Zimbabwe’s Amaqaqa Set for Historic Zambian Debut with Three-Day Cultural Tour

Award-winning Zimbabwean imbube and isicathamiya ensemble Amaqaqa is preparing to make its highly anticipated debut in Zambia, marking another important milestone in the group’s growing regional success. The nine-member vocal group has earned widespread recognition for preserving and promoting traditional African music while delivering powerful messages of faith, unity and cultural pride. Having already performed in countries including Eswatini, South Africa and Botswana, the ensemble is now expanding its footprint into Zambia through a carefully planned three-day performance tour. The visit represents more than a series of concerts, as it is also intended to strengthen cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia through music. As African traditional music continues to gain appreciation across borders, Amaqaqa’s latest tour highlights the growing influence of Zimbabwean cultural ambassadors on the regional stage.

For founding member Khulekani Sibanda, widely known as Khabo, the upcoming performances represent the fulfilment of a long-standing dream. He explained that the group has always hoped to introduce its music to Zambian audiences and views every international performance as an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. According to Sibanda, taking imbube and isicathamiya music beyond Zimbabwe’s borders is central to the group’s long-term vision. Every country visited allows the ensemble to connect with new audiences while demonstrating the beauty and significance of traditional African vocal music. Their Zambian debut therefore carries both personal and cultural significance for the group.

The tour will feature a diverse schedule that combines traditional ceremonies, festival entertainment and private celebrations. Amaqaqa’s first performance will take place on Friday in Nangoma, located in Mumbwa District, where the group will perform during a traditional event alongside the Zambia Soul Brothers. The following day, the ensemble will entertain audiences at a festival in Lusaka, giving music lovers another opportunity to experience its distinctive harmonies and energetic stage presence. The tour will conclude on Sunday with a wedding performance, demonstrating the group’s ability to adapt its music to different cultural and social occasions. This varied programme reflects the versatility that has helped establish Amaqaqa as one of Zimbabwe’s leading traditional music groups.

Audiences attending the performances can expect a vibrant showcase featuring songs from Amaqaqa’s latest album, Inkemba: The Sword. The album includes well-received tracks such as Amathendele, Two Are Better Than One, Utshwala and the title track Inkemba. Each song carries meaningful messages centred on culture, love, faith, hope and the importance of preserving traditional values. The group believes that its music goes beyond entertainment by sharing stories that reflect African identity and encourage positive social values. Through powerful vocal harmonies and carefully crafted lyrics, Amaqaqa continues to demonstrate the enduring relevance of imbube and isicathamiya music in today’s society.

According to Sibanda, every performance offers an opportunity to share the group’s identity and the values that inspire its work. Rather than simply presenting songs on stage, Amaqaqa seeks to create memorable experiences that leave audiences with a deeper appreciation for Zimbabwean culture. Each performance is carefully designed to communicate stories of unity, faith and hope while celebrating African traditions. The group’s dedication to meaningful storytelling has become one of the defining features of its music. This artistic approach has helped attract audiences across Southern Africa and contributed to its growing popularity beyond Zimbabwe.

Preparations for the Zambian tour have involved much more than rehearsing songs. The group has invested considerable time in intensive practice sessions, detailed planning and spiritual preparation through prayer to ensure every performance meets the highest standard. These preparations reflect the professionalism that has characterised Amaqaqa’s journey since its formation. Every member understands the importance of representing Zimbabwe positively while introducing their music to a new audience. Their commitment to excellence has become one of the reasons the ensemble continues receiving invitations to perform across the region.

Beyond entertaining audiences, Amaqaqa views the tour as an opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Sibanda expressed admiration for the way Zambian communities have preserved their cultural traditions and heritage over the years. The group is eager to experience the country’s music, customs and artistic expressions while sharing its own traditions in return. Members believe there is much that Zimbabwean and Zambian musicians can learn from one another through collaboration and mutual respect. Such exchanges strengthen regional unity while helping preserve Africa’s diverse cultural identities for future generations.

The ensemble also expressed admiration for Zambia’s vibrant music industry and hopes the visit will create opportunities for future collaborations with local artistes. Cross-border partnerships have become increasingly important as African musicians seek to expand their audiences while celebrating shared cultural values. By working together, artistes from different countries can introduce new sounds, reach wider audiences and strengthen the regional creative economy. Amaqaqa believes these partnerships can benefit both musicians and fans by promoting cultural appreciation across Southern Africa. The group’s openness to collaboration demonstrates its commitment to continuous artistic growth.

Founded in 2018 by Khulekani Sibanda, Amaqaqa has steadily established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s most respected imbube and isicathamiya ensembles. Since 2021, the group has released four albums, namely Ibhod’elishisayo, Ezosinga, Ngicel’ Eliny’ithuba Baba and its latest project, Inkemba: The Sword. These releases have earned the ensemble multiple awards and widespread recognition for its contribution to preserving traditional Zimbabwean music. Throughout its journey, the group’s mission has remained consistent, which is to promote its unique musical identity while spreading messages of peace, unity and the love of God. Its continued success reflects growing appreciation for traditional African music both within Zimbabwe and across the region.

Amaqaqa’s historic Zambian debut marks another important chapter in the group’s inspiring journey to promote Zimbabwean culture through music. The three-day tour offers an opportunity to introduce new audiences to the beauty of imbube and isicathamiya while strengthening cultural connections between neighbouring countries. Through meaningful performances, cultural exchange and a commitment to preserving African traditions, the ensemble continues to build a reputation as one of the region’s leading ambassadors of traditional music. Their willingness to learn from other cultures while proudly sharing their own reflects the true spirit of African unity. As Amaqaqa takes the stage in Zambia for the first time, the group is not only expanding its international presence but also contributing to the preservation and celebration of Africa’s rich musical heritage.