Kalindula
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kalindula is a fairly recent popular music style in central Africa. Its origins are somewhat uncertain. Some people claim it originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo but this cannot be fully supported by the evidence. The style can now be found in several central African counties like Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. It combines 20th century popular features with Zambian rhythmic and metric elements and is popular form of Zambian music.
The name kalindula is derived from the name of its most typical instrument, the kalindula, which can be compared to a bass guitar in sound as well as musical function. Kalindula musical style is charactarized by up-tempo rhythm, the use of the kalindula bass guitar and one or more (hand-crafted) guitars which are called 'banjos' (prounounced 'bahn-jo'). Homemade drum sets are also used in some kalindula bands. Kalindula bands in urban areas often incorporate electric guitars, electric bass and modern drum sets into their ensembles.
In the Southern Province of Zambia, Kalindula bands compete to participate in the annual Tonga Music Festival sponsored by Chikuni Radio station. Winning groups are offered recording contracts by the radio station and their tapes are sold in markets throughout the province. Current favorites in the Southern Province are Green Mamba and Mashombe Blue Jeans. Included among other well-known groups is the longstanding group, Amayenge, winners of the 2005 Ngoma Music Award.
