Nkwazi Unfiltered
"Nkwazi Unfiltered" is a podcast series produced by Nkwazi Magazine that features candid conversations with influential figures in Zambia, including both well-established leaders and emerging talents. Each episode delves into the personal and professional journeys of these individuals, offering listeners unfiltered insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes. The podcast aims to inspire and inform by showcasing diverse perspectives from various sectors within Zambia.
Episodes
45: Episode 45: Thabo Kaamba: See Me Differently
Thabo Kaamba started acting at just eight years old, but it was her role as young Joseph in Can You See Us? that brought her story to a much wider audience. The film went on to become the first Zambian feature film released on Netflix.On this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Thabo sits down for a conversation about growing up with albinism, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the experienc
44: Episode 44: El Mukuka: Two Identities, One DJ
El Mukuka joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation about identity, music, growing up, entrepreneurship as a founder of Gin 1964, being judged by association and the journey that took him from wanting to be a rapper to becoming an internationally recognised DJ and producer.Half Zambian and half Greek, El Mukuka speaks openly about growing up with an absent father, being labelled the “bad kid” be
43: Episode 43: Patricia Luhanga: Behind The Composure
Patricia Luhanga joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation where we get to hear more about her journey, growing up in Northern Province, facing challenges at a young age, rising from being a maid, building a career as Corporate Affairs Manager for the Electoral Commission of Zambia and everything that comes with it. She also talks about her values, family and Kopala side. Listen now!
42: Episode 42: Bob Nkosha: When The Laughs Stop
He discovered the character “Dorika” at only 13 years old and became one of Zambia’s most talked-about stand-up comedian, Bob Nkosha returns to the mic, but this time for an unfiltered conversation. In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, he speaks about his childhood, how he discovered he wanted to be an artist at 6 years old, his journey, mentorship, family, legacy and Zambia’s entertainment indu
41: Episode 41 - Magnate: Betting, Cars & Contraversy
Suzyo Shawa, popularly known as Magnate, joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation about money, betting, fatherhood, confidence, public criticism and the real story behind one of Zambia’s most talked-about online personalities.Known for his bold public image, business mindset and association with the betting industry, Magnate has built a name that attracts attention wherever it appears. In this
40: Episode 40 - Mix Kasamwa: The Truth About Fame
Everyone knows Mix Kasamwa as “The Hardest Ohn in LSK”, but what does life look like behind the jokes, the videos and the public image?In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Mix Kasamwa opens up about building Lusaka Starter Pack, turning content creation into a career, working with brands, dating in public, dealing with burnout, and the pressure of always being expected to be funny.He also speaks
39: Episode 39 - Petersen Zagaze: The Man Behind The stage Name
Petersen Zagaze joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation that reaches far beyond the music and the headlines. As one of Zambia’s most outspoken artists, he built a career on challenging politicians, religious leaders, and the status quo, but this discussion reveals the man who exists away from the stage name and the deliberate controversy.He speaks about the unexpected national storm that follo
38: Episode 38 - Dickson Jere: Private Life Exposed
On this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Amina Kaunda sits down with Dickson for a different kind of interview.He opens up about growing up in Matero and what that neighbourhood taught him and talks about the careers he considered before law and journalism took over.He also reflects on fatherhood, why he chooses to keep his personal life private, and what he wishes he could tell his 21-year-old self
37: Episode 37 - Mumba Yachi: The Man who Lost Everything Twice!
When you're deported from the country you call home, most would pack up their dreams and disappear. Mumba Yachi didn't. He rebuilt his life, embraced both his Congolese roots and his Zambian home, and kept making music that refuses to fit into a box.Since then, the man behind the mealie meal sack suit and the underwear-on-the-head fashion statement has continued to walk his own path. He's won a Z
36: Episode 36 - Patricia Ellis Chama: Loss, Grit and Becoming
Before she became Zambia’s favourite TV presenter, Patricia Ellis spent eight years out of school. She was twelve when her father died, failed her Grade 9 exams, and survived by peeling cassava and waiting tables just to get by.In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Amina Kaunda sits down with the ZNBC news anchor and actress to walk through the parts of her story most people never hear. Patricia
35: Episode 35 - Peter "Pzee" Zulu: More than a voice
Peter Zulu, better known as PZEE on the Red Hot Breakfast Show on Hot FM Zambia, is a voice you already know, but the story behind it might surprise you.Before radio, there were ideas, small hustles, and a moment that sparked something bigger.Watch the full episode and get to know the story behind the voice.
