entertainment – Chanters Lodge Livingstone

Aku and Alia Djedidi

Meet Aku (left) and Alia Djedidi (above) from Finland. Those are hardly Finnish names, I can hear you thinking! Quite right too! They are brother and sister and they are Finnish but they have a Moroccan father, hence the names – they were both born in Casablanca. “So you’re African!” Exclaimed Milli Jam at the start of the latest edition of the Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela, when Aku and Alia appeared as Guests. “Yes” they replied “but now we live in Helsinki, Finland”. The Experience is the weekly radio show sponsored by Chanters Lodge, and airing between 20.30 and 21.30 hrs every Sunday night on Livingstone local radio’s Zambezi 107.7 fm. The show is popular locally as it offers a chance for listeners to win a dinner for two at the lodge with drinks – we play an ‘oldie of the week’ and ask listeners to text us the name of the artist singing the track, the first correct answer wins the prize. On this particular occasion the answer was Chris Brown singing ‘Excuse Me Miss’ and the prize was quickly won!

Aku and Alia told listeners that they’d been in Livingstone for about four days and had thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Chanters Lodge, as well as the various activities they had undertaken during their visit. They had of course got soaking wet when they went to see Victoria Falls – stunning at this time of year – and had also been on the one day safari to Chobe. They were delighted to have seen both lion and hyena during that safari, as well as scores of elephant, giraffe and hippo, common in Chobe National Park. They had, that morning, been on the rhino walk with Bwaato Adventures and had come very close to four of the rhino in the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, including one of the babies. “Were you scared?” We wondered. “Just a bit” they replied. Rhino are pretty scary close up when you’re not in a vehicle!

The music on the show was hot – as usual! We featured The Wanted’s ‘Chasing The Sun’ and Faith Paloma’s ‘Picking Up The Pieces’ both high in the UK charts as we went on air. George featured one of his own tracks with Ty2 – ‘Spotlight’ – a great Zambian dance track, back to back with Mampi’s ‘Wali Lowelela’ (‘you are beyond sweetness’). Mampi, famous Zambian singing star was beyond the Big Brother Africa House on TV as we went on air – in the process of being evicted! George (her friend) shed a small tear. Milli Jam featured Zahara’s ‘Lengoma’ back to back with Craig David ft Calvin Harris ‘Good Time’. As a tribute to the late Robin Gibb we closed the show with ‘How Deep Is Your Love’.

Aku told listeners that he was an entrepreneur and had a retail shop in Helsinki selling clothes, as well artist’s materials such as brushes, paints and so forth. He had been in business for about six years. Alia is a nurse, specializing in care for the elderly and she explained that for the past 15 years she’s worked at an old peoples’ home caring for about 76 people. “Where are you going when you leave Zambia?” Milli Jam asked. “Malawi” they replied. “Why are you going there?” Asked Milli Jam. “Nature” replied Aku. I ‘snorted’ before saying “nature!” Milli Jam, “he’s going to see his girlfriend”! We laughed. Aku admitted that it was true that he and Alia were travelling to Malawi to see his girlfriend Mintu who, by coincidence, had recently appeared on our radio show herself, and who has, since then, been working in Malawi.

Asked where they would like to be and what they would like to be doing in ten years’ time, they both said they would still like to be travelling and meeting new people. I guess they will be. It was a lovely show.

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MAY

activities, Africa, Chanters, Chobe, entertainment, entrepreneurship, Finland, livingstone, Malawi, music, radioshow, travel, Zambia

A Funky Experience

Anyone who’s listened to our Sunday night radio show knows it’s usually funky and last week’s episode was particularly so! Why? Well one of our two Guests (pictured above) was Doug Funk! In the photo with Doug is Gertrude Muma, part of Zambia’s Ministry of Education and Doug’s working colleague who came to the studio to see what we do. We were delighted to pursuade Doug to appear on the show – he’s been a regular visitor to Chanters Lodge for a number of years, and has recommended us far and wide, for which we are most grateful!

