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About
Brian Chilala
 Zambia's
music industry's "REBEL" Brian Chilala is back with his fourth
album called Mwalaba. Known for fusing rock, reggae and
kalindula beats Brian's latest album is bound to keep you dancing and
wanting more.
"Don't forget
you are under arrest, you have the right to remain dancing"
Real Name: Brian
Chilala
Age: 41
Marital Status:
Married with five children Brian Junior, Diana, Emmanuel, Paul and
Chileshe.
His family and
educational background: Born the fourth son in a family of five, at
UTH in Lusaka, Brian's father was a civil servant. He concluded his
primary school at Chilenge B in 1979 and later proceeded to Mumbwa
Secondary School in Mumbwa, where he completed his secondary education.
About Brian's
Musical Background: Brian's interest in music started at the tender
age of 10, and led to his experimentation with various instruments such
as the bass guitar and drums. He frequently attended rehearsals of the
Banda Brother's (a hard-rock out fit later named Powerhouse) and on
occasion filled in for the drummer when he was not available. In 1976,
just 13 years old, Brian became a member of The Powerhouse where he met
the then upcoming artists who assisted in his growth and development as
a musician.
Influenced by Paul
Ngozi, Brian left Powerhouse and joined Junior Ngozi Family. Years of
being Paul Ngozi's protégé gave Brian the skills and confidence he
needed. Convinced he had what it takes to be a leader of a band, Brian
formed a reggae group called Youth Inspiration four years later.
In 1989, newly wed with
ambition running through his veins Brian broke with Youth Inspiration
and joined Amayenge as their Tour Manager. However, in 1993 his passion
for reggae took Brian to Burning Youth, where he stayed for a year.
Prompted by Chris Chali's challenge to organise and coordinate
Amayenge's USA tour, Brian returned to Amayenge.
1997 saw Brian embark
on his solo career as well as the formation of his backup band called
Ngoma Zasu.
Who are Ngoma Zasu?
Ngoma Zasu originally
made up of veteran artists:
ˇ Michael Mukwemba (Lead Guitar)
ˇ Lawrence Malama (Bass and Rhythm)
ˇ Evans Clement Sakala (Rhythm and Vocals)
ˇ John Bwalya (replaced late James Zulu) (Drums)
ˇ Victor "Amwene" Tembo (Bass and Vocals)
Ngoma Zasu have backed
Brian on 4 of his albums: Nsanje, Wapya Munzi, Umambala, and the latest,
Mwalaba.
The following band
members played with Brian on Mwalaba:
ˇ Michael Mukwemba
(Lead Guitar)
ˇ Lawrence Malama (Bass and Rhythm guitar)
ˇ Evans Clement Sakala (Rhythm guitar and Vocals)
ˇ Joseph "2 Pac" Mwamba (Drums)
ˇ Victor "Amwene" Tembo (Bass and Vocals)
ˇ Prosper Mukobola (Keyboards)
ˇ Dorothy "Kadoli" Tembo (Vocals)
ˇ Brian "Rebel" Chilala (Lead vocals)
Recording Credits
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June 2004
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Mwalaba,
Brian's fourth album is released.
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June 2002
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Umambala
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Feb 2000
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Wapya Munzi.
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August 1997
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Nsanje album
was released
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Performing
Highlights
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June 1997
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Brain was still
with Amayenge, however he was given the opportunity to open Papa
Wemba's show in Lusaka, where he sang the title track of his
first album Nsanje and was backed by Amayenge.
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May 1995
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Seattle USA -
Brain toured with Amayenge and played at Club Kilimanjaro as the
starting act for the reggae group Culture.
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June 1995
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Oregon USA -
Still touring with Amayenge the were the starting act for
Jamaican reggae artist I -Jah Man Levi at The Zoo.
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Oct/ Nov 1995
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Zimbabwe -
Amayenge Tour.
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What has been your highest moment in your Career?
"When late Chris Chali suggested that I prove myself by opening the
Papa Wemba show at Mulungushi Conference Centre. The show also gave me
the courage to venture into a Solo Career."
What do you want to
say to your fans?
"Expect the best from me. Without you there would be no Brian
Chilala."
Awards &
Recognition: Brian was Ngoma Awards nominee for two consecutive
albums "Nsanje" and "Umambala". "Umambala"
was also nominated in 3 categories at the AZAMI Awards. Umambala stayed
in the top half of the Sounds Top Twenty chart for an uninterrupted 18
months.
Brian Chilala is the real deal. A true Zambian artist who delivers
exciting and relevant music that is well packaged and produced
Courtesy
of Mondo Music
http://www.mondomusic.co.zm/artists/jk.htm
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