From the tender age of 7, Chmba (Chmba Ellen Chilemba) has been on a mission to fuse the funkiest afro sounds, future beats, and house grooves. Drawing inspiration from her Pan-African roots and a deep sense of sonic motherhood, she creates infectious Afro-electronic, indie, and house alternative sounds, infused with time-traveling synths, fiery strings, and African percussive rhythms.
CHMBA’s latest EP Okongola Caucus, could translate to, “a gathering of beauty”, is an exploration of love in all its forms from romance to parental, desire and distance in love untangling, freedom and barriers to love overlapping.
CHMBA describes the EP track by track:
Track 1, Okongola
Okongola is romance all swagged out with a timeless, hypnotizing synth arp taking you on an electric journey yet still grounded in Afro-energy with bassdrums teasing amapiano vibes. NiGEL on vocals takes you between worlds, maybe a night out in Malawi and maybe also space, Malawi in space? Chmba carefully and somewhat carelessly blends two beautiful genres to make a unique vibe of an afro-electronic future indie energy, you want to dance or go on a drive.
Track 2, Patali
Patali is a sweet cry to get past the boundaries we build when falling… An interaction of heavy basses and drums, with some sweet chords and synths flirting. It’s a trip, Chmba takes stage with her vocals central, with multiple backings, the dream is a live stage that feels somewhere isolated, randomly placed but safe for one to fully evoke falling for someone. Electronic in its feel, with South-East African percussion shying out.
Track 3, Nitemwe ft. Nyago
Nitemwe features Malawi’s Afro spiritual soul music legend, Nyago, taking us on a soul refueling groovy journey… a house dancy beat tempting you into motion, but also deep vocals almost meditative like a call for absolute inner peace. Nitemwe meaning love me, is an expression of a pure love with no strings attached.
Track 4, Dzuwa ft. Ms Fay
Dzuwa is love in motion, love found and up high. Heated, Dzuwa meaning sun, Ms Fay journeys on a confession of the heart comparing love found to the warmth of the sun. Chmba on the beat, toys with a future soul vibe, with a kick led by a spliced N’goma drum! The synths and keys are groovy, allowing a poetic flow.
About Ms Fay:
Ms Fay is a Malawian singer-songwriter. Her writing draws around love, romance and self-positivity… this is felt through her warm sweet vocals to bring an exotic and charming flair to melodies. Ms Fay defines her music as afro-contemporary, she is versatile, ready to flow through varied sonic compositions or genres.
About Nyago:
Nyago is a singer-songwriter from Malawi. Her story of survival permeates through her deep, beautiful, lustrous voice and enchanting melodies. It is that of a strong and determined young woman who has lived through and overcome unspeakable tragedies. Nyago defines her music as Afro-Spiritual; a fusion drawing from the enchanting rhythms and melodies of the Northern Malawian healing tradition of vimbuza and elements of jazz, soul and folk.
Chmba‘s raw talent and unapologetic style have caught the attention of the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, who has invited Chmba to play at her exclusive A-list celebrity parties, including the prestigious Oscars’ The Party in Beverly Hills, California. As Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year (2017) Chmba has rocked impressive stages across the globe, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, BBC Radio 6, and Tumbler Select Playlist. She’s also opened for Grammy-winning artists like Angelique Kidjo, Nile Rodgers, Metro Boomin, and Laura Mvula, cementing her status as a true trailblazer in the music industry.
Chmba is more than just a talented artist – she’s also a dedicated activist and founder of Tiwale, a community center in Malawi that supports women and gender minorities through art and educational opportunities. Her inspiring work has earned her a spot on Forbes’ Africa 30 Under 30 list, as well as recognition from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Global Citizen as a Youth Advocate. Chmba‘s unique sound, magnetic energy, and commitment to social change make her a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the stage.
For the month of June, CHMBA is the first Malawian to be featured as a cover star on Apple Music’s Dance Playlist ISGUBHU, which sees her placed among the top DJ producer talent on the continent.
Nitemwe Nyago
Nigel
