We Intend To Cause Havoc! (Now-Again Records, 2012)
Very little sub-Saharan rock music ever made it outside of Africa. In Zambia there was a music trend known as Zamrock that flourished during the mid-1970s. One the leading acts was a group called Witch. Now, thanks to Now-Again Records, the music of Witch is getting international attention thanks to an impressive 4-CD box set titled We Intend To Cause Havoc!
This attention-grabbing compilation set for release on May 22, 2012, includes Witch’s five albums and rare 7” songs. The tracks have been restored and remastered from the original tapes. In addition to the four discs, the set includes a 24-page booklet with never before seen photos; extensive liner notes; and an interview with band leader “Jagari” Chanda.
Witch’s rock music had blues rock, psychedelic and funk roots, although some of the best cuts featured in We Intend To Cause Havoc! are the afro-rock songs that incorporate a powerful and excellent rhythm section with Zambian beats.
Sadly, many of the original Zamrock pioneers were decimated by the AIDS epidemic in Zambia. Few of them survived.
The We Intend To Cause Havoc! collection will introduce to the fascinating world of Zambian rock music in the 1970s performed by one of its finest bands.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