38: Episode 34 - James Sakala: A Sound Worth Saving
James Sakala joins Chana Musakanya this week on Unfiltered for a conversation about his journey in music, from his early years in Mkushi to discovering his love for songwriting and performing.He reflects on his path from backup singer to solo artist, and what he has learned along the way about faith, discipline, identity, and navigating the Zambian music industry.
37: Episode 33 - Lee Kawanu: The Talent Architect
Lee Kawanu is one of the country’s most successful football talent scouts. He’s also the founder of Kafue Celtic Football Club - the former home of two of our biggest exports, Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka. This week, Lee is in the Unfiltered studio to talk about the art of seeing what others can’t, the perks of not gatekeeping, and why he chose to make the beautiful game his life.
36: Episode 32 - Frank Sibbuku: A Life in Frames
The very talented and prolific Frank Sibbuku is a creative who has brought numerous television shows and movies to our screens - including one of the country’s most successful soap operas, Mpali.Once an aspiring rapper, then a comic book artist and illustrator, Frank’s road to the screen has been an interesting one. We discussed why he left rap behind and how he got his foot in the door at Muv
35: Episode 31 - Paul Mwanza: Man of Steel
A champion is in our midst this week! Paul Mwanza is a powerhouse who entered the history books in 2024 when he became the first African athlete to be crowned a World’s Strongest Man - a title he returned to defend and retained the following year.He joins us to talk about his unconventional career and the discipline that has put him on multiple podiums and earned recognition from President Hakain
34: Episode 30 - Sana Ginwalla: The Art Behind Belonging
Lusaka-born and based curator and archivist, Sana Ginwalla is interested in stories - hers, yours, ours. In exploring archives, memories, and heritage. In visual history and multiple truths. She is the founder of Everyday Lusaka a project that became a platform and now also includes a gallery dedicated to the documentation of daily life in Zambia, and Zambia Belonging, a counter-archive projec
33: Episode 29 - Emmanuel Mwanza: Leaving His Mark
Emmanuel Mwanza is determined to leave his mark in society - and he certainly has the determination and discipline to do just that. The visionary founder of E-MARK is our guest on this week’s episode of Unfiltered, and we had the chance to learn from and question the grassroots electronics trader-turned-leading tech entrepreneur. Emmanuel spoke about growing up as the “favourite” child, and how
31: Episode 28 - Salma Sky: A Life Without Limits
After a brief modelling stint, Salma Sky stepped back in the studio and eventually became a household name after featuring on hits like ‘Kapiripiri’ and ‘Ruby Ruby’. It’s been almost 15 years since both of those singles were released, and the celebrated musician is still here - still creating, exploring, and having fun.Kamiza Chikula sat down with Salma on this week’s episode of Unfiltered, and
28: Episode 27 - Dr Kunda Phiri: Building with Purpose & Intention
We're kicking Season 2 off, with a woman who grew up a school-loving bookworm and ended up with four degrees and a successful business by the age of 31 - all while navigating the beautiful chaos of raising twin daughters. The accomplished, driven, and sometimes misunderstood Dr Kunda Phiri is our guest this week. She’s a familiar face to many - but how much do you really know about her outside
27: Episode 26 - Unfiltered Christmas Special
25 guests down, 0 hosts interviewed...until now. Chana Musakanya and Kamiza Chikula have spent the year having insightful and entertaining conversations with some of Zambia’s most popular figures; now the mics have turned! For this special final episode of 2025, they're interviewing each other. Watch them recap their year in interviews and find out if they’re as good at answering questions as
26: Episode 25 - Sampa the Great: On Home, Identity & Her Sound
With her distinct and powerful voice, Sampa the Great masterfully blends hip-hop, spoken word, and African traditions into an authentic sound that has garnered her a devoted fan base. Her artistic and professional trajectory has taken her all over the world - gracing the stages of Glastonbury and Coachella along the way!We finally got to sit down with the award-winning artist to discuss her orig
24: Episode 24 - Fisho Mwale: Weathering Life's Seasons
Fisho Mwale. The entrepreneur, former Mayor of Lusaka, and co-founder of Yalelo, one of Zambia's leading aquaculture companies, is our unfiltered guest this week.Mwale discusses the financial highs and lows of his career, the challenges of public service, and the personal losses he’s incurred along the way. He also recounts Yalelo's early days and flirts with the idea of writing a memoir.It's
23: Episode 23 - Naomie Pilula: The Beauty in Being
When you go viral for the wrong reasons, crawling under a rock would be a decision many would understand, but Naomie Pilula didn't. She opted to continue living her life and showing up unapologetically.Since then, the University of Cavendish-educated lawyer has gained significant international attention (including an interview with People magazine) and followers on social media, where she uses her
22: Episode 22 - Dr Aaron Mujajati: The Medicine Man
Dr Aaron Mujajati's had to learn how to walk twice, failed Grade 7, and to his surprise, ended up a doctor. Today, he uses social media and humour to teach Zambians about health. The very busy doctor made a studio call, and we had an insightful conversation about his growing up in Chaisa, why he chose hospitals over courtrooms, and conquering medical school at UNZA.
