Lifestyle | Zambia Monitor

From hit songs to Brigadier-General! How ‘Kanji’ ruled the airwaves and rose to military fame

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:15:00 +0000

Before the crisp military uniform and the legal briefs at Army Headquarters, Mwizukanji Namwawa was best known to many Zambians simply as Kanji — a vibrant and trailblazing artiste whose music dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s.

At a time when the local music industry was still finding its modern identity, Kanji stood out as one of the few female performers making a strong mark.

Her hit song Mr Big Star became a household favourite, earning her recognition across the country and securing her place in Zambia’s urban music scene.

With her confident delivery and relatable themes, Kanji carved out a space for herself in an industry largely dominated by male voices.

Music insiders recall her as disciplined, focused and unapologetically ambitious — traits that would later define her career beyond the recording studio.

As Kanji, she was more than an entertainer; she became a symbol of young women pushing boundaries and redefining what was possible in creative spaces.

While fans associated her with microphones and melodies, few could have predicted that the artiste would one day trade studio sessions for military service.

Yet even during her time in music, those close to her say she displayed a strong sense of purpose and leadership, qualities that hinted at a much broader destiny.

On Friday, Namwawa’s promotion to Brigadier General in the Zambia Army by President Hakainde Hichilema reignited public interest in her remarkable journey — prompting many to reflect on her earlier life as an artiste.

Her promotion came alongside other deserving officers elevated in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service.

The advancements were marked by a colourful rank insignia pinning-on ceremony held on Friday at Army Headquarters.

For those who remember Kanji on stage and on radio playlists, her story stands as a powerful reminder that talent, discipline and reinvention can take a person from the spotlight of entertainment to the highest levels of national service.

Her transformation from chart-topping musician to senior military officer remains one of Zambia’s most compelling personal narratives — rooted in a chapter when Kanji’s voice first captured the nation’s attention.

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Tianna unveils ‘Izibika’, a soulful song exploring hidden truths

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:01:23 +0000

Emerging music sensation, Tianna, has released a new single titled Izibika, a song that delves into the emotional weight of secrets and the quiet struggles many people carry in silence.

Izibika, which translates to “secrets,” tells a reflective story of vulnerability, courage and self-discovery.

Through heartfelt lyrics and a mellow yet uplifting rhythm, Tianna narrates the journey of a young woman wrestling with unspoken fears, hidden dreams and the pressure of societal expectations.

The song opens on a soft, restrained note, drawing listeners into an intimate space before gradually building into a confident and expressive chorus.

As the music grows stronger, Tianna delivers a clear message: while some secrets protect and shape us, others must be released for healing and growth to begin.

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MTV ends 24-hour music channel, closing a defining chapter in pop culture

Bumba Mulenga — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:13:54 +0000

MTV has shut down its iconic 24-hour music channel, bringing to an end a 44-year era that helped shape global pop culture and revolutionised how audiences consumed music.

The channel officially went off air on January 1, 2026, with its final broadcast featuring Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles — the same song that launched MTV’s first-ever transmission when it debuted in the United States in 1981.

The symbolic choice underscored the end of a platform that once defined music television and influenced generations of artists, fans and broadcasters worldwide, Tempo English reports.

The closure signals a major shift for the network and is expected to have far-reaching implications for MTV’s international operations.

Five MTV-branded music channels in the United Kingdom have already been discontinued — MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live.

Similar shutdowns are anticipated in several other markets, including Poland, Australia, France and Brazil, as part of a broader restructuring exercise by Paramount Global, MTV’s parent company.

While reports point to widespread closures, MTV’s U.S. management has not yet confirmed a complete list of affected international channels.

The move comes amid deep budget cuts at Paramount, driven largely by declining advertising revenue as traditional television audiences for music programming continue to shrink.

Metro reported that the downturn in viewership has made music-only channels increasingly unsustainable in a rapidly changing media landscape.

MTV’s long-standing role as a tastemaker has also been overtaken by digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Spotify, which now dominate music discovery and consumption.

As a result, MTV’s flagship channel will remain on air but will focus primarily on reality television programming rather than music videos.

Despite the closures, Paramount has indicated that it is not abandoning the MTV brand entirely.

Paramount Global chief executive officer, David Ellison, is exploring ways to revive MTV and other cable properties, though no concrete plans have yet been announced.

Last September, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Ellison had sought ideas from leading figures in the music industry, including Irving Azoff and Lucian Grainge, as well as several high-profile artists.

Among the concepts discussed was a possible reinvention of MTV as a digital-first music platform capable of competing with streaming heavyweights such as Spotify and YouTube.

For now, the shutdown of MTV’s 24-hour music channel marks the end of a cultural institution that once defined an era — a reminder of how profoundly the music industry, and the way audiences engage with it, has evolved.

