Witch Zango Rym is a term often used in folk tales and folklore to describe a powerful witch or sorceress. The origin of the term is unknown, but it has been used in various cultures and societies throughout history. In many stories, Witch Zango Rym is depicted as a cunning and dangerous figure who possesses incredible magical abilities. She is often portrayed as having dark powers and using them for nefarious purposes, such as casting spells on unsuspecting villagers or causing harm to those who cross her. The character of Witch Zango Rym can differ in each tale or legend, but she is often depicted as an old woman with long, unkempt hair and a wrinkled face. Some stories describe her as living in a secluded hut deep in the forest, while others place her in a hidden cave or mystical realm.
WITCH, “Zango”
The Zamrock trailblazers’ first album in 39 years is impressively coherent, far-reaching, and composed in terms of songwriting and the musicians’ relaxed delivery throughout.
ReviewsWITCH, Zango
The Zamrock trailblazers’ first album in 39 years is impressively coherent, far-reaching, and composed in terms of songwriting and the musicians’ relaxed delivery throughout.
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WITCH
Zango
DESERT DAZE SOUND
Chances are you’ve heard the term “Jamrock,” thanks to Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s GRAMMY-winning song (and album) Welcome to Jamrock, released nearly two decades ago. But you probably haven’t heard of “Zamrock,” the strain of psych-rock that hails not from Jamaica but Zambia.
WITCH were—and are—indefatigably trying to bring broader appeal to the loosely defined Zambian genre, which also incorporates elements of blues and funk. The group formed in 1972, quickly becoming the country’s biggest band, working in musical styles ranging from soul to disco to kalindula (a bass-centric sound popular in southern-central Africa). WITCH dissolved the following decade due to the country’s political and economic turmoil. Then they re-formed in 2012 thanks to reissues of their albums sparking a new wave of popularity. And, by recruiting musicians from various European countries, WITCH effectively reconfigured themselves into a broader acid-funk ensemble.
After noticing the success of their reissues, WITCH finally created Zango, their first collection of new material in 39 years (take that, ABBA, Parliament, and William Shatner). Despite all the lineup changes over the years—not to mention technological advancements—WITCH set forth on a record that’s coherent, far-reaching, and composed—not just in terms of songwriting, but in the musicians’ relaxed delivery throughout the listen. Giving the band its gold star, Zango also showcases the fluidity with which they segue from genre to genre, often on the same song. “Avalanche of Love” includes a passage that calls Black Sabbath’s rhythm section to mind. “These Eyes of Mine” is, simply put, a really fun tropicália tune.
The album closes with “Message from W.I.T.C.H.,” which acts as a cheat sheet of sorts for those who don’t get what Zango is all about: “Zamrock has resurrected from his decades-long slumber into new mixes,” lead vocalist Emanyeo “Jagari” Chanda says. “The message our music carries is sharper than the mightiest sword, hits deeper than any bullet can. It unites beliefs, conquers xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, anti-Semitism—embraces every race. It’s blind to color. It is sweeter than honey. The word, or message, is ‘love.’ Taste it.”
WITCH
Zango
A group’s history can be inhibiting to a review, dictating the direction of the writing without focusing on the music at hand. This is especially true when tackling music by artists rediscovered after years in the musical wilderness. Thankfully, Zambian icons WITCH make things incredibly easy. Zango , their first album in over 39 years, follows their 2019 comeback documentary WITCH: We Intend To Cause Havoc and sees the group enter their second act revitalised, completely free from the weight of their past.
You’d forgive the legendary Zamrock group for resting on their laurels, but Zango regularly treads new ground. The album is a far groovier monster than anything from their extensive back catalogue. ‘By The Time You Realize’ and ‘Avalanche of Love’ maintain their signature psych rock edge while keeping more than one eye on the dance floor, elevating the album above pure intrigue towards something that is genuinely exciting on its own merit.
The funk flows effortless throughout, resulting in an album tailor-made for late summer. The sunny day synths of ‘Malango’ scream September barbecue, while you can almost hear the ice lollies being cracked out underneath the William Onyeabor-tastic beats of ‘Streets of Lusaka’.
By keeping one eye on the future, WITCH have ensured they won’t be defined by their past. Don’t call it a comeback. Zango proves there’s a new chapter ready to be written by this lot.
