The Misty remembers PK Chishala

The Misty Jazz Restaurant and Café at Levy Mall in Lusaka will on July 1st have a memorial fundraising dinner for one of Zambia’s most celebrated musicians, Professor PK Chishala.
The show, expected to feature the PK Chishala Band, Junior Mulemena Boys and Masasu Band,will see fees split between The Misty and the late PK’s widow in support of their children and family.
Charges are K500, and this includes a three-course meal. The show, expected to start at 20:00 hours, is for diners only.
PK Chishala (Peter Kalumba Chishala)  is known for a number of kalindula hits including Church Elder, Na Musonda, Ku Bwaiche, Muchibolya, Ichupo Ninsansa and Common Man.
The “Professor”, who attended Mambilima Primary School in Kawambwa and Sefula Secondary School in Mongu, debuted with Icisosa Cipamano, which he recorded at Malachite Studios during his school days. Although it was not a huge success, the song gave an indication of what he was capable of doing.
He followed it up with Ba Pastor, which took a swipe at the immoral behavior of pastors. Naturally, it did not go down well in religious circles. Some sections of society thought that the song was a true story, but PK refuted that. Some called for it to be banned saying it was blasphemous. But despite the controversy, it went on to win the Song of the Year award in 1985.
He followed it up with the album Church Elder, released under Kariba Label by Teal Record Company, and whose title-track exposes the misdeeds of one church elder by the name of Pole Pole.
The album had other songs like Impumba Mikowa, a lament from orphans complaining about their plight, and Mulele, a Luvale song advising a school girl to first complete her education instead of rushing into marriage.
The title-track won PK the 1987 Soloist of the Year Award, and made him the country’s flag bearer at the 1988 World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) Festival, an annual event held in the UK.
He was sponsored by Teal Record and was backed by the Masasu Band.
One of the songs that he performed there, Umuti wa Aids, was featured on the WOMAD compilation album.
After that, he released Na Musonda, on which he introduced his wife Harriet on backing vocals. The album also had the humorous song Kubwaiche.
Thereafter, he released the controversial common Man, which chronicled the suffering of the people, particularly the workers.
The song was originally composed and performed by Bennet Simbeye.
The album also had the satirical Muchibolya and the danceable Lelo ni Weekend, which is highly popular at weddings.

THE MUSIC

Na Musonda

Nali no Munandi

Church Elder

Umuti was AIDS

Pali iwe Nshilala