Mufrika

Mufrika, also known as Mufrika Edward, is a Zambian musician, singer, composer, and percussionist whose work is rooted in spiritual expression and traditional African sound. Born Edward Mwanza in Lusaka, Zambia, in 1983, Mufrika is best known for his mastery of the kalimba (thumb piano), an instrument central to his distinctive style of what many listeners describe as “medicine music for the soul.”

Raised in Lusaka, Mufrika’s relationship with music began at home. He was introduced to the kalimba at an early age by his father, who taught him not only how to play the instrument but also how to craft kalimbas by hand. This dual practice—musicianship and instrument-making—has become a defining aspect of his artistic identity, positioning him as both a cultural practitioner and a custodian of traditional knowledge.

Mufrika’s music blends indigenous African rhythms and melodies with contemporary production sensibilities, creating soundscapes that are meditative, spiritual, and deeply emotive. His kalimba playing is marked by fluid repetition, layered textures, and a calming tonal quality that invites reflection and stillness. While his work draws heavily from Zambian musical traditions, it speaks to global audiences through its universal emotional language.

His recordings and performances have attracted international attention. Mufrika has appeared on globally distributed projects such as Luangwa to Livingstone, a landmark ethnographic release documenting Zambian traditional music. On this project, Mufrika contributes multiple tracks, accompanied by percussion recorded in Lusaka, placing his work within a wider historical and cultural context of Zambian sound heritage.

As a live performer, Mufrika has represented Zambian music on international stages across Europe and the Middle East. He has performed at festivals in the Netherlands, Latvia, and Lithuania, including Wonderfeel Festival, Welcome to the Village, Gaia Festival, and Masters of Calm. In 2022, he performed in Dubai during the World Expo, as part of Zambia’s cultural delegation. He has also performed at high-profile continental events, including the African Union Summit hosted in Lusaka, where he delivered multiple performances.

In addition to his solo work, Mufrika has collaborated with international artists and producers, further expanding the reach of kalimba-led music within contemporary global soundscapes. His work consistently emphasizes healing, ancestral memory, and spiritual grounding, positioning music as a tool for connection rather than spectacle.

Today, Mufrika stands as one of the key contemporary ambassadors of Zambian traditional music, bridging past and present through sound. His commitment to the kalimba—both as an instrument and a cultural symbol—continues to inspire listeners and fellow musicians alike, affirming the enduring power of African musical traditions in a modern world.

Sources: Muzikifan.com; Zingalume Events (Facebook post)