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Yo Maps puts smile on the faces of aspiring doctors, launches bursary scheme for medical students

Bumba Mulenga — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:16:01 +0000

Zambian artiste, Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, has launched a fully funded bursary programme to support medical students at Royal Medical University.

Yo Maps announced on December 31, 2025, that the “Yo Maps 100 Percent Bursary” will sponsor 10 medical students, covering their full tuition.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, the artiste said the initiative is aimed at supporting young people pursuing careers in the medical field and contributing to national development.

Looking ahead to 2026, Yo Maps said he intends to expand the programme to support up to 20 students, subject to the availability of resources.

He thanked Royal Medical University for accepting the bursary programme and committing to transparency in monitoring beneficiaries’ academic progress.

Yo Maps also appealed to individuals and organisations with the capacity to support education to do so, saying access to education remains a major challenge for many young people.

The bursary initiative adds to growing private-sector and individual efforts to support skills development in Zambia’s health sector.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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Tianna breaks silence, as Chile One confirms split with marriage to new love Angela; celebrities grace event

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:20:23 +0000

Socialite and influencer, Tianna, has issued an official statement responding to widespread speculation and mixed reactions on social media following the marriage of Chililabombwe-born musician, Chile One to another woman.

In a strongly worded message addressed to the public, Tianna dismissed claims that she cheated on the artiste or that he left her, stating that the relationship ended after she made the decision to walk away.

“I have seen conflicting statements, some saying I cheated on Chileshe and he left me. While I was with him, I never cheated. I decided to end the relationship,” Tianna said.

She alleged that the relationship was marked by abuse behind closed doors and explained that she initially hoped things would change.

However, after realising that the situation would not improve, she chose to leave.

Tianna further stated that during their challenges, she was aware of another woman in Chile One’s life but attempted to resolve matters through family mediation, which she said failed.

Tianna appealed to the public to refrain from attacking or dragging other individuals into the matter and urged Zambians to respect her privacy.

“Let us wish Chileshe all the best as he embarks on this new journey,” she added.

Her statement follows the circulation of viral images over the weekend showing Chile One and his bride Angela at a colourful traditional marriage ceremony, a customary event that precedes a white wedding.

The ceremony attracted several high-profile figures, including media personalities Mutale Mwanza, popularly known as M-Nation, Daisy Chisumpa (Chichi Daisy), and Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe, who is also the Chililabombwe Member of Parliament.

The development sparked intense debate online, with reactions ranging from congratulatory messages to expressions of shock and sympathy for Tianna.

This is largely due to the fact that Chile One and Tianna had previously been open about their relationship, frequently sharing moments together publicly and collaborating on popular love songs, with reports suggesting the two were once engaged.

While some social media users sent consoling messages to Tianna, others accused the musician of having used her.

One Facebook user wrote encouragingly, urging Tianna to remain strong and move on, while another commented that the news had “shocked the whole of Zambia.”

However, some voices came to Tianna’s defence, calling for empathy and restraint.
“We can appreciate Chile One’s new woman without shaming Tianna.

She went through a lot and chose to walk away, which is something many women in toxic relationships struggle to do,” wrote Kondwani Banda, popularly known as Koko.

As the story continues to dominate online conversations, Tianna’s statement appears aimed at setting the record straight and bringing closure to a chapter that has played out largely in the public eye.

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Slapdee, DJ Mzenga Man drop 2025 end-of year cypher

Bumba Mulenga — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:23:05 +0000

Zambian hip-hop artistes, DJ Mzenga Man and Slapdee, have capped off the year with the release of the 2025 End of Year Cypher, an official music video that has already generated excitement among local music fans.

The cypher, shared on Slapdee’s official Facebook page, brings together sharp lyricism, confident delivery and polished visuals, reinforcing the duo’s strong influence on Zambia’s hip-hop culture.

Renowned for championing lyrical depth and elevating local talent, DJ Mzenga Man once again curates a platform that celebrates skill and authenticity, while Slapdee delivers with the authority and presence of a seasoned rap icon.

The end-of-year cypher has become a staple in Zambia’s hip-hop scene, often serving as a snapshot of the genre’s growth and competitiveness over the year.

The 2025 edition continues that legacy, blending raw bars with high production quality—an aspect that has earned praise from fans in early online reactions.

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Y-Cool drops new single, ‘Ndiye Type Yenifuna’ featuring Xaven, Dizmo

Bumba Mulenga — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:52:22 +0000

Zambian hip-hop artiste, Y-Cool, has released a brand-new single titled “Ndiye Type Yenifuna,” featuring award-winning rapper Xaven and celebrated lyricist Dizmo.

The track, which is now available on YouTube accompanied by a visualiser, marks another high-profile collaboration in local music, bringing together three artistes known for their distinct styles and strong street appeal.

“Ndiye Type Yenifuna,” loosely translated as “I Am the Type You Want,” blends catchy hooks with confident verses, as the trio deliver themes of self-assurance, attraction and personal value.

Y-Cool sets the tone with an energetic performance, while Xaven adds her signature bold delivery, complementing Dizmo’s sharp and relatable lyricism.

The release was announced on Y-Cool’s official social media platforms, where he simply wrote “New music out now,” sparking excitement among fans.

Early reactions online have been positive, with listeners praising the chemistry between the three artistes and the song’s replay value.

The collaboration further strengthens Y-Cool’s growing catalogue and adds to Xaven’s continued run of notable features, while Dizmo maintains his reputation as one of the country’s most consistent performers.

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Death of fan mars Afrobeats star, Asake’s concert in Kenya

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:35:08 +0000

Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has mourned a Kenyan fan who died following a crush at his concert at a stadium in Nairobi.

The victim, 20-year-old Karen Lojore, was reportedly amid the long queues near a gate into the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Delays in getting in were worsened by heavy rain, with other fans being injured, reports the BBC.

Family and friends of Ms Lojore have called for a full investigation and justice for her, with Kenyans on social media expressing their sympathies.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, Asake said he was “devastated by the tragic incident”. Kenyan police spokesman Michael Muchiri had termed the crush a “very unfortunate” incident.

He said the situation had been very serious but the police had worked to contain the crowds avert more deaths.

He said “it looked like crowd control at the venue was not very ok” but said investigations would reveal what actually went wrong and help to avoid such tragedy in future.

He said such an investigation would normally be concluded in a matter of weeks.

In his statement, Asake said “my heart goes out to the family, friends and loved ones of Karen Lojore”, pledging to support efforts to “understand what happened”.

He said music was always his “way of sharing love and joy” and “it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss”.

“Those responsible should be held accountable,” he added.

In a social media post tagging the concert organisers as well as Asake, a woman believed to be Lojore’s mother wrote: “What happened to my child? Why her? I want justice for my child.”

The organisers of the event, Tukutane Entertainment, said they were working with the authorities to “understand what happened”.

A journalist with Kenyan broadcaster Citizen TV, Immanuel Ndungu, who attended the concert, spoke on Instagram about problems with the stadium entrance, crowd control and how people were allowed in.

Tukutane Entertainment had organised several big concerts in recent years, including shows by African music stars Tems, Rema, and Sauti Sol.

The Nairobi stadium crush mirrors a show that Asake headlined at London’s Brixton Academy in 2022, which killed two people and seriously injured others.

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Macky 2 drops uplifting new song ‘I will not suffer!’

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 09:06:29 +0000

Zambian music icon, Macky 2, has released an inspiring new single titled “I Will Not Suffer!”, igniting excitement across the country’s music scene following his social media announcement.

The award-winning artiste shared the release with a brief but powerful message, “I Will Not Suffer!”, alongside a link to the official YouTube video, a statement that immediately resonated with fans and followers.

The song carries a strong message of hope, faith and resilience, themes that have become synonymous with Macky 2’s evolving artistry.

Blending soulful melodies with spiritually uplifting lyrics, the track encourages listeners to remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both the message and the emotional depth of the song.

“I Will Not Suffer!” adds to Macky 2’s growing catalogue of music that goes beyond entertainment to address real-life struggles and inspire perseverance.

Over the years, the Kopala Swag pioneer has consistently used his platform to motivate and connect with audiences through socially conscious and faith-driven music.

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Xaven clinches Zikomo Africa Award for Best Hip Hop female artiste

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 08:14:44 +0000

Zambian hip hop artiste, Xaven, has scooped the Best Hip Hop Female Artiste of the Year 2025 award at the prestigious Zikomo Africa Awards, marking another major milestone in her fast-rising career.

Taking to her official Facebook page to share the news, Xaven announced that she had received her trophy, expressing gratitude to her fans and supporters for their unwavering backing throughout her journey.

“This one is for my fans. I love you so much,” she wrote, adding that the recognition belonged to everyone who has believed in her music and growth as an artiste.

The award recognises Xaven’s outstanding contribution to the hip hop genre over the past year, during which she released music that resonated strongly with fans both locally and beyond Zambia’s borders. Her energetic performances, relatable lyrics and growing influence have cemented her position as one of the country’s leading female hip hop acts.

The Zikomo Africa Awards celebrate excellence across the continent’s creative industries, honouring artistes who continue to elevate African music on regional and international platforms.

Xaven’s latest accolade adds to her growing list of achievements and further underscores her impact on Zambia’s music scene, as she continues to raise the bar for female artistes in hip hop.

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