WITCH: We Intend to Cause Havoc

Following the achievement of independence from British colonialism, the drive to establish a new cultural heritage for Zambia led to the evolution of Zamrock, which fused elements from the Western music popular in the country, from folk to funk, with aspects of more traditional Zambian music. Leading the charge was WITCH, fronted by Emanuel Chanda. Riding to success on a wave of national pride and optimism through the 1970s, WITCH faded into obscurity as Zambia’s political and economic systems fell into chaos with the decade’s close. A chance encounter with their music led director Gio Arlotta to champion the revival of the band and their music, now reissued on vinyl, in a charming and engaging documentary reminiscent of Malik Bendjelloul’s Searching For Sugar Man (2012).