Our Sunday night radio show is called The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient, featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela and is a great mix of Zambian and international pop music, as well as chat with our weekly guests. Milli Jam and George, both well known Livingstone radio presenters and local entertainers, host our show which airs from 20.30-21.30 live on Zambezi 107.7 fm, Livingstone’s leading local radio station.

Doug told listeners that his visit to Zambia was to promote the THRASS programme in Zambia’s primary schools, holding workshops for teachers. THRASS stands for teaching, handwriting, reading and spelling skills. The programme is aimed at giving youngsters a better grasp of English, which they would need in times to come for better education and their future prospects. Doug explained that he hailed from Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, was married with three sons and at one time had lived and worked in Zimbabwe as an expatriate for 5 years between 1987 and 1992. He loved Africa and had travelled very widely across the whole continent. On this most recent trip he’d arrived via Malawi and Lundazi in Zambia’s Eastern Province.

The music on the show was great. Opening as usual with Olly Murs’ ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ we moved on to ‘Scream’ by Usher and ‘Drinks On Me’ by LMFAO. George’s Zambian selection featured Runell’s ‘Amayendele’ – there was some debate on the meaning but Gertrude ventured ‘we can walk free’. The second local number was Shyman’s ‘Nikumona’. Milli Jam chose Yoav vs Pascal and Pearce with ‘Beautiful Lie’ and T Pain Featuring Ne-Yo with ‘Turn All The Lights On’. Oldie of the week was Rascal Flatts’ – ‘Bless The Broken Road’ – no-one knew who was singing it, so our weekly prize went unwon for once. “Ha ha!” (Said Richard). Pick of the Week was Ben Howard’s ‘Only Love’ and we closed with Skepta’s ‘Make Peace Not War’.

Doug said during his numerous visits to Livingstone he had. at various times, flown the ‘Flight Of Angels’ microlight over the Falls and swum in Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island. He’d got very wet seeing the Falls from the ground. His favourite sport was ice hockey (about which the rest of us knew nothing!) He’d been raised by farmers and farming had been his first choice of career before he ventured into education. He told listeners he chose Chanters Lodge for his visits to Livingstone because it felt more homely than the other lodges in town he’d tried.

Asked where he’d like to be and what he’d like to be doing 10 years from now, Doug replied ‘exactly what I’m doing now, I love it!’ The first time I can remember anyone giving that reply. Thanks again Doug! And everyone else who makes our weekly show possible and successful!

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activities, Africa, Chanters, education, entertainment, guests, livingstone, Malawi, music, radioshow, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Adrian Mvula – Technical Manager Zambezi 107.7 fm

“What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job” Milli Jam asked Adrian Mvula (above), when he appeared as a Guest on the latest edition of The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela, last Sunday night. Adrian is technical manager at Zambezi 107.7 fm, Livingstone’s leading local radio station which hosts our sponsored weekly Sunday night show. “Power cuts from Zesco” Adrian replied, with no hesitation. “That makes two of us” I commented. “What inspired you to train in technical management?” Milli Jam continued. “I’ve always been passionate about repairing things” said Adrian “bringing things back to life, so it was a natural career for me.”

Adrian told listeners that he’d been employed by Zambezi 107.7 fm for the past five years. He joined the station almost ‘by accident’ – he’d been stranded in Livingstone on the way to Namibia. The person with whom he’d been able to stay had a technical problem at 107.7 fm and asked if Adrian could help. He solved the issue for them and the then station manager – Chanda Mfula – told Adrian he was just the person they were looking for, so Adrian applied and was employed! He had two and a half years previous experience with Choice FM, one of Lusaka’s leading radio stations. Adrian explained that he’d completed his Grade 12 at Chongwe High School near Lusaka and thereafter had undertaken a one year six month course in telecommunication electronics at the Greenwood Institute, also in Lusaka.

