Sogolo by W.I.T.C.H

The Feature Album this week on 2SER is Sogolo, from Zambian legends W.I.T.C.H (aka “We Intend To Cause Havoc”).

WITCH were a hugely influential group in Zambia in the 70s and 80s, being the central proponents of the “Zamrock” style, a fusion of western rock (Jimmy Hendrix especially) and East African influence.  As one would expect of most groups with close to five decades of history, W.I.T.C.H have undergone numerous personnel changes since then, and the current lineup features a more international and younger collective, but remains built around original singer Emmanuel ‘Jagari’ Chanda and keyboardist Patrick Mwondela, and as fiercely devoted as ever to breaking new sonic possibilities.

And it’s a record with roots both in the groups history as well as an eye firmly on the unexplored. Sogolo (meaning “future”) was recorded in the Lusaka studio that were their original base in during the 70s, and is an album that constantly shifts and defies expectation, incorporating politically conscious hi-life, freaked out jazz, unconventional dub/reggae, analogue electronics and crazed acid rock, often with elements of all of these in the one track. A true monster of a record and one that demands to be heard.

Sogolo is out now on Partisan Records.