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Amanaz

Biography

Amanaz was a Zamrock band formed in 1973 in Kitwe, Zambia's third-largest city, during a pivotal moment in the nation's musical history. The band emerged from the convergence of several established musicians: vocalist Keith Kabwe (formerly of the Klasters), bassist Jerry Mausala (from the disbanded Macbeth), guitarist Isaac Mpofu (from Wrong Number), rhythm guitarist John Kanyepa (who left the Black Souls to join), and drummer Watson Lungu. The band's name stood for "Ask Me About Nice Artistes in Zambia," reflecting the pride and nationalist spirit of the Zamrock movement that flourished following Zambia's independence in 1964, when President Kenneth Kaunda mandated that 95% of radio music be Zambian in origin. Amanaz quickly became known throughout the Copperbelt region, performing at country clubs, Hindu halls, and competing with contemporaries like WITCH and Gas Company, while drawing attention from major music promoters including Zambia Music Parlour Limited director Edward Khuzwayo and producer Billy Nyati.

The band's sole album, "Africa," released in 1975 on both Teal and Zambia Music Parlour labels and recorded at Malachite Studios in Chingola, became a landmark in African rock music. Remarkably, the album was written and prepared in just three days, yet it carried significant conceptual weight, addressing themes of colonialism and slavery through tracks like the title song "Africa" and "Kale," while challenging hegemonic narratives with "History of Man." The recording was initially treated with skepticism by both the band and producer Billy Nyati, who added reverb to an alternate master in hopes of improving the unusual sound—ironically, both versions became equally admired. The album showcased the band's eclectic influences, blending psychedelic rock, funk, reggae, and the guitar virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix, with Isaac Mpofu's guitar work becoming one of the band's major draws. Vocalist Kabwe contributed theatrical stage presence inspired by Alice Cooper and David Bowie, famously emerging from a coffin in skeleton costume to open performances.

Amanaz disbanded in 1976 following internal differences, with Kabwe subsequently forming Drive Unit (a short-lived project that also featured bassist Ricky Banda), while Mpofu launched his own project as the Heathen. Though the band's active period was brief, "Africa" was rediscovered and rightfully identified as an African rock masterpiece during the first wave of Zamrock reissues in the 2000s, establishing Amanaz's enduring legacy in both Zambian music history and the broader global recognition of African rock music.

Fun Facts

  • The album 'Africa' was written and prepared in just three days, yet became recognized as an African rock masterpiece when Zamrock was rediscovered in the 2000s
  • Keith Kabwe's most famous stage gimmick involved emerging from a coffin in a skeleton costume to open performances, inspired by Alice Cooper's theatrical approach
  • The band's name 'Amanaz' was an acronym standing for 'Ask Me About Nice Artistes in Zambia,' reflecting the Zamrock movement's pride in promoting Zambian musical talent to the world
  • Producer Billy Nyati and the band were initially unconvinced by the album's unusual sound and added reverb to an alternate master in hopes of improving it; ironically, both versions became equally admired by listeners

Members

  • Keith Kabwe
  • Isaac Mpofu

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Alice Cooper - Stage performance inspiration; Keith Kabwe was influenced by Cooper's theatrical approach, particularly the use of shocking visual elements like performing with a python (Live performances and stage aesthetics) [Early 1970s]
  • David Bowie - Glam persona inspiration; Kabwe adopted Bowie's approach to costume and visual presentation for stage performances (Glam rock aesthetic and stage presence) [Early 1970s]
  • Jimi Hendrix - Primary musical influence on the band's guitar-driven psychedelic rock sound; most obvious stylistic inspiration evident in guitar licks throughout the album (Psychedelic rock guitar techniques) [1960s-early 1970s influence]

Key Collaborators

  • Keith Kabwe - Lead vocalist and primary creative force; responsible for songwriting, vocal arrangements, and theatrical stage presentation (Africa album (1975); Drive Unit (1976)) [1973-1976]
  • Isaac Mpofu - Rhythm guitarist; known for distinctive guitar antics that made him one of the band's major draws (Africa album (1975)) [1973-1976]
  • John Kanyepa - Lead and rhythm guitarist; joined after being impressed by the trio's early work on Wishbone Ash covers (Africa album (1975)) [1973-1976]
  • Jerry Mausala - Bassist; initiated the band's formation by calling Keith Kabwe with the idea to start a new group (Africa album (1975)) [1973-1976]
  • Watson Lungu - Drummer and vocalist; provided rhythm section foundation for the band's sound (Africa album (1975)) [1973-1976]
  • Billy Nyati - Producer and A&R representative for Zambia Music Parlour; oversaw the recording sessions for the Africa album (Africa album production (1975)) [1975]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Africa 1975 Album
Africa (Reverb Mixes) 1975-04-01 Album
Zango 2023-06-02 Album
Zango 2023-06-02 Album
Zango 2023-06-02 Album
Music From The Comedy, A Film By Rick Alverson 2012-10-24 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Khala My Friend (Africa)
  2. Sunday Morning (Africa)
  3. Khala My Friend (Welcome To Zamrock! How Zambia's Liberation Led To a Rock Revolution, Vol. 1 (1972-1977))
  4. Easy Street (Africa)
  5. Green Apple (Africa)
  6. Amanaz (Africa)
  7. I Am Very Far (Africa)
  8. Africa (Africa)
  9. History Of Man (Africa)
  10. Khala My Friend - Reverb Mix (Africa (Reverb Mixes))

Tags: #acid-rock, #psychedelic-rock, #zamrock

Heard on WWOZ

Amanaz has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 27, 202523:35Big Enough (Reverb Mix)from Africa Reverb MixKitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady