Nkwazi Unfiltered

On this Independence Special, Betty Chilunga joins Nkwazi Unfiltered to share her story as a freedom fighter during Zambia’s struggle for independence. She takes us back to her early years, like at Chipembi Girls’ School, where her interactions with politically active families helped shape her understanding of colonial rule and racial inequality.She recounts how her home in Zambezi became a meeting place for freedom fighters, how she stood guard outside with her baby on her back and how she used coded knocks to warn those inside of approaching danger. Mama Betty also speaks about mobilising women through the Balovale Welfare Society and local women’s clubs and her role during the Cha-Cha-Cha campaign.Listen to to the full conversation as Betty Chilunga now. 

Lieutenant Colonel Victor Simukonda, better known as Victor Simz or The Z Historian, is on a mission to uncover the parts of Zambia’s history that many of us never got to learn about.On this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Victor sits down for a conversation about his journey into history, what inspired him to create The Z Historian, and the stories behind some of his most notable work, including the Mailoni Brothers and Zambia’s military history.He also shares his thoughts on Zambia’s independence, the history we may have overlooked, preserving African knowledge, and how AI could change the way we document and understand our past.How much of Zambia’s history do we really know? And what stories are still waiting to be told?Listen to the full conversation now. 

Thabo Kaamba started acting at just eight years old, but it was her role as young Joseph in Can You See Us? that brought her story to a much wider audience. The film went on to become the first Zambian feature film released on Netflix.On this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Thabo sits down for a conversation about growing up with albinism, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the experiences that have shaped how she sees herself. She also opens up about her journey in acting, future roles she would like to play, stepping into advocacy, the impact of Can You See Us?, and what she hopes people understand about living with albinism.

El Mukuka joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation about identity, music, growing up, entrepreneurship as a founder of Gin 1964, being judged by association and the journey that took him from wanting to be a rapper to becoming an internationally recognised DJ and producer.Half Zambian and half Greek, El Mukuka speaks openly about growing up with an absent father, being labelled the “bad kid” because of the people he was associated with, and the experiences that shaped him into an artist he is today.In this episode, he talks about his journey in music, becoming the first Zambian to attend Berklee College of Music, leaving the school because of financial challenges, and eventually finding his way back. He also opens up about building his career as a DJ and producer, his work beyond music, and the parts of his life he has chosen to keep away from the internet.The conversation also goes into his Zambian and African identity, his Greek roots, and why being Zambian is part of what makes his sound unique. El Mukuka shares his thoughts on Zambian music and the term “Ku Chalo" and leaves us with a bigger question: what exactly is Zambian music?This is El Mukuka beyond the music, the international stages and the image you see online.Listen to the full episode and join the conversation.Subscribe to Nkwazi Magazine for more episodes of Nkwazi Unfiltered.

Patricia Luhanga joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation where we get to hear more about her journey, growing up in Northern Province, facing challenges at a young age, rising from being a maid, building a career as Corporate Affairs Manager for the Electoral Commission of Zambia and everything that comes with it. She also talks about her values, family and Kopala side. Listen now!