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Originally published in Issue 159
WITCH
WITCH was the first band in Zambia to release a commercial album — 1973’s Introduction. Blending the rock and roll sounds of The Rolling Stones together with more traditional, African rhythms, WITCH pioneered a new genre dubbed Zamrock, and during their brief, yet prolific existence, WITCH (an acronym for We Intend To Cause Havoc) released 7 albums and were the most revered band in the country.
In 2023, WITCH will release their 8th studio album, Zango, via Desert Daze Sound — a new Partisan imprint A&Red by the founder of the Desert Daze festival, Phil Pirrone. On Zango, bandleader Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda is joined by Patrick Mwondela on keys, Nico Mauskoviç on drums and percussion, Stefan Lilov and JJ Whitefield on guitars, and Jacco Gardner on bass, who is also credited with producing the album alongside WITCH. The album features collaborations with Keith Kabwe (Amanaz), Theresa Ng’ambi, Hanna Tembo, and Sampa The Great.
Recorded in the same studio in Zambia where the band’s sensational 1975 album Lazy Bones had been made some 46 years prior – DB Studios – Zango tells the story of the band’s phoenix-like rebirth into its current supergroup-like state. The album is full of international and inter-generational collaborations that chart musical histories from Zambia and beyond.
STAFF COMMENTS
Barry says: A BRAND NEW album from Zambian psych-rock legends WITCH, their first in 39 years, sees the band forging a powerfully danceable groove from hefty overdriven guitars and snapping percussion, soaring melodies and syncopated rhythms. Unfalteringly brilliant, and WELL overdue.
TRACK LISTING
1. By The Time You Realize
2. Waile
3. Nshingilile
4. Streets Of Lusaka
5. Unimvwesha Shuga
6. Avalanche Of Love
7. Malango
8. Stop The Rot
9. These Eyes Of Mine
10. Message From W.I.T.C.H.
Some stories describe her as living in a secluded hut deep in the forest, while others place her in a hidden cave or mystical realm. The powers of Witch Zango Rym are said to be vast and terrifying. She is often described as being able to transform into various animals, control the elements, and communicate with supernatural beings.
Her spells and curses are said to be nearly impossible to break, and those who fall victim to her powers are often left with tragic fates. Despite her malevolent nature, Witch Zango Rym is sometimes portrayed as a complex character with a tragic backstory. Some legends suggest that she was once a normal person who was wronged or betrayed, leading her to turn to dark magic for revenge or protection. This adds depth and complexity to her character, making her more than just a one-dimensional villain. In conclusion, Witch Zango Rym is a powerful and notorious witch or sorceress often featured in folklore and tales. While her character can vary in each story, she is typically portrayed as a dangerous figure with incredible magical abilities. Whether seen as a purely evil entity or a tragic figure driven by revenge, Witch Zango Rym remains an enduring and captivating character in folklore..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Secrets of Witch Zango Rym"
1. John - 1/5
I found "Witch zango rym" to be a complete waste of time. The story was poorly developed and lacked any depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite messy, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5
While "Witch zango rym" had an interesting premise, the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like the plot was dragging on without any clear direction. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me confused about the magical elements and how they operated. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard for me to engage with the story. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied by this book.
3. David - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Witch zango rym" but unfortunately it didn't deliver. The writing was choppy and repetitive, and the author seemed to rely heavily on clichés and tired tropes throughout the story. The characters lacked development and I didn't find any of them particularly likable or relatable. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of little action or excitement. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.
4. Emily - 3/5
"Witch zango rym" was an average read for me. While it had some interesting moments, overall, I didn't feel invested in the story or the characters. The writing style was decent, but it lacked the complexity and depth I usually enjoy in fantasy novels. The plot felt predictable and the world-building was mediocre. While I didn't hate this book, I don't think it stands out among other fantasy novels and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
5. Mark - 2/5
I struggled to get through "Witch zango rym". The story was confusing and lacked a clear direction. It felt like the author was trying to be clever and mysterious, but it just ended up being convoluted and frustrating. The characters were forgettable and I didn't find myself caring about their fates. The writing itself was average, but it wasn't enough to salvage the overall lackluster experience. I would not recommend this book to others.