Concert 2010
Koba Simukobonyina Abamwi
Celebrating Tonga Culture Through Music: The 11th Annual All Tonga Music Concert
Once again, this year, Radio Chikuni hosted the 11th annual All Tonga Music Concert in September. Bands from surrounding areas competed in various categories, celebrating the diversity and richness of Tonga musical traditions.
The 2010 All Tonga Musical Concert, held under the theme “Koba simukobonyina abamwi”—which translates to “Make yourself a neighbour”—was officially opened by the Catholic Diocese of Monze Bishop, Emilio Patriaca.
The event, held on the 3rd and 4th of September, was a much-anticipated time of year, bringing two days of vibrant entertainment, reunions, and celebration. The excitement that swept across Tonga land was palpable, as over 10,000 spectators flocked to the concert venue to witness the spectacle.
The concert attracted 95 bands competing in 12 categories: Kalumbu, Kankobela, Kalyaba, Kuyabila, Seesa, Ndikiti, Chigome, Chikaambe-kaambe, Kalindula, Bukonkoolo, Ma Guitar, and a freestyle category for music that defied classification. This latter category was designed for artists whose music fused traditional Tonga sounds with other Zambian influences.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Emilio Patriaca urged the Tonga people to remain rooted in their heritage and not forget their ancestry. He stated:
“While it is true we cannot live exactly as our ancestors did, we also cannot forget them. We would not be here without them. We are who we are because of them. Therefore, we must continue to honour and respect our roots. We cannot reject our inheritance.”
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Monze District Commissioner Emmerson Machila, Gwembe District Commissioner Raymond Nampindi, Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu, and executives from various companies.
MP Jack Mwiimbu described this year’s concert as an improvement over the previous year’s and emphasized its growing importance in the cultural renaissance of the Tonga people. He highlighted the innovation shown by the musicians:
“The diversity displayed by the bands is a clear indication of the Tonga musicians’ ability to adapt to a changing world. They are reaching out to other tribes—their target markets—through music.”
Indeed, he was right. This year, most performers appeared in traditional attire instead of the usual replica soccer jerseys and poor-quality jeans. The stage presence was captivating, a clear result of the workshops conducted by the Sakala Brothers, which focused on refining performance skills.
Dr. Manasseh Phiri, Director of the Society for Family Health, attended the concert for the first time and described it as “phenomenal.” He commended Radio Chikuni for spearheading the annual event and expressed his desire to collaborate with the musicians to disseminate health messages through music in order to promote positive health behaviours in the community.
Dr. Bright Chunga, Director of Trade Kings Zambia Ltd., echoed the sentiment, calling the concert “a renaissance of Zambian art.” This term--renaissance—came up again during our interviews, this time from District Commissioner Emmerson Machila, who enthusiastically stated:
“This year’s concert is fifteen times better than last year’s. It has become a source of pride, value, and cultural civilization. Our musicians are adapting rapidly to change. As they say, we now live in a global village—this is truly wonderful.”
MP Jack Mwiimbu also shared his dream for the musicians in his constituency. He acknowledged their talent but emphasized the lack of modern instruments and professional support. His vision is for these artists to rise out of poverty and make a sustainable living from their craft—enabling them to support their families and send their children to school. For this to happen, he believes musicians need to incorporate some modern elements to appeal to broader markets beyond the immediate community.
Fr. Kennedy Sampa, Associate Director at Oblate Radio Liseli in Mongu, Western Province, posed a thought-provoking question to Radio Chikuni:
“While you have done a great job hosting this concert over the years, what happens if Radio Chikuni is no longer there? Will the community be able to host it on their own? Do they consider this their own concert, or just the radio’s?”
His concern is valid. To date, Radio Chikuni has been the major contributor to the concert’s success, while community participation in terms of logistics and financing remains minimal. Hosting the event costs the station millions of kwacha, yet no one pays to attend or participate. Nonetheless, winners walk away with cash prizes.
Ideally, the concert should serve as a fundraising opportunity for the station, not a financial burden. As a non-profit organization, Radio Chikuni struggles to meet operational costs, and the rise in piracy further undermines their revenue from music production. CDs, tapes, and DVDs produced by the station struggle to compete with cheap, pirated versions flooding the market.
