The fresh witch program is an initiative aimed at training young witches in the art of magic. It was established by the Grand Council of Witches with the goal of preserving and passing on the ancient tradition to the next generation. The program focuses on developing the fundamental skills and knowledge required to become a successful witch. Participants in the fresh witch program undergo a rigorous training schedule that covers a wide range of subjects. These include potion brewing, spellcasting, broomstick flying, divination, and ethical practices in witchcraft. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that equips young witches with the necessary tools to navigate the magical world.
The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that equips young witches with the necessary tools to navigate the magical world. The program offers hands-on training, allowing participants to practice their skills in a controlled environment. This enables them to gain practical experience and confidence in their abilities.
WITCH: KCRW Live from HQ
Over 50 years have passed since Zamrock (Zambian rock) greats WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) recorded their groundbreaking debut LP, Introduction. The record established the band as scions of the genre, unleashing a signature blend of traditional African instrumentation with Western influences like psych-rock, blues, and funk.
Following tumultuous years of line-up and career changes, the legendary band returns at last with the freshly released LP Zango (out now via Desert Daze Sound). The album features the group’s founding bandleader Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda in collaboration with keyboard virtuoso Patrick Mwondela, who briefly succeeded him during Jagari’s extended leave of absence from WITCH.
Click in for electrifying renditions of Zango cuts like the cosmically-reaching “Waile” and the eviscerating hard-rock jam “Stop The Rot.” Plus, read on as Jagari breaks down the band’s complex backstory in conversation with KCRW’s Travis Holcombe.
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
KCRW: Can you take us back to when you recorded your first record, Introduction, in 1972? What was going on in your home country of Zambia, and what was going on in your own life?
Jagari: We didn't have facilities for recording in my country, so a lot of good bands that existed at the time could not record. They didn't have the opportunity to [record music] like my band had. And we had only one radio station in Zimbabwe.
We had music from Europe, music from America, and some parts of Africa. And of course, we also had our own traditional music. In my country, we have about 72 ethnic groups. In terms of language, it's a bit negative [to have] too many languages in the same country. But from my point of view, that’s a very big repertoire of traditional stuff. [What] you get from public domain, you can match with the Western music. The [biggest] difference is that the Western music is wider — you have about 12 halftones in the atomic scale. … Our strength is in simple rhythms, criss crossing, and making a result that sounds a bit complicated. This gives us a very strong base for rhythmic patterns. We wanted to play rock! That’s what we heard on the radio, that’s what we heard people play.
Can you tell us about “Zamrock” in your own words? It’s a fusion of musical styles that you basically invented, right?
It took a long time for us to settle on “Zamrock.” We were calling it “Zambiano…” all sorts of names because we didn't know which one to pick. One of our friends is the one who coined the term “Zamrock.” He’s a physician, but [at the time] he was doing part time DJing with the National Broadcasting.
Let’s break down the history of WITCH a little more, you were involved with the band’s first five albums, and then you stepped down for a while. Where did you go? Were you pursuing other musical opportunities?
[In conversation with the leader of a band we opened for] I found out that he had a diploma from London School of Music. That's what caused me to apply for training at the only college that offered music, but it offered music with the condition that if you're government sponsored in that program, [after] graduation, you needed to teach in government schools for two years. So upon graduation, I sneaked out of the country and went to join the band in Zimbabwe until I was found out. I had not reported for work as a teacher. So I came back to Zambia to take up my new job, and that coincided with the pandemic we had that time — HIV and AIDS. [There were] curfews and blackouts in the country which were detrimental to the progress of Zamrock. If you wanted to play at night you [had to] go into the venue at 6 p.m., and you could only come out the following day at 6 a.m. Only a machine would play that.
While the following season seven wouldn’t have a Halloween episode, season six gives us two, and it all starts with the premier. Sabrina and her college roommates are all putting together a horror movie about pretty cheerleaders and one sinister vampire. Everything for once seems to be going great, the production is good, the sets are solid, the script is finalized and the cast is complete . that is with the one exception of their leading vampire.
Additionally, the fresh witch program incorporates mentoring, where experienced witches guide and support the trainees throughout their journey. One of the main aspects emphasized in the fresh witch program is the importance of ethical practices. Trainees are taught the responsibility and consequences that come with wielding magical powers. They learn about the balance of the universe and the need to use their powers for the greater good. This ethical foundation sets the fresh witches apart and ensures they do not abuse their abilities. Graduates of the fresh witch program are well-equipped to embark on their magical journeys. They have the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding necessary to navigate the magical world with confidence and responsibility. The program not only prepares young witches for their future endeavors but also ensures the preservation of the ancient tradition of witchcraft for generations to come. In conclusion, the fresh witch program is a comprehensive training initiative that aims to educate and empower young witches. It provides them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding to become successful in their magical journeys. Through this program, the ancient tradition of witchcraft is preserved and passed on, ensuring its continuity in the ever-changing world..
Reviews for "The Fresh Witch Program: Celebrating the Wheel of the Year with Magickal Rituals"
1. John - 1/5
I found "The Fresh Witch Program" to be extremely underwhelming. The plot was predictable and the characters lacked depth. It felt like a generic teen drama with a supernatural twist, and I was hoping for something more unique and engaging. The dialogue was cheesy and the acting was mediocre at best. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and uninterested in continuing the series.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Fresh Witch Program," but it failed to meet my expectations. The concept of witches navigating through high school could have been intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and there were too many unnecessary subplots that took away from the main story. The character development was lacking, and I struggled to connect with any of them. While the special effects were decent, they couldn't save the overall dullness of the show.
3. Emily - 2/5
"The Fresh Witch Program" seemed promising with its fresh take on witches in a modern setting, but it quickly became apparent that the show lacked substance. The writing was weak, with forced humor that didn't land. The plot was predictable, and the character arcs were uninspiring. The show also relied heavily on typical high school stereotypes, making it feel unoriginal and clichéd. I was disappointed by the missed potential and hoped for a more engaging and innovative storyline.
4. Mike - 1/5
I couldn't get past the first few episodes of "The Fresh Witch Program." The acting was subpar, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The storylines were uninteresting and failed to grab my attention. It felt like a cheap imitation of other successful supernatural teen dramas, lacking originality and creativity. Overall, I found the show to be a major disappointment and couldn't find any reason to continue watching it.
5. Jessica - 2/5
I wanted to like "The Fresh Witch Program," but it didn't hook me. The storyline was confusing and lacked clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped, and I struggled to care about their fates. The pacing was inconsistent, with some episodes dragging on and others feeling rushed. I was hoping for a captivating and engaging supernatural series, but this fell short of my expectations.