WITCH – Sogolo (Partisan Records, 2025)
WITCH, the pioneering Zamrock band from Zambia’s Copperbelt, continues its 21st-century resurgence with Sogolo, an exciting, groove-driven follow-up to 2021’s Zango. Originally formed in the 1970s and led by vocalist Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda, WITCH (an acronym for “We Intend to Cause Havoc”) fused psychedelic rock with African rhythms at the height of Zambia’s post-independence cultural explosion.
After decades away from music, working as a gemstone miner, Jagari returned to the stage following Gio Arlotta’s 2019 documentary on the band. Now fronting a multinational lineup that includes keyboardist Patrick Mwondela, bassist and producer Jacco Gardner, drummer Nicola Mauskovic, guitarist Stefan Lilov, and percussionist Charlie Garmendia, the band tracked Sogolo in Berlin during a break in their 2024 tour. Zambian singers Theresa Ng’ambi and Hanna Tembo, first featured on Zango, return as essential contributors.
The album’s title, meaning “future” in Bemba, reflects WITCH’s forward momentum. While earlier sessions took place in the band’s dilapidated but legendary Lusaka studio, Gardner opted this time for Berlin’s Big Snuff Studio, citing its practicality and the group’s cohesion after weeks on the road. The compressed 10-day schedule shaped the album’s live immediacy and jam-oriented spontaneity.
“Kamusale” draws from a traditional Bemba children’s game, transmuted into a guitar-driven anthem with a moral warning about judging by appearances. “Queenless King” critiques marriages based on superficial beauty, while “Tiponde Madzi” reimagines a folktale about a humble turtle triumphing through patience.
“Totally Devoted,” written and sung by Mwondela, adapts Psalm 23 in a gospel-reggae framework, inspired by his near-death experience during a U.S. tour.
Musically, the band touches on vintage Zamrock distortion (“Nadi”), Afro-spoken word inflections (“Machiriso”), 6/8 funk (“Tiponde Madzi”), and ritualistic polyrhythms. Gardner and Garmendia added analog sounds in postproduction, leaning into cosmic atmospherics reminiscent of 1970s German electronica.
As founding members pass the torch to a younger generation, mentorship remains central. “It’s not about chasing fame,” says Mwondela. “It’s about making sure the legacy continues.” Jagari adds: “The Rolling Stones have stayed together for decades. I hope WITCH can do the same, with whoever fits the genre, old or new.”
Track Highlights
“Kamusale”
Based on Jagari’s demo, expanded with talking drum, synth bass, and choral overlays. Recorded and mixed with fresh bass overdubs by Gardner.
“Nadi”
Initiated by Lilov and Mauskovic, with Ng’ambi’s lead vocals improvised in one take. Bass re-tracked during mixing.
“Queenless King”
Anchored in Chanda’s lyrics, rearranged with minor/major tonal shifts and synth overdubs by Mwondela. Backing vocals heighten its dramatic arc.
“Tiponde Madzi”
First demoed in a UK hotel room, it layers 12-string guitar, vocal harmonies, and Moog sounds. Lyrics reflect a classic Zambian fable.
“Bang Bang”
An older idea reworked with Moog synth, fuzzed guitars, and gospel-inspired harmonies. Re-amped and refined in mixing.
“Set Free”
Composed from memory by Ng’ambi. Built in two halves: a stripped vocal-led section followed by full-band elaboration.
“John”
Chanda’s guitar riff reimagined with synths and new guitar lines recorded remotely.
“Dancer on a Trip”
An expanded arrangement from Jagari’s sketch, with swirling synths, organ, and layered percussion creating a hallucinatory mood.
“Nibani”
Sparked during a soundcheck jam, later structured by Tembo’s melody and vocals. Overdubs shape its hypnotic groove.
“Totally Devoted”
Recorded across studios with demo stems as foundation. A spiritually charged track that mixes Rhodes, strings, and choral backing.
“Machiriso”
Built on dual bass lines by Gardner and Chanda, with Ng’ambi’s vocals delivering a message of peace. Rhythmic and harmonically rich.
Musicians: Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda on lead vocals, bass (on “Machiriso”); Patrick Mwondela on keyboards, synthesizers, electric piano, piano, organ, lead vocals (on “Totally Devoted”); Jacco Gardner on bass, synthesizers, organ, percussion, backing vocals; Nicola Mauskovic on drums; Stefan Lilov on guitars, synthesizers, piano; Charlie Garmendia on percussion; Theresa Ng’ambi on lead vocals, backing vocals; and Hanna Tembo on lead vocals, backing vocals.
Buy Sogolo.
Author: Tyler Bennet