There is a prevalent misconception—even among well-informed community members—that the radio station is well-funded and can manage everything on its own. But the reality is that Radio Chikuni needs support from all who are committed to preserving Zambia’s diverse ethnic traditions—especially Tonga culture.
Each year, an estimated 12,000 people attend the concert, offering an excellent platform for companies to promote their products and services. We call upon businesses and cultural stakeholders to partner with Radio Chikuni in ensuring the successful hosting of the 2011 All Tonga Music Concert.
Over the past ten years, the concert has become synonymous with Radio Chikuni, attracting thousands from nearby areas to celebrate the essence of Tonga culture. As a community radio station, Radio Chikuni is dedicated to preserving this heritage through music and dance. Music remains a powerful medium in African societies—fostering community bonds, transmitting wisdom, and preserving cultural identity across generations.
For the Tonga people, music is not merely entertainment—it is a vital expression of their identity and values. Through song, elders pass down cherished traditions and social teachings. Since the first concert in 1999, the All Tonga Music Concert has become a beacon of cultural pride, launching numerous music careers and showcasing the depth of Tonga artistry.
By Nchimunya Mweemba and Moombe Hamoobola
Winners Of The 2010 Tonga Concert
KALYABA
1. Tonga Band
2. Junior Hampongo
3. --
NDIKITI
1. Bana Hampongo
2. Tuyandaule Band
3. Sikapande Band
SESA
1. Hachaanga Cultural Band
2.Solon Nangulu
3.Bruno Habwela
KUYABILA
1.Richard Chiimbwe
2. Rodrick Mungala
3. James Shimatambo
SPECIAL CATGORY
1. --
MaGuitar
1. Patson Kanyama
2. Sevity Tumbachanji
3. Caristo Hanjola
KANKOBELA
1. Aron Nchenje
2. Joseph Mweene Manyona
3. Andrew George Munyumbwe
CHIGOME
1.Davison Chizyuka
2. Namalizyi Band
3.Hamasaka Bwaana
CHIKAAMBE-KAAMBE
1. Laseesa Cultural Group
2. --
3. --
BUKONKOOLO
1. Choobe Women
2. Katete Band
3. --
KALUMBU
1. Machila Jacob
2. Mbongwe Enock
3. Cheelo Chrispin
KALINDULA
1. Chiyobola Band
2. Kakuyu Brothers Band
3. Jabalando Brothers Band
FREE STYLE
1. Mangoma Kulila -Mantyantya
2. Bina Lilly - Kutwa
3. Bana Chipembele Band - Kukambilwa
4 Robert Habeenze - Creativity
FREE STYLE
5. Ngoma Ya Mwami Ufwenuka - Masabe
6. Nazyaando - Mankuli-nkuli
7. Varelio Sichuunga - Kutwa
KALYABA
1. Tonga Band
2. Junior Hampongo
3. --
NDIKITI
1. Bana Hampongo
2. Tuyandaule Band
3. Sikapande Band
SESA
1. Hachaanga Cultural Band
2.Solon Nangulu
3.Bruno Habwela
KUYABILA
1.Richard Chiimbwe
2. Rodrick Mungala
3. James Shimatambo
SPECIAL CATGORY
1. --
MaGuitar
1. Patson Kanyama
2. Sevity Tumbachanji
3. Caristo Hanjola
KANKOBELA
1. Aron Nchenje
2. Joseph Mweene Manyona
3. Andrew George Munyumbwe
CHIGOME
1.Davison Chizyuka
2. Namalizyi Band
3.Hamasaka Bwaana
CHIKAAMBE-KAAMBE
1. Laseesa Cultural Group
2. --
3. --
BUKONKOOLO
1. Choobe Women
2. Katete Band
3. --
KALUMBU
1. Machila Jacob
2. Mbongwe Enock
3. Cheelo Chrispin
KALINDULA
1. Chiyobola Band
2. Kakuyu Brothers Band
3. Jabalando Brothers Band
FREE STYLE
1. Mangoma Kulila -Mantyantya
2. Bina Lilly - Kutwa
3. Bana Chipembele Band - Kukambilwa
4 Robert Habeenze - Creativity
FREE STYLE
5. Ngoma Ya Mwami Ufwenuka - Masabe
6. Nazyaando - Mankuli-nkuli
7. Varelio Sichuunga - Kutwa