“We Shaka Zulu on Em! We Shaka Zulu on Em!,” chants Zone Fam ecstatically in defiance over an RnB dominated beat, aptly named “Shaka Zulu on Em.” Zambia is definitely in the building as the six-strong rap group pay homage to their African roots by way of mentioning 19th century African Warrior Shaka Zulu (also from Southern Africa) who rebelled against the British Empire ruling.
One of the biggest rising Hip-Hop Groups in Zambia, Zone Fam owe their name to a studio they often frequented before major label success called “The Zone.” With a firm back foot on record label Slam Dunk Records, they are more than ready to take over the world with their own stamp on both popular and culturally-conscious Hip-Hop. Still buzzed from the success of “Mabhodlela” (Bottles) still pumping the airwaves in clubs across Zambia, ‘Shaka Zulu on Em’ takes Zone Fam to even more ears as they build up to the release of their anticipated second album, “The Business- Foreign Exchange.”
Why does this Zambian entourage’s flow blend so well with contemporary grooves reminiscent of 90’s American Hip-hop and RnB? Well, a lot of the Hip-hop out of Zambia has its origins in American rap and it’s various music shows, such as Yo! MTV Raps, dating back to the late eighties and early nineties.
Managing to mix mentions of South African Grammy award winner and Civil Rights activist Miriam Makeba with doses of humour such as “kicked out like African teams in the World Cup” while sprawled across a great club beat, Zone Fam is bringing the sounds of Southern Africa to a new audience.
–Maria Okanrende is primarily a music contributor for Ladybrille.
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
What a brilliantly written article. I can’t wait for the album to drop and I’m certainly looking forward to more quality music from this group
Great Work…brilliant writing!
zone fam no de die!!!
I just love Zone fam! They’re a breath of fresh air on the Zambian hiphop scene