SHE first conquered the airwaves with a powerful voice and gospel messages that touched hearts, but yesterday Mwizukanji Namwawa, popularly known as Kanji, was among Zambia’s military elite after being promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Zambia Army.
A trained lawyer by profession, Brig Gen Namwawa currently serves as Director of Legal Services in the Zambia Army, a position she has held with distinction.
Her rise through the military ranks has been historic.
Around late 2018, she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, instantly becoming one of the youngest female officers to reach that rank.
She later rose to Colonel and has now been elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.
Away from the parade square and legal chambers, Kanji remains a respected name in Zambia’s music industry.
The melodious singer rose to fame through hit songs such as Chi Daddy and Wenye, both featuring dancehall icon General Ozzy, as well as Mr Big Star, Ba Yahweh, Love Me featuring Ty2 and Zanga.
Kanji’s academic credentials are equally impressive.
With over 16 years of good standing as a legal practitioner, she holds a postgraduate diploma in legislative drafting from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE).
In 2023, she graduated as the best student in the Master of Laws in Constitutional and Administrative Law programme at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) through the Zambia Air Force Centre of Advanced Learning.
Her excellence has not gone unnoticed beyond Zambia’s borders.
In August 2024, Kanji made continental history after being elected President of the Africa Military Law Forum, becoming the first woman to ever hold the highest office in the organisation.
Following the news of her promotion, Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) joined the chorus of praises, describing Kanji as a pride not only to the music industry but to the nation at large.
ZAM president Brian Bwembya AKA B Flow said the rise of Kanji is a loud lesson to artistes and young people across the country.
“She has shown us that talent, when backed by education, diversification and hard work, can lead to unstoppable growth. As the music industry, we are proud of Kanji and we celebrate her promotion to Brigadier General,” B Flow wrote on his Facebook page.
By George Musonda
Kalemba January 3, 2025
