W.I.T.C.H.
August 16, 2026 • 7:30 pm
DOORS 6:30pm • 21+ without parent or guardian
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W.I.T.C.H.
A pioneering Zambian psychedelic act, W.I.T.C.H. — an acronym for “We Intend to Cause Havoc” — were one of the defining bands of Zamrock, blending Western rock and rhythm & blues with traditional African sounds. Among Zambia’s most popular and influential groups of the 1970s, they emerged during a period when newly independent Zambia was developing its national identity and local musicians were drawing inspiration from artists like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown. As Zambia’s mining industry declined in the mid-1970s and political unrest grew, Zamrock evolved into a darker, more psychedelic style influenced by bands such as Deep Purple and Grand Funk Railroad.
W.I.T.C.H.’s 1972 debut album, Introduction, became the first commercially released album by a Zambian band. The original lineup featured vocalist Emanyeo “Jagari” Chanda — whose nickname reflected his admiration for Mick Jagger — alongside guitarists Chris Mbewe and John Muma, bassist Gedeon Mulenga, and drummer Boidi Sinkala. Many members had previously played in Zambian cover bands, including Kingston Market, the Red Balloons, and the Boyfriends. After Chanda joined Kingston Market in 1971, the group renamed itself the Mighty W.I.T.C.H., eventually shortening it to W.I.T.C.H.
Fueled by a mix of marijuana, Western rock, and soul music, the band quickly built a reputation for electrifying live performances. Their third album, Lazy Bones!! (1975), is widely considered their masterpiece. Despite limited recording technology available in Zambia at the time, W.I.T.C.H. developed a massive following and performed stadium-sized shows across Africa. Following a tour opening for Afro-rock pioneers Osibisa, the group began incorporating more local influences into albums like Lukombo Vibes.
In 1977, Chanda left the band to return to school and pursue teaching, leading to lineup changes and a stylistic shift toward disco influences under keyboardist Patrick Mwondela. The band continued recording through the mid-1980s with albums such as Movin’ On (1980) and Kuomboka (1984) before eventually going dormant.
W.I.T.C.H. experienced a major revival in the 21st century as collectors and music fans rediscovered Zamrock. German label Shadoks reissued Introduction and Lazy Bones!!, and in 2011, Now Again Records released We Intend to Cause Havoc!, a comprehensive box set featuring the band’s five studio albums along with singles and unreleased material. Renewed international interest led Jagari Chanda and Patrick Mwondela to reunite the band and return to touring by 2013.
In 2023, W.I.T.C.H. released Zango, their first album of new material in nearly 40 years, featuring collaborations with fellow Zambian artists including Sampa the Great. In June 2025, they followed it with Sogolo, their second comeback-era album.
— Mark Deming, Rovi
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TICKETS
$25 + fees
DAY OF SHOW: $30 + fees
PRE-SALE: Wed, Jun 3, 10 am. Want pre-sale access? Become a Lensic member!
PUBLIC SALE: Fri, Jun 5, 10 am
For online ticketing sales & support, contact support@holdmyticket.com or call 1-877-466-3404.
For in-person sales, visit the Lensic box office.
VENUE: TUMBLEROOT BREWERY & DISTILLERY
SEATING: Limited
ADA: Yes, please notify a Tumbleroot representative upon arrival
PARKING: Yes
ALCOHOL: Yes
OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINK: No
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