into any club in Lusaka right now, and you'll hear it – Zambian artists are releasing top-tier music lately. Zambia's musical artists aren't just making songs; they're creating the soundtrack to our lives and putting the country on the map, with millions of views to show for it. If you're looking for what's hot in Zambian music today, here's the lowdown on five homegrown talents who are blowing up right now:
KB & Chewe ft. Frank Ro – "Nileke"
"Nileke" isn't your typical track. KB and Chewe teamed up with Frank Ro and created something that's been stuck in everyone's head for months. Zambian music fans know KB as a master producer who has been established for years, but his real gift might be spotting talent. The way Chewe's voice plays off Frank Ro's smooth delivery can only be described as pure magic.
While everyone else is trying to make you dance, these guys remembered something important – Zambians love a good story. "Nileke" brings back that classic love ballad feeling with a modern twist. Sometimes the quietest songs hit the hardest.
Mordecaii – "Amen"
Mordecaii came out of nowhere with "Fire" and made people take notice, but "Amen" is where he really bares his soul. The track feels like you're eavesdropping on someone's most personal conversation with God, yet somehow it still makes you want to sway. It's that rare song that works both in your headphones during quiet reflection and blasting from speakers, and it reflects what we may come to know as the Mordecaii signature sound.
Mordecaii is one of many Zambian musicians who get what so many artists miss – making music that makes listeners feel something real.
Triple M ft. Driemo – "Follow"
When Triple M linked up with Malawi's Driemo for "Follow," they proved that great music ignores borders. Triple M crafts hooks that burrow into your brain and refuse to leave. Add Driemo's unique vocals to the mix, and you've got a combination that just works.
What's cool about "Follow" is how it exhibits that distinct Zambian sound we love so much and brings with it that Malawian flair. This is Southern African brotherhood in musical form – the kind of collaboration that leaves you hoping they work together again soon.
Blood Kid Y.V.O.K – "SAMFLOSSING"
If you need motivation to boss up, Blood Kid's "SAMFLOSSING" is your jam. The Young Voice of Kopala (Y.V.O.K) brings that raw Kopala energy and swag that can't be faked or replicated. You are either born with it or you’re not. Blood Kid doesn't just rap; he captures that hustler mentality that drives Zambian youth. With sharp lyrics over hard-hitting, unapologetic beats, he's speaking directly to anyone grinding their way up.
The Kopala sound has always had its own flavour, and Blood Kid is adding his special sauce to the recipe. Wherever you're from in Zambia, whether you understand the lyrics or not, this track makes you dance a little harder and walk with extra confidence.
JC Kalinks – "Maradona"
JC Kalinks scored a proper banger with "Maradona." The way he flips football skills into a metaphor for romance is both hilarious and clever. Being both a singer and producer gives JC an edge – he knows exactly how to make his voice sit perfectly in the mix. The result? A tune that gets the party started without trying too hard. Through this musical metaphor, JC Kalinks keeps his sound relatable while adding that playful twist that sets him apart, and that is the type of Zambian music that stands out, infused with personality and playfulness.
These five Zambian musicians barely scratch the surface of what's bubbling in our music scene. From soul-searching ballads to swagger-filled anthems, Zambian music has never been this diverse or exciting. So next time someone asks what's hot in Zambian music, put them onto these names. Zambia's musical stars aren't just rising – they're bright enough for the whole world to see.