The music on the show was good as usual. As well as music and chat, we also brief listeners on the latest news from the US and UK charts, as well as all the news from social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, the Chanters Lodge blog and Klout scores. George was happy that his Klout score had reached 61 that week – he has a lot of friends on Facebook – and I mean a lot! One of the highlights of the music on the show was Sade’s ‘Bullet Proof Love’ which was our ‘oldie of the week’. We give a prize of a dinner for two at Chanters Lodge to the first person to text us telling us who’s singing the oldie and although there was a delay while they thought, the prize was won. Other tracks were from Far East Movement featuring Justin Bieber, Rita Ora and Damien Junior Gong Marley. George’s local selection featured the latest from Petersen ‘Osanisiya’ (‘don’t leave me’ – apparently penned for his Swedish model girlfriend).

Adrian told listeners that he was married with a young daughter. He supports Chelsea and his favourite player is – predictably – Didier Drogba. Asked where he would like to be and what he would like to be doing in ten years’ time, Mr Mvula said he would like to be the director of a technical company, and gave the example of Swithin Haangala who had started as a broadcaster with ZNBC but now owned his own big company – which includes 107.7 fm. We wished him the best of luck with his ambition.

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Africa, education, electricity, entertainment, entrepreneurship, facebook, football, infrastructure, music, radioshow, Twitter, Zambia

David Kwalela on ‘The Experience’

David Kwalela, pictured above, was our guest on the most recent edition of The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient, featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela. ‘The Experience’ is the weekly radio show broadcast by Zambezi Radio 107.7 fm between 20.30 and 21.30 hrs every Sunday night, sponsored by Chanters Lodge Livingstone, now in its fifth year. The programme is a lively mixture of local and international music, interspersed by conversation with our guest, and we also offer a weekly prize of a dinner for two at Chanters Lodge to the first person to text us, telling us who’s singing our ‘oldie of the week’. On this particular show the oldie was ‘Hail Mary’ by Tupac and the response was excellent!

David told listeners that he is a Livingstone resident and Director and Principal of Livingstone College for Tourism Studies, a college started in 2006 and gaining affiliation with the Zambian Technical, Vocational and Training Authority in 2009. The College offers 3 month courses in food and beverage, front office management, hotel management, tourism studies and housekeeping and also offers practical training on campus – unusual for small colleges such as this. David explained that he arranges industrial placements and attachments for his students at local Livingstone hotels and lodges as part of their course. “Course fees are tailored to make it as easy as possible for students to afford in these difficult economic times” David said “and we also offer advice on career development”.

The music on the show was smart. Opening the show with Usher’s ‘Scream’ back to back with Cover Drive’s ‘Sparks’, we were off to a lively start. George played Roberto’s ‘Salaula’ featuring Enipal and confirmed that Roberto had been in town during the weekend appearing at a show with 107.7 DJ’s at another hotel in Livingstone. Milli Jam dropped Ne-Yo’s ‘Tonight’ featuring Just You and Me together with Lil Wayne and Drake’s smash – ‘The Motto’. Richard – who can spot ’em – featured Tulisa’s ‘Young’ as his pick of the week – not bad seeing the play list is finalized on Thursday and Tulisa topped the UK charts with this single on Sunday! The closing track was Trace Adkins’ country hit ‘Ain’t No Thinkin’ Thing’.

David told listeners his favourite musical genre was R&B and that his football team had been Arsenal since 2000 – that went down well with some of the hosts, especially Milli Jam who shares those tastes! “How did you come to start a college?” Milli Jam asked our guest. David explained that he’d worked for 15 years as a chef at Fairmount Hotel in Livingstone. When he retired he had undertaken a course in hotel and catering studies at the University of Zambia, which gave him the knowledge he needed to fulfill his ambition. He told listeners he was married to Imelda and they had five children – 4 girls and one boy.

Asked where he would like to be and what he would like to be doing in ten years’ time, our interesting, ambitious and hard working guest told listeners that he would like to be a role model in hospitality training in Zambia, and principal of his own much larger, expanded college. We wished him the the best of luck in his ambition.

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Africa, Arsenal, education, entertainment, football, livingstone, music, radioshow, staff, training, Zambia

Mampi To Big Brother?

Zambian music diva Mampi Mirriam Mukape will represent Zambia at this year’s edition of Big Brother Africa – dubbed Big Brother Stargame. Sources close to Zibani Zambia disclosed this, stating that the Zambian diva was once spotted at the auditions of Big Brother in Lusaka with her female friend, whose name hasn’t been revealed.

