PK CHISHALA: Disgruntled musician of post-independence era

82
1812

ONE cannot talk of the power of Zambian music in questioning governance without mentioning PK Chishala’s ‘Common Man’.

Yes, so powerful was this anthem about the need to reduce the price of the staple food in Zambia that it earned itself a ban from airplay on state-owned media.

Of course, PK was more than a one song wonder that is all too common today; in his illustrious career, he belted out hit upon hit of Kalindula tunes which upto this day still earn decent airplay.

The self-proclaimed ‘Professor’ was such a darling of the low suffering masses that he truly would have earned the title of ‘Disgruntled Musician’ had he lived in today’s Zambian political climate.

Born Peter Kalumba Chishala in 1957, PK’s music never missed the ghetto flavour of mining townships such as Buchi Township from where he horned his early skills; just take a listen to ‘NaMusonda and other great tunes!

Whilst many people remember PK as a blind musician, he was actually born sighted but in his early years, he struggled with smallpox which later left him blind.

However, the deficiency in sight did not stop him and his PeKeSa band from leading the mid-1980’s fight in defending the Zambian music scene from invasion by Zairian rhumba and disco from Western World; his social commentary, kept the Kalindula flame high at home and abroad.

As a performing artiste, urban legend has it that from the curtains of his famous dark sunglasses;  he would pose a famous question; “Nacidiba” which loosely translates to ‘is my audience full’ before strumming out his many critically acclaimed social commentary  music whose victims ranged from hypocritical churchmen, corrupt policemen, immoral and materialistic husbands and even corrupt politicians.

A husband and father of five children, PK is truly a legend of Zambian music.

In today’s falling Zambian economy and indebtedness of the country to all manner of foreign shylocks, the question is, ‘what would have PK sang…a praise at a rally or a rebuke at a ghetto pub? Predict the answer!

By Melony Chisanga

©Kalemba October 25, 2020

Advert

82 COMMENTS

  1. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web site, because i wish for
    enjoyment, as this this website conations actually good
    funny information too.

  2. I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard in support of his
    web site, for the reason that here every information is quality based stuff.

  3. Thank you for another magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such an ideal means of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such information.

  4. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
    widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
    twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for
    quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some
    experience with something like this. Please let me know if
    you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new
    updates.

  5. Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us
    so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Excellent blog and excellent design.

  6. Right here is the perfect webpage for anyone who wishes to understand this topic.

    You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that
    I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh
    spin on a topic that’s been written about for a long time.
    Great stuff, just great!

  7. I believe that is among the so much significant info for me.
    And i’m happy reading your article. However want to remark
    on few basic issues, The web site taste is great, the articles is in reality nice : D.

    Excellent process, cheers

  8. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  9. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more
    often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
    Excellent work!

  10. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post!

    It is the little changes that will make the most
    important changes. Many thanks for sharing!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here