XFACTOR XFT

XFACTOR XFT (real name Jeremy Lumbanya Tonga, born January 22, 2002) is a Zambian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his powerful lyrics, deep introspection, and dynamic blend of hip hop, trap, and melodic rap. Born in Kitwe and raised in some of Zambia’s toughest neighborhoods, XFACTOR XFT rose from hardship to become one of the most promising independent artists in the country.

Jeremy was born at Kitwe Central Hospital as the firstborn in a family of four. He was raised by his mother, Melinda Chipenge Chola, and his father, Dennis Tonga. His early childhood was spent in Lusaka, where he began school at Kampasa Kindergarten in 2007.

Due to economic challenges, Jeremy later moved to Luapula Province to live with his maternal grandparents in a village called Poleni. He continued school there from Grade 1 to Grade 3 before returning to Lusaka. Back in Lusaka, he attended Moyo Wanga Primary School, then Word of Life Primary School. In 2015, he passed his Grade 7 exams with high marks and went on to complete his secondary education at Kayama School (2016–2017) and Chinika Secondary School (2018–2020).

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Life in Chibolya

Jeremy grew up in Lusaka’s Chibolya compound—an area often linked with crime, drugs, and violence. Despite facing poverty and limited opportunity, he developed a strong reputation for being academically gifted and creatively talented from a young age.

His music is a reflection of the life he’s lived, the battles he’s fought, and the dreams he’s chasing. With a unique voice, raw emotion, and fearless delivery, XFACTOR XFT is making his mark in Zambia’s hip hop scene—independently, unapologetically, and with unstoppable ambition.