Mampi happens to be one of Zambia’s female singer who is doing well with her music career and who had been planing on going to USA to upgrade her music career for the next four months.

She once performed at the Big Brother Africa when she was invited in 2007 and did put up a great, performance on stage with her all time hit songs ‘Potobile’ and Budulila’.

This years Big Brother Africa will launch on Sunday May 6, 2012 exclusive to DSTV subscribers. Efforts to get comments from Mampi about this by press time proved futile as her phones were all off, which clearly indicates that she is out of the country preparing for the reality show in South Africa.

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Africa, entertainment, music, Zambia

K-Smash

George da Soulchild Kaufela, co-host of our regular Sunday night radio show ‘The Chanters Lodge Experience with The Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela’ on Zambezi 107.7 fm, reports on a recent interview with Zambia’s K-Smash – famous and popular radio, TV host and DJ.

Q. Who is K-smash?
A. That’s never too easy to answer but I’ll put it this way ‘I’m an easy going guy, and I guess down to earth as well as God fearing. K-smash is a radio and TV personality, media personality or entertainer, whichever you’d like to refer to me as. My real name is Kalumba Chikonde and I’m the last born in a family of seven. Born and raised in Lusaka.’

Q. Why the Name K-smash?
‘K’ stands for Kalumba. Smash has so many meanings, one of which is ‘good’ so I adopted this name which I was given by my elder brother Andrew.

Q. Tell us about your family and education
I was born in Lusaka over 30 years ago in a family of 8, we lost a brother so we’re now seven and I’m the last born. My father is still alive but I lost my mentor, my friend, my mother about a year and half ago. It was the most heart breaking moment of my life. I went to Lusaka Boys School, then Munali Boys. I received further education at Evelyn Hone College studying accounts, and then in 2009 I followed my passion to pursue a degree in public relations at Cavendish University, Zambia.

Q. How did you get into radio?
I first appeared on radio in 1996 with the Radio Four Fun Club, on which I presented an entertainment segment. I was discovered during a debate final by Nkweto Tembwe who was a judge and at that time a presenter on Radio 4. I joined mainstream radio as a newscaster with Radio Phoenix in March 1997. I was asked to sit in for the late Jack Kamuhuza one day to play music, and that’s how my radio career really kicked off.

Q. What inspired you to get into radio?
I got lots of inspiration from RADIO BOP & Metro FM, because my elder brothers always listened to those stations. I also had a brother abroad who sent recorded tapes of presenters on Kiss FM in London and Hot 105 in Miami, as well as other foreign stations. Then when Radio Mulungushi began I was privileged to be neighbours with DJ’s Francis Ndovi and Chella Katwishi – my brothers’ friends, so they used to come home to listen to music. This inspired me and I learned a lot.

Q. Are you married or single? Are you available?
I’m certainly not available, I’m seeing someone and we’re taking things to another level soon!

Q. Which social networks are you currently enjoying Facebook, Twitter?
I’m active on Facebook but not so much on Twitter!

Q. Looking back at your radio days how would you measure your impact on radio?
I not only created shows but brands like Hot Demo Action, Local Rhythms Countdown on Radio Phoenix, Zed Six to Six on HOT FM, Sunday Morning Breeze and Pillow Talk also on Phoenix. I’m grateful that God blessed me with creativity because it has become one of my strengths.

Q. How different is radio today compared to the time you started?
I guess there’s less creativity and passion for what people are doing on radio. We never did it for the name or money but because we loved doing it.

Q. How do you handle the female attention?
It’s rare to see me – I’m an extremely busy man so I don’t get lots of attention from ladies, which is cool with me. I guess over the years priorities change – it’s not about being a ‘ladies man’ it’s about focus. When they walk up to me and say they like my shows I humbly appreciate – that’s all!

Q. How difficult was the transition from radio to TV?
It’s fairly easy for a radio presenter to move to TV. The difference is that you talk to the camera on TV and to the microphone on radio but personality is the key in both instances. It has taken a lot of practice to perfect my art but I learn everyday through watching both local and International TV. There’s more to think about on TV as you can be seen as well as heard, so you always have to look, as well as sound, your best!

