The Band That Defined Zamrock
WITCH (an acronym for We Intend To Cause Havoc) is widely recognized as Zambia’s most influential rock band of the 1970s. Led by the charismatic frontman Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda, the band blended the raw energy of British and American rock with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of southern Africa, creating a sound that was entirely their own. WITCH’s music resonated with a generation navigating the complexities of post-colonial Zambia, offering a voice to the youth and a soundtrack to a changing nation.
At the height of their fame, WITCH could fill stadiums across southern Africa. Their electrifying live performances and socially conscious lyrics made them icons. However, as the political and economic landscape changed in the late 1970s and 1980s, the Zamrock scene faded, and WITCH disbanded in the mid-1980s.
Jagari: The Last Man Standing
Jagari, whose stage name was inspired by Mick Jagger and the word “jaggery” (a type of dark sugar), became Zambia’s biggest rock star during the band’s heyday. After leaving WITCH in the late 1970s, he pursued a career in teaching and later worked as a gemstone miner. Tragically, the AIDS epidemic claimed the lives of all other original band members, leaving Jagari as the sole survivor.
In the 2010s, WITCH’s music was rediscovered by a new generation of fans in Europe and America, leading to a remarkable revival. Jagari, now in his seventies, is once again leading the band, touring the world and introducing Zamrock to audiences who had never heard it before.
A New Chapter: The Latest Album and UK Tour
WITCH’s resurgence has been marked by a series of new releases. In 2023, they released Zango, their first studio album in nearly 40 years, to critical acclaim. This year, they are promoting their latest album, SOGOLO—a word meaning “future” in a Zambian dialect—which was released on June 13, 2025. The album was recorded in Berlin, Germany, and features a fresh, multinational lineup, with Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda and longtime keyboardist Patrick Mwondela at the helm. The other members are Jacco Gardner, Michael Rault, Nico Mauskoviç, and JJ Whitefield.
SOGOLO is a bold, forward-looking record that retains WITCH’s signature fuzzy, funky, and psychedelic sound while embracing new influences. Standout tracks include the lead single “Queenless King,” a funky, life-affirming song that explores the challenges of marriage, and “Kamusale,” inspired by a Bemba children’s game. The album has been praised for its energy, creativity, and the band’s ability to bridge generations and cultures.
Performing at Glastonbury: What Is Glastonbury?
For Zambian readers unfamiliar with Glastonbury, it is one of the world’s most famous music festivals. Held annually (with occasional fallow years) on a sprawling farm in Somerset, England, Glastonbury Festival attracts over 200,000 attendees and features a diverse lineup of music, dance, comedy, theatre, and other performing arts. The festival is known for its massive stages, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to environmental sustainability, using renewable energy and banning single-use plastics.
Glastonbury is a landmark event in British culture and a dream stage for artists worldwide. This year, WITCH will make history as the first Zamrock band to perform at Glastonbury, a milestone that highlights the growing global recognition of Zambian music.
Carrying the Torch ForwardJagari has become an evangelist for Zamrock, touring the world and inspiring a new generation of musicians. With the release of SOGOLO and their landmark performance at Glastonbury, WITCH is not only celebrating their legacy but also ensuring that the spirit of Zamrock lives on for future generations.
Fans of WITCH can purchase and stream their music through several official channels:
- Official WITCH Store (100% US): Here you can buy physical and digital formats of their latest albums, including SOGOLO (available as LP, CD, and digital download), as well as classic releases and merchandise.
- WITCH’s Official Website: The band’s website offers vinyl, CD, and special bundles, such as the Zango album in various formats, sometimes packaged with magazines or exclusive flexi discs.
- Partisan Records: WITCH’s label, Partisan Records, provides access to their music and news about releases.
- Streaming Platforms: While not listed directly in the sources, it is standard for modern artists like WITCH to have their music available on major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. The 100% US store also indicates the option to “stream WITCH,” suggesting availability on digital platforms.
In summary, you can buy WITCH’s music directly from their official store and website, or stream it on popular digital platforms.
W.I.T.C.H. performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 16, 2022.:
