Viva Ngozi by Ngozi Family

Hard Rock Meets Funk - an essential entry from Zambian guitarist and bandleader Paul Ngozi's catalog. Featuring drummer Chrissy Zebby Tembo.

“Zambia's Zamrock movement that exploded in the 1970s ... provided young musicians access to European and American music, and created a unique sound. At its root, Zamrock melded fuzz-toned psychedelia, chugging garage rock and roiling funk with a broad mix of African cadences and beats.... enlivening a scene that included bands like Musi O Tunya, Amanaz and the Ngozi Family.” — The New York Times

Zamrock was a bona-fide rock scene, with albums released through independent labels based in Zambia. This music scene was complete, encompassing the genres of rock, acid folk, fusion, Afro-beat, South African jazz and traditional Zambian melodies. It quickly became a uniquely Zambian movement, befitting of its name. WITCH, Paul Ngozi and Amanaz sound nothing like other rock music from the African continent or elsewhere. 

Now-Again has been reissuing the essential records from the Zamrock scene since 2010. Viva Ngozi (1976) is part of an extensive campaign centered around Paul Ngozi and his band.

Paul Ngozi and his Ngozi Family Band created some of the most intense, raw and inimitable golden-era Zamrock recorded.

Ngozi was born Paul Dobson Nyriongo on January 10, 1949, in Lusaka’s crime-ridden Chibolya township. He grew up as a “rude boy” before taking to music.

He died of what are assumed to be AIDS Related Causes in 1989; family members and Zamrockers both served as his pallbearers.