Q. What was your 1st TV Show and what was it all about?
The Mondo Music Zone in 2003 sponsored by Mondo Music.

Q. What shows are you currently hosting?
I’m hosting a weekend show on Pheonix FM called Definition of Weekend, and Peoples’ Choice on MUVI TV and Africa Unite TV respectively.

Q. Have you ever hosted a TV show that has got nothing to do with music.
I hosted a game show sponsored by UNILEVER on ZNBC TV called OMO 10/10, a reality show called ‘Zambia’s Next king of Comedy’ on ZNBC TV and the Kabanana Reality Show. Also last year, various programmes to do with the elections.

Q. If Kay smashes 10 years from now where would you like to be?
I’m a very unpredictable person. God says “my plans are not your plans and my ways are not yours ways”. For now, God is in control!

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APR

Africa, education, entertainment, radioshow, Zambia

The Peace Corps and The Experience

Meet Jenni Kuker (above right) and her mum Jan who were Guests on the most recent edition of the Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela. That’s our regular Sunday night radio show on Zambezi 107.7 fm, Livingstone’s leading local radio station. The programme is a relaxing mixture of music and chat. Jenni and her parents, who come from the USA, were staying at Chanters Lodge on a visit to see Victoria Falls. When Milli Jam asked Jenni “what brought you to Zambia?” She exclaimed “adventure!” And went on to tell listeners that she is a Peace Corps volunteer and that she’d been based in Zambia since July 2010, stationed 200 kms east of Lusaka in Luangwa. Her parents were on a visit to see her, as well as to do some sight seeing.

Jenni explained that she held two degrees, one in psychology and one in nursing from University of Portland in Oregon, USA. She told listeners that in Luangwa she stayed in a mud hut without electricity, and had been mostly living on a diet of village chickens and bananas. That part of Eastern Zambia is famous for the production of the latter, and Jenni told listeners she was now expert in the production of banana bread, banana fritters and banana pancakes! She was involved with health care education in a rural clinic and would finish her stint in Zambia in September this year. She was looking forward to showing her parents ‘the village’ and then taking them on Safari in the South Luangwa National Park staying at Flatdogs.

The music on the show was right up to date as usual. We opened with Rihanna’s ‘Where Have You Been’ – her upcoming single release, back to back with Conor Maynard’s ‘Can’t Say No’. Conor’s single was number two in the UK charts as the show went on air. Hailing from Brighton Conor is billed as ‘Britain’s answer to Justin Bieber’. The mind boggles – but it’s a good single. For his Zambian pick George dropped one of his own great tracks ‘Your Love’ featuring Jay Fantasy back to back with JK’s smash featuring Salma ‘Kapilipili’. Milli Jam chose the ‘oldie of the week’ Charice’s ‘Pyramid’ and my phone was hot with folks texting in to tell us the name of the artist, in order to win a dinner for two at the lodge. Jacque won. We closed with Maroon 5 ft Wiz Khalifa and ‘Payphone’.

Jan told listeners that she and husband David (listening to the show back at the lodge) had been married 43 years and were both retired. They had both worked in human resources prior to retirement. They were thoroughly enjoying their first visit to Zambia. Jenni told us that a lack of privacy in the village had been the hardest thing to accept when she arrived in Luangwa, and said she had overcome the problem by building a fence. She wanted to work in specialized surgical nursing when she returned to the USA, and mum wanted her to find a husband. ‘No need to return to the States for that’ texted one bright spark ‘plenty of eligible men in Zambia’. We laughed.

Asked where she would like to be and what she would like to be doing in ten years’ time, Jenni replied that she would like to be nursing somewhere in the world with Medecins Sans Frontiers. I’m sure it will happen!

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activities, Africa, entertainment, garden, health, radioshow, South Luangwa, tourism, usa, victoriafalls, volunteers, Zambia

Franciar

This from George da Soulchild Kaufela, co-presenter of our weekly radio show, The Chanters Lodge Experience, via information from Times of Zambia.

