Mumba Yachi sounds the alarm over the fading beat of Tradition.

Zambian musician Mumba Yachi has called for greater efforts to preserve traditional music saying the country’s cultural sounds are an important part of its identity and uniqueness. Speaking in an interview with Lusaka star Yachi says traditional music should remain visible in the modern entertainment industry through the use of local languages, traditional instruments and […]

Zambian musician Mumba Yachi has called for greater efforts to preserve traditional music saying the country’s cultural sounds are an important part of its identity and uniqueness.

Speaking in an interview with Lusaka star Yachi says traditional music should remain visible in the modern entertainment industry through the use of local languages, traditional instruments and indigenous rhythms.

“It is important to keep traditional music because it shows uniqueness, our heritage and our identity,” Yachi said.

He explained that musicians can play a key role in keeping traditional music alive by incorporating cultural elements into their work.

“The traditional element is important to be seen and this can be done by using our local language, traditional musical instruments and our rhythm,” he said.

Yachi said that the entertainment industry is gradually moving away from some traditional practices with only a few musicians continuing to embrace them.

“The entertainment industry is keeping traditional music alive but it’s keeping it intentionally because there are very few musicians who remain traditionally,” he said.

He added that while some artists continue to preserve tradition through their music and dressing, others have moved away from it in response to changing trends.

“Some keep it in their dressing which is nice but some have diverged from it,” Yachi said.

The musician further encouraged young artists to learn from traditional music and find creative ways of incorporating it into modern entertainment.

“Young artists are ready to embrace it, but people like me have to be helpful for them to keep the traditional going, they have to learn how it works,” he said.

Yachi also pointed to musicians who are already blending traditional sounds with contemporary music, citing 76 Drums as a good example.

“Some artists are blending traditional entertainment in their music artists like 76 Drums,” he said.

Yachi believes that blending traditional and modern sounds could give young musicians an opportunity to remain relevant while also helping preserve Zambia’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Meanwhile traditional artist Wendy Mwikisa has urged young people to embrace their culture and use it as a source of uniqueness in the entertainment industry.

Mwikisa said modern artists are increasingly adopting similar styles of entertainment while the growing influence of digital platforms is contributing to the gradual fading of traditional culture.

She said although traditional music may appear less important to some young people it remains valuable particularly in attracting tourists who want to experience authentic Zambian culture.

“Traditional music may seem less important but tourists want to see more of that,” Mwikisa said.

Mwikisa has encouraged artists to turn their cultural heritage into an opportunity by using it to distinguish themselves from other performers.