Stanbic Bank has announced that this year’s Stanbic Music Festival (SMF) headliners, American R&B icons Omarion and Musiq Soulchild, will be joined by six local artists in a star-studded line-up to perform over two-nights on October 11-12. The event will also feature performances from some of Zambia’s most celebrated music legends, including a first-ever appearance by veteran singer, Mampi, making it an unforgettable experience for music lovers.

Stanbic Bank Head, Brand, Marketing and PR Mr. Eric Ngondo said: “At Stanbic, we believe in the power of music to bring people together, and this year, we celebrate 60 years of sounds that have united us. We’re eagerly counting down to our two-day festival, which promises to be another star-studded event filled with music, dance, and a tribute to the voices that have shaped our unique sound. This celebration is a nod to Zambian talent and our rich musical heritage. We are thrilled to announce this year’s exciting line-up, featuring the best of Zambian artists alongside two renowned international singers.”Top of Form

The history of the Festival

The Stanbic Music Festival (SMF), initially borne out of the legendary Stanbic Jazz Festival, began its journey in 2014, as part of the bank’s efforts to grow Zambia’s music and arts industry, Stanbic have continued with the annual SMF, which will see a live concert being held for the first time in four years.

Throughout its glorious 10-year-history, the SMF has showcased world-famous bands and artists, globally-renowned for their chart-topping hits. From Boyz II Men at the 2017 Festival to 3-time Grammy Award winning R ‘n’ B superstar, Ne-Yo at the 2023 show, the Festival has attracted thousands of local and continental audiences, and has also helped to showcase Zambian music internationally.

This year’s two headlining artists

Global superstars, Omarion and Musiq Soulchild will be performing at this year’s Stanbic Music Festival!

Musiq Soulchild born Taalib Johnson, is one of the most influential R&B singers of his generation. Weaned on Marvin Haye, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Musiq pioneered the “neo-soul” movement of the early millennium.  He has earned 13 Grammy nominations and sold millions of records world-wide, and is still one of the most popular performers of his time.

Musiq went from singing on the street corners of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the late 1990s, to landing a big record deal with Def Jam in 2000, ushering in a new age sound of his own.  He has also received awards from Billboard BET, ASCAP, BMI and Soul Train, together with other award nominations from MTV, the American Music awards and the NAACP.

Omari Ishmael Grandberry, is better known as Omarion, an American Grammy nominated R&B singer, actor and former lead singer of B2K Born and raised in Inglewood, California.  He rose to fame while still a teenager as a member of the ground-breaking urban “boy band” pop group B2K.  His soulful vocals, riveting stage presence, and undeniable charisma helped B2K score a hit with the group’s very first single, “Uh Huh,” in 2001; achieving gold status with the group’s self-titled debut album in 2002; and go RIAA platinum with the group’s best-selling sophomore outing, Pandemonium! in 2003.

Omarion eventually released his debut solo album ‘O’ in 2005, going Platinum and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. In 2006, his second album, 21, also debuted at #1 and went Gold, selling over 900,000 copies worldwide. In 2007, he collaborated with rapper, Bow Wow, and they released an album together entitled Face Off.

Friday October 11, 2024 the line-up includes:

• Musiq Soul Child
• Omarion
• Yo Maps
• Witch Band (Zam Rock)
• Macky II

Saturday October 12, 2024 the audience will be treated to:

• Omarion
• Musiq Soul Child
• Yo Maps
• Chef 187
• Danny
• Mampi

Yo Maps

Elton Mulenga, widely known by his stage name Yo Maps, is a Zambian singer, songwriter and music producer.  His passion for music ignited in 2009 while attending Chibombo High School. At the age of 18, Mulenga and his family moved to Kabwe, where he recorded his first single, “Njikata Kuboko,” in 2016. His career gained significant momentum in 2018 when he collaborated with Macky 2 on the hit single titled “Finally,” which became his signature track. Yo Maps has released two albums, Komando in 2022, and Try Again in 2023.

Witch Band (Zam Rock)

Witch (often stylised as WITCH or W.I.T.C.H.) are a Zamrock band formed in the 1970s. WITCH, an acronym for “We Intend To Cause Havoc,” and is led by Emanuel “Jagari” Chanda, and became Zambia’s most popular band during the country’s post-independence golden era. However, economic collapse and increasing government authoritarianism in the late 1970s led to the band’s decline, along with the broader Zamrock scene. The band was revived in 2012 after reissues of their records became popular abroad.

After Jagari’s departure, WITCH evolved musically, incorporating disco elements and later, traditional Zambian music like kalindula. The band featured various lead vocalists, including Patrick Chisembele and Christine Jackson, before fading into obscurity in the mid-1980s.

In 2012, WITCH experienced a revival when Chanda was invited to the US to reform the band. The new lineup includes Jagari and musicians from Europe. Their music has since been featured on several international compilation albums, gaining recognition from publications like Rolling Stone and Rough Trade.

WITCH’s discography has been re-released digitally and on vinyl, introducing their unique sound to a new generation of listeners. In 2023, the band released “Zango,” their first studio album in nearly four decades, marking a significant comeback in the global music scene.