Born Francisca Margaret Msisha on January 11,1992 in Kabwe, Zambia. Franciar (above) started singing at an early stage of her life at her local church in Lusaka. She did her primary education at Harry Mwaanga Elementary School, her Middle School at Pamodzi Girls High School in Mufulira, later graduating high school in 2008 from Matero Girls High School. After that she went to NIPA College in 2010 and began her first year Business Administration.

As a youngster she sung in the choir with her sister Rose and each time she sung, the crowd always had something to say about her sweet voice. In her early teens she competed in local talent shows and beauty pageants and won many of the events, impressing her audience with her natural singing and dancing abilities. Teaming up with her long time friend and producer J.O.B, Franciar started recording underground music as her sisters stood in as her manager. She finally got a recording deal when one of her sisters took her demo to Ben Blazer, who immediately signed her onto his label under Blazer Studios. She then started rising in the music industry gaining momentum with her hit record “Umutokofyompo”.

While enjoying her rise to in the music industry, Franciar continued to pursue her higher education and used the opportunity to write as well as to make more records which have recently been released. During a silent streak, Franciar did voluntary work as a facilitator for Youth Alive Zambia and worked with various artists who included her producer/fellow artist J.O.B. on his song “Puunkuutopwa”, her brother Flexville Marley on his hit song “Tonight” and she is currently working with Bobby East on one of his records. She also had the opportunity of working with one of Zambia’s top hip hop group “Zone Fam” on their record “Walking On The Moon”. She then featured Zone Fam’s group members J Rox and Verbal Assassin on her record “Dymandi”.

Franciar, who is considered or called the “Boss Lady or Madame Officer” at Blazer Studios is the only female on the label, hence the name. She has featured on a number of other songs in a compilation that is called “Blazer Compilation” featuring all the artists signed to the label. Franciar featured on yet another top Zambian artist Petersen Zaggaze’s record which was called “Till the Morning” and “Kokondodo” which was done by Dj Cosmo, who is one of Zambia’s top radio DJ’s.

Franciar is the last born daughter coming from a family of 8 children with 4 brothers and 4 sisters and she is considered the baby of the family. Franciar’s father passed away when she was only 1 year old so she was raised by her mother and siblings. Her musical career was inspired by the support she received from her family and friends, not forgetting her late father who loved singing. As an artist, Franciar still takes pride in, and time to go back to, her local church and sing there on special occasions – it will always be home for her!

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APR

Africa, entertainment, Lusaka, music, Zambia

The Experience

‘The Experience’ is ‘The Chanters Lodge Experience with The Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela, and it’s our regular Sunday night radio show airing weekly from 20.30 to 21.30 hrs CAT on Zambezi 107.7 fm, Livingstone’s leading local radio station. This week’s Guests, pictured above, were Peter and Jane Kohlhoff hailing from Sydney, Australia, briefly visiting Zambia for the first time and staying at Chanters Lodge. This loving married couple told listeners that they’d been married for 357 days and we took the opportunity to wish them ‘happy first anniversary’ in advance! Peter is a professional musician and Jane a psychologist – they told listeners that they both work freelance. Jane has her own psychology practice which operates one or two days a week and for the rest of the time she is involved with research. Peter plays bass guitar and double bass and has been involved in music since he was a teenager.

The music on our show was good. We opened with ‘Take Care’ by Drake featuring Rihanna, back to back with Justin Bieber’s latest smash ‘Boyfriend’. George chose B1’s ‘Perfecto’ currently a very popular track in Zambia together with ‘Chitemene System’ by B-Flow featuring Exile and JK. Milli Jam dropped Usher’s ‘Without You’ and ‘How We Roll’ by Loick Essien featuring Tanya Lacey. Our ‘oldie of the week’ was ‘Sweet Soul Sister’ by Train. We asked listeners to text us right away when they knew who was singing on the track – that’s if they wanted to win a dinner for two at Chanters Lodge. But no-one knew! I had predicted this! We gave the prize (off air) to our two hard working presenters, George and Milli Jam! My pick of the week was ‘Blackout’ by Breathe Carolina.

