Jordan Katembula, alias JK, is virtually the poster boy for the Zambian popular music revival since the launch of the Mondo Music record label in 1999.  His music owes more to contemporary American R&B—lots of smooth beats, crooning, and urban chic—than to any local styles, but there are touches of rumba—as on his breakout hit “Balakuzembeleka”—as well as rap and raga.  Along with Danny, JK stands so far as one of the top figures in an emerging music scene. 

JK debuted with a hit CD in December 2001.  The next year, received Zambia’s Ngoma Award, was nominated for a KORA African Music award in South Africa, and performed in the UK and South Africa.  In 2003, he followed up with Helene, featuring a collaboration with Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi.  There are also contributions from a number of contemporary Zambian talents, guitarist Uncle Rex, Joe “the Ambassador” Chibangu, and popular rapper Exile.  His third recording, III, was released in 2004. 

 

 

 

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JK
Southern Africa
Zambia
Jordan Katembula--JK
JK is one of the top singers in Zambia in the new millennium. His smooth R&B style has made him an artist who can compete with foreign stars in the local market. Read more on JK...
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