Zambian traditional music: Exploring sounds and cultural heritage

By Azure Lee | Update on: Apr 26, 2025

With 73 ethnic groups generally divided into six official language groups (Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Luvale-Mbunda, Lozi, and Kaonde), Zambia is a nation rich in cultural diversity. Zambian traditional music stands as an enduring testament to the country's cultural richness, weaving a melodic narrative steeped in history and heritage. Rooted deeply within the diverse tribes and ethnicities of Zambia, traditional songs echo tales of tradition, community, and identity.

Zambian traditional music in community life

Due to the high degree of active community participation, music is a valid perspective on Zambians in that it is a useful and essential component of daily religious, social, personal, and economic life. Generally speaking, music is organized as a social event; musical activities belong to the community as a whole.

Zambian traditional music stands as an enduring testament to the cultural richness

Life cycle and importance in society

Different Zambian ethnic groups have various musical customs tied to their initiation ceremonies. These rites, connected to major life transitions like birth, initiation, marriage, and death, are crucial for navigating societal status changes. For instance, the Makishi masquerades among the Luvale and the Chisungu rituals of the Bemba were developed to help youngsters grasp cultural values, norms, and the responsibilities of adulthood through music.

Musical instruments, together with the ideas they express, also serve as a reflector of Zambian life. As such, the dynamics of life have often served as the conditions for the birth and growth of musical instruments. Thus, traditional ways of guaranteeing prosperity, good health, security, normal development of outlook and character, order and orderly behavior have created the need for rituals that employ the use of Zambian ethnic traditional music and instruments.

Rituals of prosperity, health, and safety

Therapeutic music and rituals are common in Zambia. A wide range of dances, costumes, props, and music have developed through these traditions: for example, the vimbuza of the Tumbuka and the cibitiko of the Soli/Lenje groups have greatly contributed to this phenomenon. 

Order and social control

Through musical performances, social values are constantly adapted to modern life contexts and are directed towards all. For example, in the same province, young Nsenga girls criticize young girls about early sexuality through a subtle wriggling dance during the ndendeule performance.

In addition to their musical function, traditional instruments in Zambia also represent authority. Take, for instance, the maoma royal drums of the Lozi people in Western Province, which not only signify authority but also signify political stability within the chiefdom.

Learn about style of Zambian traditional music and dance

Making traditional songs in Zambia is rarely a solitary event without dance or other dramatic arts. Usually, dance is performed in tandem with music performances, making little or no distinction between the titles of the dance and the music that goes with it.

Traditional instruments in Zambia symbolize the essence of the country

Nyakasanga music 

Nyakasanga music is an essential element of the social dance in North Western Province. It involves a call-and-response style of singing by both men and women, accompanied by a set of five drums. These drums vary in pitch and sound, with one leading drum and others providing support. 

The Nyakasanga performance portrays daily life activities through stylized and dramatic dance movements that are depicted in songs.

Kalela music

Kalela music is synonymous with the social stylistic kalela dance of the Bisa, Ngumbo, and Ushi people of Luapula Province. There are two versions of the kalela performance: one portraying modernity and the other rural life. Huge drums made out of abandoned oil drums are used in the kalela performance, which is performed to the sound of loud whistles. 

In contrast to other parts of Zambia, kalela drums are played using sticks. This dance involves both men and women arranged in a circular formation, expressing intimate social gestures while engaging in call-and-response singing.

Chig’ande 

Chig'ande represents the musical tradition of the Tonga people in Southern Province, performed during a social courtship dance called ching'ande. It involves three drums: the ngoma mpati and two tusunto (singular: kasunto). The ngoma mpati serves as the primary drum, creating cross rhythms with the smaller drums. A hard percussive stick called lukonkoolo (plural: nkonkoolo) is utilized to produce rhythms on the drum's side.

Additionally, the performance incorporates a muyuwa rattle (a closed tin can filled with stones) or nsakalala (a flat, elongated wild fruit), alongside hand claps.

Vimbuza

The Tumbuka people of Eastern Province have a type of therapeutic dance music called vimbuza, which is associated with spirit possession. Both men and women perform vimbuza, which is only held when healing from spiritual possession is needed. 

The performer's ability to identify the kind of evil spirits possessing the patient is enhanced by the use of rattles or small iron balls, which produce beautiful striking sounds that are punctuated by hand clapping and singing.

Fwandafwanda

The ethnic groups of Kunda, Lima, Lenje, Sala, Soli, Luano, and Lala perform fwandafwanda in Central Province. The dance is performed in unison by men and women for social and recreational purposes, accompanied by clap and drum rhythms.

The musical themes are typically current and topical, and they are performed on a combination of five graduated drums of varying sizes with percussion beats, including whistle sounds.

Manchacha music

The manchacha is a celebratory dance performed by the Lenje and Lamba speaking women of Central and Copperbelt Provinces. It is primarily celebratory at weddings and ceremonies that mark the coming of age of young girls. 

A set of four to five drums are used to play the fast-paced music, and although it is a genre associated with women, male drummers frequently accompany the females during public performances.

Making traditional songs in Zambia is rarely a solitary event without dance

Impact on the Zambian music industry

The native traditional music genres of Zambia have influenced modern performers' inventiveness and have greatly shaped the popular music scene in the nation.

This impact is prominently observable in the work of various artists within the Zambian music industry. For instance, bands like Amayenge, showcased in albums like Mao (1989), Mangoma Kulila (2006), and Chishango (2011), as well as artists like Pontiano Kaiche in Insaka (2013), Mulemena Boys with A Tribute to the Late Emmanuel Mulemena (1984), Serenje Kalindula Band through Elyo Yalila (1990), and Sakala Brothers across albums like Londole (1998), Sandra (2001), Manzi Amoyo (2002), and Born in Matero (2013), all reflect the strong influence of local traditional music styles on popular genres.

Because most local popular musicians have highly traditional musical inclinations, it is easy to associate them with one or more local traditional styles.

Conclusion: Zambian traditional music

In conclusion, the kaleidoscope of Zambian traditional music paints a vibrant picture of the nation's cultural richness and heritage.

To truly immerse oneself in this captivating musical journey, travelers are encouraged to apply for a Zambia e-visa via our website: Zambia Immigration Services. This electronic visa streamlines the travel process, allowing you to embark on your Zambian adventure swiftly and conveniently. Whether you're drawn to the rhythmic beats of traditional songs or eager to immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene, the eVisa simplifies your journey.