Namvula is a singer and songwriter whose artistic journey is an exploration of cultural intersections and heartfelt storytelling. Her music reflects the nuances and complexities of her mixed Zambian and Scottish heritage, and a restlessness born of her diasporic upbringing. Weaving 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, Namvula transports listeners into different worlds with refreshing honesty, sonic sensitivity and evocative lyricism. She sings about the beauty and ugliness of life, its creativity, its tenderness and cruelty. The inspiring stories and influences of strong women who populate her lineage have informed her interest in and sensitivity to politics including feminism, the climate emergency, and migration.
Namvula has collaborated and shared the stage with artists including the late legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, multi-award-winning Zambian singer Maureen Lilanda, and sitarist Anoushka Shankar. Namvula’s debut album, Shiwezwa, was released in 2014 to critical acclaim, including being selected as one of The Sunday Times’ top 100 albums of the year. Her 2017 concept album, Quiet Revolutions, dubbed “a contemporary masterpiece” by Jazz FM. Namvula has toured extensively with her talented band, gracing the main stages of numerous leading festivals including Africa Festival Würzburg, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, and Shambala Festival. Namvula is a creative music-making workshop facilitator.
As co-founder of Film Africa, London's largest celebration of African cinema and culture, she has played a pivotal role in promoting the diverse creative voices of the African continent and its diaspora. Namvula’s EP ‘All Shades of the Sun’ is released on Friday 29th September 2023.
