Shimasta's Secret to Creating a NEW Zambian Music Genre!

(00:12) The podcast begins after a short break, recorded at the Hillview Intercultural Community Centre in Bentley, Western Australia. The hosts explain their unique setup, a creative "popup pod," created specifically for the Zambian community event.

(01:55) Cranston recounts a nostalgic college memory of drinking Chibuku, a traditional Zambian brew, while listening to a local song by the featured guest artist. The song addressed Zambian politics in a subtle yet impactful way, creating a deep connection between the artist, Cranston, and the cultural themes of the time.

(03:11) The guest, Zambian musician Shimasta (real name Kanyanta Musonda Alexander), is formally introduced. Shimasta is a celebrated songwriter, performer, and pioneer of a unique Zambian genre that blends traditional and modern musical elements.

(05:07) Shimasta shares his reasons for avoiding a politically charged song at a recent concert. He explains his decision to steer clear of controversy, highlighting the challenges of navigating sensitive topics through music. To give context, he briefly sings a verse from the song, showcasing its rhythmic and catchy nature.

(05:55) Reflecting on his musical journey, Shimasta describes the success of his self-titled debut album, 'Shimasta' (2003), which became a national sensation and influenced the trajectory of Zambian music. Due to the overwhelming response and extended touring, it took him six years to release his second album, underscoring the lasting impact of his initial work.

(08:16) Shimasta defines his musical style as "Zambezi music," a genre that seamlessly blends traditional tribal sounds with contemporary influences. He recalls his early days with the group 'Zambezi Symphony', where he honed his craft and learnt to play traditional instruments, shaping his distinct sound.

(09:23) Before releasing his debut album, Shimasta’s songs gained widespread popularity through live performances. This grassroots approach built anticipation for his music and established a loyal following.

(11:38) The discussion shifts to Shimasta’s performances in Australia, particularly at Zambia’s Independence Day celebrations in Perth and Melbourne. Additionally, Linda extends an invitation for Shimasta to perform at her Afro Authentic Lounge, further showcasing Zambian live music within the Australian diaspora.

(12:49) Shimasta reflects on the historical migration of Zambian tribes, tracing some origins back to Congo. The conversation touches on the histories, languages, and cultural totems of Zambian tribes, such as the crocodile clan and the prominent Bemba tribe.

(19:08) A deep dive into the evolution of Zambian music reveals how artists creatively blend sounds and instruments representing the country’s 72 tribes, each with its own distinct musical style. Shimasta emphasises the unifying power of Zambezi music, which celebrates the cultural diversity of Zambia while fostering a shared identity.

(32:12) The idea of formalising "Zambezi Music" as a global genre is explored. Shimasta and the hosts discuss how the term, inspired by the Zambezi River, symbolises Zambia’s cultural richness and positions the nation as "God's country" in the global music scene.

(35:45) The hosts express their admiration for Shimasta, acknowledging his significant contributions as a cultural ambassador and pioneer of Zambezi Music. They express pride in learning about Zambian history and culture through his work.

(37:37) The episode concludes with gratitude from the hosts for Shimasta’s participation and his role in representing Zambian culture and music in the diaspora.