21: Episode 21 - Dr Gabriel Pollen: The Scholar and Statesman
Kamiza Chikula sits down with Dr Gabriel Pollen, the Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, a proud member of the 5 a.m. club, a passionate motorcyclist, and a relentless pursuer of self-improvement. The two spoke about Pollen’s work ethic, the challenges that redirected his path, and why he believes personal discipline is the foundation for serving oth
20: Episode 20 - Pamela Pio: Leading Through Service
Pamela Pio, General Manager - Corporate Services and Company Secretary for our sponsor, MTN Zambia! Pio is a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise across diverse areas, including mining, energy, and diplomacy. Through her work, Pio plays a crucial role in ensuring MTN Zambia operates with integrity, compliance, and strong corporate governance. She took us through her professional jo
19: Episode 19 - Dumisani Lingamangali Ncube: The Radical Entrepreneur Behind the Africa Must Think Movement
Known as "The Radical Entrepreneur," Dumisani Lingamangali Ncube is a businessman, author, and motivational speaker who started his journey by selling geography pamphlets as a teenager. Ncube's incredible story of building the multi-faceted DLN Group from the ground up proves just how far ambition paired with hard work can take you.
18: Episode 18 - Emmanuel 'Jagari' Chanda: The Last Zamrocker
The legendary frontman (and sole surviving founding member) of W.I.T.C.H., Emmanuel "Jagari" Chanda, graces us with his presence! Chanda founded the band that would become known as the "Zambian Beatles" in 1972, with them recorded the country's first commercial album, and endured decades of silence as economic collapse and tragedy claimed the lives of his bandmates.After nearly 40 years away f
17: Episode 17 - Lawrence Thompson: Taking risks. Taking charge. Taking off.
A giant of the Zambian film industry, Lawrence Thompson is a filmmaker and producer known for his work on Kabanana, Makofi, and Can You See Us?, the first Zambian film to premiere on Netflix.Thompson began his career as a cameraman for international broadcasters, including Reuters and The Associated Press, before founding Centripetal Media Zambia.In this sit-down, we delve into his childhood in co
16: Episode 16 - Rodney Sikumba: From the Corporate World to Championing Zambia’s Tourism Sector
Rodney Sikumba lost both of his parents early on in life, but that didn't hamper him from making something of himself. He graduated from university, climbed the corporate ladder at companies like Zain and Samsung, and then made the bold decision to return home and pick up where he left off.In this episode, we had a spirited conversation with Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the UN T
15: Episode 15 - Simon Mwewa: Finding His Own Way and Stepping Into Urban Activism
Theology graduate turned urban activist, Chitambala “Simon” Mwewa is one of Lusaka's most recognisable faces. Although best known for filming street-level commentary while navigating market vendors and challenging civic authorities, there's more to him than meets the eye. The mics have turned, and today, Mwewa joins us to talk about his unexpected deportation from the United States, stepping into
14: Episode 14 - Linda Kasonde: Taking Unexpected Paths and Fighting the Good Fight
How does one go from never having sought attention to being a "rebel" who is unafraid to speak truth to power? Linda Kasonde didn't set out to become the kind of woman who challenges power structures and fights for democracy, but between her childhood in Lusaka and Swaziland, her work as a lawyer, and her journey as a feminist advocate, she found her voice and decided to use it.
