Born in southern Africa to Zambian and Scottish parents, Namvula’s music reflects the realities, nuances and complexities of a diasporic restlessness. Her music effortlessly weaves together a global soundscape that takes inspiration from the deep grooves of Africa, the lyrical sensibility of folk-pop, and the improvisational freedom of jazz. Described as using “melodies that speak to the heart” (Sunday Times), Namvula is starting to get recognised as “a star definitely on the rise” (MOJO) within the music industry.
When performing live, Namvula is supported by a band “packed to the rafters with talent” (Max Reinhardt / BBC Late Junction) and has played on the main stages of festivals including Manchester Jazz Festival, Shambala, and Europe’s largest African music festival Africa Festival Wurzburg.
“A true original…a soulful performer”
* * * * The Guardian
She is set to release her third compilation of work – a double EP – in 2022, which focuses on our common humanity in these distressed times. Namvula has already released two albums to critical acclaim: Shiwezwa, a Sunday Times top 100 Albums of 2014, and Quiet Revolutions, dubbed “a contemporary masterpiece” by Jazz FM.