September 10, 2007

Lusaka - Time and time again Impact band have proved their staying power on the live performances scene clearly highlighting and showcasing the respect people have for them.

Having proved their mantle on the Copperbelt in the recent past at a benefit concert for Diggers Rugby Club where they overwhelmed their audience who dubbed them ‘Versatile Impact’ is back in Lusaka with a bang.

This band, featuring at ‘The Lounge Bar & Restaurant’ in Northmead area, is usually in residence, impressive and in some cases overwhelming, especially when belting out local beats.

Though, so often with resident and local bands, their attempt at authentic sound and freshness never seems to strike a balance. However, Impact Band seems to have adopted a different style and approach in their performance. With this style of music, the band can be crazy but entertaining and pleasant to listen to.

Very casual in appearance, Impact Band is driven by contemporary and longstanding styles of music.

This local band usually has a large group of supporters in the crowd who dance to the music, cheer and scream as the band effortlessly reels song after song of Jazz beats, Pop, Rhumba, Kwaito, Reggae, a mixture of covers and the local kalindula and Zam-fusion.

In opinion, vocalist Chenge Chibanda is an enigmatic front-man and a characteristically able keyboard player. His voice is punchy yet soft and his stage display is highly animated and committed. He usually engages his fellow band members and the crowd when he dances his way across the floor.

Chenge is backed by proficient musicians talented in their own right; this is a group of musicians who have been together since 1999, when the band was formed.

Band leader/Drummer and Programme Director Shadreck Banda, will sit behind his drum kit seemingly very relaxed, but come across fairly simplistic in keeping the beat though he certainly engages in some complicated drum fills.

Ben Miti, vocalist and technician, on guitar is smooth and precise while David Munkunta, who is also deputy band leader, on Bass guitar is controlled emanating the effortlessly bass attuned distinctive lines from the various songs strummed by the band, while Second Guitar player, Clement Kalombo does indeed bring out the rhythm section aspect.

And as the band jams its grooves, Kevin Siyandi, an older brother to Roma Side Studio Producer TK, rightly commands the driving force behind the band through his strong Keyboard antics.

Lighton Chipeta and Angela Daka certainly do carry the whole Impact Band music session with their fervent and energetic vocals.

With a band that is together, well rehearsed and combined with a high level of musical ability, you couldn’t really ask for much more.

Though, the band, at times may seem to remind one of a ‘Party Band’, Spokesperson for the band Chibanda said that the band was actually in the process of researching material for their initial album.

Aspiring to create a blend of unique African ‘Zambian jazz fusion’ music within the likes of what Salif Keita has done for Senegalese music; Freshly Ground has done for South Africa and so forth.

“Our music will set us apart because as I speak, we are in the process of researching into the aspect of understanding the character of Zambian music in relation with combining it with Jazz overtones, but with an African identity” he said. “Our feeling is that there is really no distinction between Africans as the distinctions were merely made through colonial divisions”.

“Our music has that African feel since that is who we are as a people”, Chenge said.

The band which is blessed with individual talent since all in the band can sing makes it unique due to its combination of talent.

In maintaining their professionalism and being inspired, the band has it in oodles from local musicians such as Tony Maonde better known as ‘Uncle Tony’ who has helped the band in understanding Jazz and the versatile ways in which it can be used. Goerge Mulauzi, who has supported the band with logistics and technical support and Cephas Maseko ‘Summer Time’ for encouraging the band to go the Jazz route as it cuts across all barriers whether race, gender or countries.

Internationally, the band is inspired by legendary trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, Foreplay, Spyro Gyra and Earl Klugh.

Should they maintain their level of musical ability they will undoubtedly earn themselves further success and acclaim notably when their release their much awaited fresh African blend of music.

This indeed is a marketable band.