Kris Chali
& Amayenge
 The long awaited album is finally
here. Just before his death on 30 May last year, Kris Chali had
recorded yet another excellent album that has become one of the most
popular in Zambia through radio play.
The album was originally called
Intambi, and after clearing several complications with the release
that led to along delay, Mondo Music is proud to present the ten
track set under the title Dailesi.
This is yet more evidence as to why
Amayenge have been the leading force in Zambian Kalindula music for
the past two decades. A fitting tribute and final work from the big
man.
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About
Kris Chali & Amayenge
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Under the
leadership of the indominatable Kris Chali, Amayenge have
dominated Zambia’s music scene for the almost two and half
decades by embracing all the 73 tribes of Zambia and making the
entire nation feel a part of their unique vibe. They are without
a doubt, the most versatile and successful band in the history
of Zambian music.
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From their humble
beginnings in the town of Choma in Zambia’s Southern Province in 1978,
Amayenge have gone on to become the most successful band in the history
of our country’s music. They were then known as the New Crossbones,
and their first single “Ukuilondolola” (meaning to introduce
oneself) was released the following year and led to their debut album
“Ichupo Ne N’ganda” (marriage and a home).
Amayenge follow the
Central African tradition of expressing the passion of life through song
and dance. Their lyrics can sometimes be described as humorous,
profound, and even bizarre, but always joyous. Their music is Kalindula,
a musical style that originated among the Bemba people of Zambia’s
Luapula Province. It was originally played on African banjos (including
the four-string bass “mbabadoni”), ngoma drums, chisekele shakers
and metal bells. These days, European guitars and percussion have been
fused in to create an amazing musical genre.
Kalindula rhythms are
infectious and very danceable, and the way that the lead drummer and the
lead dancer work together has to be seen to be believed. They seem to
anticipate each other’s movements on inexplicably complex patterns.
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Kris Chali
passed away on 30 May 2003.
Over the years,
Kris Chali led his band through tours of three continents. They
have performed at the WOMAD Festival in London, and at shows
from Korea to Libya and Moscow to America. As befits one of
Africa’s most prolific bands, Amayenge continue to be
incredibly popular at home and abroad.
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Amayenge have given
Zambian music lovers not only countless singles and albums, but also
many cherished memories and recollections. The Zambian Legends -
Amayenge compilation album gives you a taste of the phenomenon that is
Amayenge, and to allow you to share in this musical legacy.
 Mondo
Music is now proud to present Dailesit, the last album recorded by Kris
Chali before his untimely death.
Courtesy
of Mondo Music
http://www.mondomusic.co.zm/artists/jk.htm
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