Macky II

Mulaza Kaira, born on October 10, 1984, in Chingola, Zambia, is a multifaceted artist known professionally as Macky II. He has established himself as a prominent figure in Zambian hip hop, excelling as a musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.  Kaira’s musical journey began in his childhood, influenced by his experiences at a Catholic church in Ndola. His breakthrough came in 2011 with the release of his album “Ndimupondo” in Lusaka, which included hit singles “I am The President” and “Number 1 Fan.”

Throughout his career, Macky II has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2013 Zambia Music Award for Album of the Year with “Legendary.” He has collaborated with notable artists like Dalisoul and Dandy Krazy, further solidifying his place in the Zambian music scene.  In 2014, Macky II gained international recognition as a contestant on the ninth season of “Big Brother Africa,” where he finished third. This exposure broadened his fan base across Africa.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Kaira runs the Macky 2 Hope Foundation, supporting orphans and vulnerable children. In 2022, he marked his retirement from active music with the album “OLIJABA” and transitioned into reality TV with “KING BUGA” on Zambezi Magic Channel.  Macky II is married to Cheelo Hantiinga, with whom he has two children. His journey from a church choir to a national icon exemplifies his versatility and enduring impact on Zambian entertainment.

Chef 187

Chef 187, born Kondwani Kaira, is a renowned Zambian Hip Hop artist from the Copperbelt Province. His stage name reflects his ability to “cook up” great musical ideas and “serve” them to his audience, while “187” refers to his skill at “killing” any beat.

Known for his unique style, Chef 187 blends West Coast Hip Hop, up-tempo Kalindula, and R&B influences. He delivers lyrics in Zambian vernacular mixed with English and other local languages. His music is characterised by witty punchlines, emotional depth, and catchy melodies.

Chef 187 has achieved several firsts in Zambian music, including headlining a show supported by international artists and co-headlining a massive concert at Woodlands stadium. He’s also featured on the official song for Marvel’s Black Panther 2 trailer.

His career highlights include collaborations with major brands like Coca-Cola, MTN, and Stanbic Bank. He’s performed at major events nationwide and internationally in countries such as Australia, Kenya, Dubai, the UK, and the US. Chef 187 has shared stages with renowned artists like Boys II Men, Davido, and Casper Nyovest.

Beyond music, he works with organisations like the EU and UN to promote social causes in Zambia, serving as a role model.

Chef 187’s talent has been recognised with numerous awards, including multiple Kwacha Music Awards and Zambian Music Awards for categories such as Male Artist of the Year, Best Hip Hop Song, and Album of the Year.

Danny Siulapwa

Danny is a renowned Zambian singer and songwriter. The youngest of six children, Danny spent part of his childhood in Kasama before completing his secondary education in Mpika. During this time, he balanced his studies with helping on his father’s farm and participating in his church’s teen praise team, where his love for music first blossomed.

Despite pursuing a diploma in Electrical Engineering, Danny’s passion for music, cultivated since his school days, led him to a successful career in the industry. His breakthrough came with the release of his fourth album, ‘Kaya’, in April 2005. The title track became the longest-running number one single in Zambian history, topping charts for 15 weeks.

In 2007, Danny released ‘Champion’, an album that further cemented his status in the Zambian music scene. Tracks like ‘Champion’ and ‘Ka Last’ gained significant airplay on local radio stations.

Danny has established himself as one of Zambia’s leading musicians, with a high profile and substantial fan base across south-central Africa, including Malawi and Zimbabwe. His ability to blend local sounds with contemporary styles has contributed to his widespread appeal and success.

Throughout his career, Danny has consistently demonstrated his talent for song writing and performing, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in Zambian music. His journey from church choir member to national music icon serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians in Zambia and beyond.

Mampi

Mirriam Mukape’s stage name is Mampi and she is a Zambian singer, actress, and songwriter born in Lusaka. Her music blends kwaito and reggae influences, making her one of Zambia’s most popular female artists on YouTube.

Mampi began singing in church at age six. Her music career launched in 2003 during a difficult period dealing with the loss of family members. Her debut album “Maloza” was released in 2005, followed by “Chimo ni Chimo” in 2007.

In 2012, Mampi performed in Namibia for the first time and released her album “Natural Born Star.” Her hit track “Walilowelela” gained international recognition when Portuguese singer Luyanna covered it in 2015, featuring Mampi singing in Bemba and Nyanja.

Mampi continued to release new music, including the single “Nyula Yako” in 2017. She also participated in Big Brother Africa 7 as a celebrity contestant in 2012, further boosting her popularity.

Throughout her career, Mampi has received several awards and nominations, including Best Mainstream Female Artist at the Zambia Music Awards, and recognition at the Kwacha Music Awards, Afrimma Awards, and Ngoma Awards.

SMF Details

The Lusaka Polo Field will come alive with the sound of music and dance, and tickets for what promises to be a once in a lifetime concert, are now on sale.

Prices are as follows:

• Standard tickets on sale for 00
• VIP tickets on sale for ZMW2,500.00
• Golden Circle on sale for ZMW3,500.00

Don’t miss out, buy your tickets today – available online at Quicket here: https://rb.gy/nsp5di & Computicket at all Shoprite outlets.

“This year’s event is set to be an unforgettable experience, filled with incredible performances, vibrant energy, and a celebration of the rich musical heritage that unites us. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, this festival is a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of live music and dance,” concludes Mr. Ngondo.