Witch: Sogolo | Ammar Kalia's global album of the month

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Witch Returns with New Album 'Sogolo', Reviving Zamrock Legacy"

Witch: Sogolo | Ammar Kalia's global album of the month analysis cover image The Guardian 9.0
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/32bcd5662dea9cae93a441c874360477393619f4/268_0_2594_2075/master/2594.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctcmV2aWV3LTQucG5n&enable=upscale&s=1066b0a82154ee2520fa63d59544c055
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/06/witch-sogolo-review-zamrock-partisan
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AI Analysis Average Score: 9.0
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

In the early 1970s, Zambia was carving out a unique musical identity in the wake of its independence, leading to the birth of a genre known as Zamrock. This movement was characterized by a fusion of distorted guitars, bluesy riffs, and Afrobeat rhythms, heavily influenced by the likes of Fela Kuti. At the forefront of this vibrant scene was the band Witch, led by the charismatic Emmanuel "Jagari" Chanda. The band, whose name stands for "We Intend to Cause Havoc," infused their sound with a blend of lo-fi vocal grit and progressive rock elements across five influential albums. Although the group disbanded in the 1980s, the resurgence of interest in their music during the 2010s led to a reunion, culminating in the release of their new album, Sogolo, in 2023, marking their first new work in nearly three decades.

Sogolo showcases the revitalized band as they explore a diverse sound palette while retaining their signature style. The album features twelve tracks that delve into various musical territories, including offbeat reggae rhythms and group vocal harmonies, as seen in songs like "Totally Devoted" and "Tiponde Madzi." However, it is the heavy classic rock elements that truly highlight the band's prowess. The opening track, "Kamusale," features Chanda's powerful vocals over a thunderous guitar riff, evoking the spirit of Black Sabbath. Additionally, tracks like "Queenless King" and "Nadi" reflect a nostalgic nod to the band's roots while incorporating playful modern elements such as AutoTune. Witch's ability to blend their traditional sound with contemporary influences demonstrates their enduring creativity and relevance in today’s music scene, solidifying their legacy as pioneers of Zamrock.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights the resurgence of the Zambian band Witch and their new album Sogolo, showcasing the blend of traditional Zamrock elements with contemporary influences. It serves to inform readers about the evolution of the band and the genre they pioneered in the 1970s, while also celebrating their musical achievements in the modern era.

Intentions Behind the Article

The primary goal of this article is to raise awareness about Witch's legacy and their new release, Sogolo, which marks a significant return after decades. By focusing on the band's historical context and their musical evolution, the piece aims to foster appreciation for Zamrock and its impact on the global music scene. The article also seeks to engage audiences who may be unfamiliar with this genre, potentially expanding Witch's fan base.

Public Perception and Community Response

The article is likely intended to create a sense of nostalgia and pride within the Zambian community and among fans of African music. By emphasizing the band’s historical significance and current relevance, it encourages recognition of Zambia's cultural contributions to the global music landscape. There is no indication that the article is attempting to obscure any information from the public; rather, it aims to celebrate and elevate the band's legacy.

Authenticity and Reliability

The information presented appears to be reliable, reflecting a well-researched understanding of Witch's history and their musical style. The article praises the band's creativity and evolution, suggesting that their sound remains innovative and relevant. This approach enhances the credibility of the piece, as it provides a balanced overview of their past and present.

Connections to Other News

While the article focuses on a specific band, it can be linked to broader discussions about the revival of interest in classic rock and world music genres. Similar articles may cover other bands or movements experiencing a resurgence, suggesting a trend in the music industry towards rediscovering and reinterpreting past influences.

Potential Societal Impact

The celebration of Witch and their music can have a positive impact on cultural identity and tourism in Zambia. As international audiences become more aware of Zamrock, it could lead to increased interest in Zambian culture, potentially benefiting local economies through music festivals and tourism related to cultural heritage.

Target Audience

This article is geared towards music enthusiasts, particularly those interested in world music and rock history. It appeals to both older generations who may have nostalgia for the original Zamrock movement and younger audiences who are exploring diverse musical influences.

Market Influence

While the article itself may not directly influence stock markets or global economies, the renewed interest in Witch could have indirect effects on the music industry. Increased sales of their music or merchandise could benefit related businesses, although specific stocks are not highlighted in the article.

Geopolitical Context

The article does not directly address geopolitical issues but can be connected to discussions about cultural diplomacy and soft power. By promoting Zambian music on a global stage, it contributes to a positive narrative about Zambia and African countries more broadly.

AI Involvement

It is unlikely that AI was used in the writing of this article, as it conveys a personal narrative and a deep understanding of the subject matter. If AI tools were utilized, they might have assisted in data collection or fact-checking, but the expressive style suggests human authorship.

Overall, this article effectively highlights the significance of Witch and their new album, Sogolo, while celebrating the cultural heritage of Zamrock. The information presented is credible and serves to foster a deeper appreciation for this unique musical genre.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/06/witch-sogolo-review-zamrock-partisan

In the early 1970s, a newly independent Zambia was forging a sound of its own. Young bands such as the Peace and Ngozi Family mixed distorted guitars with bluesy riffs, falsetto vocals and Fela Kuti-influenced Afrobeat rhythms to produce a genrethey labelled Zamrock. At the forefront of this scene was singerEmmanuel “Jagari” Chanda’s Witch(We Intend to Cause Havoc). With his nickname paying homage to Mick Jagger, Chanda channelled the Stones’ swagger – alongside a healthy dose of lo-fi vocal grit and meandering, prog-influenced grooves – into five Witch records.

Although the group splintered in the 80s, reissues of their music in the 2010s sparked a Witch resurgence: in 2023, Chanda reunited with keys player Patrick Mwondela to produce their first new album in almost 30 years, Zango. Their latest, Sogolo, shows the revamped band in punchy form.

Where Zango saw Chanda, Mwondela and new additions Jacco Gardner (bass) and Nico Mauskoviç (drums) experiment with soul melodies and hip-hop, these 12 tracks explore new territory: offbeat reggae rhythms on the sprightly Totally Devoted, group vocal harmonies on Tiponde Madzi; the soaringMdou Moctar-inspired desert rock of (In Memory Of) John. These diversions showcase the band’s dexterity, but it’s when they sink into their heavy classic style that Sogolo triumphs.

On opener Kamusale, 74-year-old Chanda employs his undiminished vocal power over a thunderous guitar riff and undulating talking drum, evoking an east African Black Sabbath. The wailing funk of Queenless King harks back to 70s Witch staples such as Lazy Bones, and highlight Nadi could be peak Led Zeppelin if not for Chanda’s playfully AutoTuned Bemba lyrics skipping over the band’s chugging psych riffs. These joyously strange combinations show the Zamrock originators to be just as imaginative now as they ever were.

PVC pipe-playing quintetNana Benz du Togoreturn withSé Nam (Komos), an infectiously funky exploration of group vocal harmonies, synth melody and propulsive bass, peaking on the dancefloor focus of Fovi. Peruvian indigenous groupWampís of Guayabaland Brighton producerAboutfacerelease their debut album of enveloping electronic ambience and field recordings,Los Bosquesinos (Coordinates). Chanted traditional vocals and yearning melodies create a sense of emotive urgency, with all proceeds going to help fight deforestation in the Wampís territories of the Amazon. Ecuadorian singer-songwriterGrecia Albán’sNubes Selva (Folkalist) artfully combines folk song with touches of electronic production to produce energetic and unexpected versions of South American musical traditions.

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Source: The Guardian