Peter and Jane explained that they’d arrived in Zambia the previous Thursday from South Africa and would be returning there as Jane would be attending a meeting for psychologists after their stay in Zambia. The day they’d arrived they’d taken the sunset cruise on Lady Livingstone which they’d loved. The following day they’d gone on a two day camping trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. They’d been very lucky not only to see hundreds of elephants, common in Chobe, but also lion and leopard. They had seen lots of other species as well. Peter and Jane had returned to Zambia on the day of our show, and had been to see Victoria Falls which they had loved – ending with a sundowner at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. They told listeners that they were not so much into sport as lots of Australians but loved their music.

Asked where they would like to be and what they would like to be doing ten years from now, they hesitated and then Peter said ‘I do not know, but I am looking forward to it’! Peter and George spent time discussing music off air, and we hope their plans for some sort of collaboration bear fruit – Peter has played on over 150 recordings and should certainly be able to assist Soulchild in his ambitions!

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APR

activities, Africa, Australia, Botswana, Chanters, entertainment, guests, music, radioshow, recording, victoriafalls, wildlife, Zambia

The Finnish Experience

I don’t remember having Finnish guests on the Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild Kaufela until last week’s show, so it was a pleasure to welcome Minttu Markannen (front left) and Susanna Mustonen (front right) who featured on the latest edition of our regular Sunday night radio programme on Zambezi 107.7 fm, Livingstone’s leading local radio station. The girls were accompanied to the studio by Minttu’s mum Pivy (back right) and her friend Marita, all of whom were Guests at Chanters Lodge. It was a lovely happy Easter Sunday show with lively chat, great music, and of course the prize of a dinner for two at Chanters Lodge for the first person to text us telling us who was singing our ‘oldie of the week’. Milli Jam’s selection was Ne-Yo’s ‘So Sick’ and there was an immediate deluge of messages most of whom had the right answer, but no-one was faster than Felistus who won!

The girls told listeners that they came from Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and were both student nurses. They were currently working in Lilongwe, Malawi for a few months as part of a student exchange programme between Kamuzu Hospital in Lilongwe and the University of Helsinki, where they were both studying, in the final year of a three year degree course in nursing. The girls were very much enjoying their experience and told us there were huge differences between health care in Finland and Malawi, for example in Finnish hospitals roughly 6 nurses to less than 30 patients, in Malawi 5 nurses for 200+ patients!

The music on the show was great – we opened with Carly Jae Repson’s ‘Call Me Maybe’ a former number 1 in Canada, debuting at number 1 in the UK charts that very day. The guys dropped this track back to back with Nicki Minaj’s ‘Va Va Voom’ from her latest Roman Reloaded album – number 1 in the UK album charts – we are nothing if not right up to date on ‘The Experience’! George played Judy’s ‘Chikawama’ and Roberto’s ‘Osayenda’ for his Zambian tracks. Other tracks were by Micasa, a South African, with a number called ‘Heavenly Streets’, Sean Paul, and Labrinth featuring Emeli Sande.

Milli Jam wanted to know how the group had travelled from Malawi to Livingstone and the girls explained that Kenya Airways had cancelled their flights, consequently they’d been obliged to travel the whole way by coach but they’d been determined to come and see Victoria Falls! They told us the effort had been totally worthwhile as they had now seen the magnificent sight of the Falls in full flood – and gotten very wet in the process! They had a one day safari planned to Chobe in Botswana the next day. They were not sure how many other activities they would be able to fit in as they had to be back in Lilongwe by the following Thursday, and once again would have to travel the whole way back to Malawi by coach.

Asked where they would like to be and what they would like to be doing in 10 years time, the girls who are both single, had different replies. They said they wanted to be ‘excellent nurses’ but Minttu gave the impression she would still like to be studying, while Susanna said she hoped she would be nursing, married and have children.

We thought their African experience would stand them in good stead for the future!

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activities, Botswana, Chobe, entertainment, Finland, guests, health, Malawi, music, recording, victoriafalls, Zambia

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