Insaka Cultural Music Festival 2025 Unites Zambia Through Music and Heritage
Zambia’s creative spirit shone brightly this weekend as the Insaka Cultural Music Festival 2025 opened in Lusaka, bringing together top Zambian artists, cultural ambassadors, sponsors, and thousands of enthusiasts for three days of music, tradition, and national unity.
Organised by Chronos Events, the annual festival has become a hallmark of Zambia’s cultural calendar, celebrating diversity while promoting identity, creativity, and social cohesion.
National Arts Council of Zambia Director, Adrian Maanka Chipindi, who officiated as Guest of Honour, stressed the festival’s wider economic and social impact. “Over 22,000 Zambians are employed in the creative sector, making arts and culture a vital contributor to national development. Festivals like Insaka are not just entertainment; they create jobs, empower youth, and foster unity,” he said.
Chipindi further applauded sponsors including Wonderful Group of Companies, PG Meats, International Hospital of Zambia, Primedia, and Crown TV, adding that Zambian artists serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the nation’s heritage on international stages.
Wonderful Group’s Commercial Officer, Abigail Mwenda, said her company was proud to support the festival. “Supporting Insaka reflects our commitment to youth, culture, and community. Creating the future is not only about industry, but also about people and celebrating moments like this together,” she noted.
Chronos Events representative Emmanuel emphasised inclusivity, explaining that Fridays are dedicated to students and emerging talent, but the festival welcomes all, encouraging traditional attire and cultural pride.
Media partners amplified the festival’s reach across broadcast and digital platforms. Crown Television’s Side Konjela confirmed that coverage spanned DSTV, GOtv, StarTimes, and online streams, ensuring both national and international audiences could participate.
Artists hailed the festival as a transformative platform. Veteran musician Moses Sakala described it as a milestone for Zambian music, while Dan Siulapwa praised its growth since its inception in 2019, saying it had the potential to reach international standards. Gospel artist Pastor Washi Mtambo welcomed the inclusion of Christian music, calling it “a universal language that unites people and glorifies God.”
Female artists also celebrated the platform’s impact. Angela Nyirenda, Debora Wakama, and Kandela highlighted the growing opportunities it provided for women across genres, thanking organisers and sponsors for enabling cultural exchange and professional growth.
The Zambia Association of Musicians, through Secretary General Chomba Malembeka, praised the festival for promoting national identity and economic opportunities through music.
Reflecting on its journey, Wonderful Group’s Chikondi Banda said: “What began as a vision has now become a reality. This festival is here to stay, and we are committed to expanding it each year.”
As it continues to grow, the Insaka Cultural Music Festival is increasingly recognised as a platform that strengthens the creative industry, fosters cultural pride, and positions Zambia for greater international collaborations in the arts.