13: Episode 13 - Sonny Zulu: The Making of a Leader
When Sonny Zulu, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, joined our host Kamiza Chikula for this episode, we knew it would be a good one! Sonny shared humorous anecdotes from his childhood (including a story we're sure his older brother didn't live down for many years!), spoke about workplace failure, and expanded on his belief that every role is a platform for finding meaning and a deeper purpose
12: Episode 12 - Panji Banda: How a Breakdancing Kid from the Copperbelt Found Himself in the Corporate World, Radio, and Comedy
In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, our host Chana Musakanya sits down with Panji Banda – corporate leader, radio storyteller, and stand-up comedian – for a rich, reflective, and entertaining conversation about life, work, and the art of staying curious. Known to many as “Mr Coca-Cola,” Panji reflects on growing up in a bustling household on Zambia's Copperbelt, falling in love with radio during
11: Episode 11 - Monica Musonda: Embracing New Beginnings and Building from the Ground Up
Monica Musonda walked away from a successful global career to build something of her own - from scratch. On this week's episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, the Founder and CEO of Java Foods, one of Zambia’s leading food manufacturing companies, sits down with our host, Chana Musakanya, for a frank and insightful conversation. This episode is proudly sponsored by MTN Zambia, connecting you to the people
10: Episode 10 - Dana Patel: Finding Herself and Creativity Through the Lens of Cultural Transition
In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, we sit down with Dana Patel, a Zambia-based photographer whose quiet, striking images have earned her a devoted following and international recognition. Dana has captured everything from jacaranda-lined roads to intimate moments of Zambian life, and through her lens, she’s often able to tell stories that go unnoticed. Our host, Chana Musakanya, explores Dana’s
9: Episode 9 - Jito Kayumba: Leading and Building a Legacy Through Impact
We sit down with Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Development Affairs. From humble beginnings to holding one of the most influential advisory roles in Zambia, Jito shares a journey rooted in discipline, strategy, and service.He also looks back on his early struggles and the important lessons he learnt during his time abroad.
8: Episode 8 - Lulu Haangala-Wood: Living Authentically and the Art of Meaningful Media in Zambia
In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, we sit down with Lulu Haangala-Wood (@luluhaangala4899), media pioneer, co-founder of The Wood Kitchen (@woodkitchenz) and a powerhouse of creativity and intentionality. With a career spanning over two decades, Lulu has lit up Zambia’s media landscape through television, storytelling, and authentic community-building. Join our host Chana Musakanya as she e
7: Episode 7 - Jayne Mazimba: How She Went from Debt to Financial Freedom and You Can Too
In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, we sit down with Jane Mazimba (@JayneMazimba) an award-winning personal finance educator, strategist, and author. Jane’s journey from debt to financial independence is a story of resilience, intentionality, and transformation. She opens up about her experiences as a single mother, her mindset shift around money, and how she used social media as an accountabi
6: Episode 6 - Captain Josias Walubita: On Navigating the Skies and Leadership in Zambian Aviation
With over 20 years of experience in aviation, Captain Josias Walubita, the Director of Flight Operations at Proflight Zambia, has flown the skies from Zambia to international destinations, balancing the demands of leadership with his passion for flying.We explore Captain Walubita’s path from a young aviation enthusiast to a seasoned pilot and industry leader. He shares insights into the realities
5: Episode 5 - Komba Malukutila: Growing from Intern to a CEO with Purpose in Zambia's Digital Revolution
In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, we sit down with Komba Malukutila, the CEO of MTN Mobile Money Zambia and one of the youngest fintech leaders in the region. With a remarkable journey from intern to industry leader, Komba has played a pivotal role in shaping Zambia’s digital finance landscape, driving financial inclusion, and redefining leadership in the fintech space. Komba also opens up abo
4: Episode 4 - Natasha Omokhodion: Literary Acclaim, Cultural Identity, and 'No Be From Hia'
We're honoured to welcome Natasha Omokhodion (@natashaomokhodion1160), an acclaimed Zambian author of Nigerian and Jamaican heritage. Her debut novel, No Be From Hia, was a finalist for the Graywolf Press Africa Prize in 2019 and has garnered international acclaim. Join our host, Chana Musakanya, as we delve into Natasha's journey of self-discovery through writing. We explore how her diverse bac
3: Episode 3 - Mulenga Kapwepwe: Creating a Legacy Beyond Freedom's Shadow
Mulenga Kapwepwe is many things, and it can be difficult to know where to start describing her. She is a cultural activist, born of a famed family, author, storyteller, artist and co-founder of the Women's History Museum of Zambia, among many other things. We sat down with her to discuss her latest novel ('Perfect Marriage'), traditional Bemba marriage rites, growing up as the daughter of freedom
2: Episode 2 - Esther Chungu: Blossoming in More Ways than One
Celebrated musician Esther Chungu (@estherchungu1018) joins us in the studio to discuss what's keeping her busy these days, how becoming a mother has altered her life in every way, and sharing the stage with British rock band Coldplay in New York. Esther also shared her love of being in the media space and not shying away from hard conversation on her talk show.She was vivacious, candid, and joyfu
1: Episode 1 - Pompi: His Journey Through Music, Finding his Faith, and Navigating Life with a Family
Our new podcast, Unfiltered, is here! Our first guest, Pompi (@PompiMusicTV), is no stranger to Nkwazi, having appeared in our magazine's print and online editions a number of times. However, in this conversation, we delved deeper into his story, career, values, family life, and much more with host Chana Musakanya.
