Lodge Blog – Chanters Lodge Livingstone

Going Back

No! That’s not me! That’s Phil Collins, he has a great new album out in UK with that title! Lots of Tamla Motown on it, which he says influenced him greatly when he was young. We watched a super live TV show of Phil on UK TV last weekend and of course, I’ve bought the album.

As it happens we’re going back too. Back to Zambia after a wonderful holiday in UK spent in Brighton and Dorchester. Actually (as the often say in England) and basically (another favourite) we’ve been extremely lucky with the weather.

Having said that (which they say here all the time) we look forward to 35C temperatures and hot sunshine back in Livingstone, from where I’ll be posting next week!

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livingstone, music, travel, uk, Zambia

The Chanters Lodge Experience

I was missing from this week’s Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George Soulchild, as I’m in Brighton, UK on leave. There’s a photo of the famous Brighton Pavilion! Here’s George’s blog on the latest edition of our radio show.

Hello Richard,

How’s England? The show was great – we missed you, we had such a great response – it could be due to the fact the I was the guest lol, well this was after our guest Dandy Krazy (local artist) failed to turn up. Last weeks winner was Lulu – she’s having their dinner for two at Chanters Lodge tonight.

“ZAMBIA’S celebrated song bird Angela Ny’irenda recently held a private bridal-shower at a named house in Lusaka’s Rhodes Park area at a ceremony meant to make her marriage with Moses Sakala official. According to a source who witnessed the Kitchen party, the function was organised at a private home along Manchinchi road opposite Manda Hill shopping mall where only close friends to both musicians were present. “It was a very nice function, we had fun and many people enjoyed the ceremony… It was a private function because the media was not invited, maybe they didn’t want the function to be publicized, but some female DJs and musicians – mostly female – attended, especially their close friends,” the source explained.

Miss Southern Africa is an International Event that celebrates the people of Southern Africa – its amazing culture, the colorful and vibrant fashion of its many tribes, its expressive and emotive music and the fantastically beautiful talent… of its women. So Miss SA Zambia will be promoting Zambia – it’s magnicent wild life in its own natural habitat, the many scenic water falls that Zambia houses apart from the Victoria Falls, the beautiful white sandy beaches by the Lake Tanganyika and the Bangweulu, the natural hot springs and the expanse of natural unspoilt land with beautiful lodges and wonderful scenic rivers making a holiday in Zambia a more fulfilling and thrilling one! On the 25th of September 2010, Zambia will stage the first ever Miss Southern Africa Zambia to determine which lady will represent and sell the country to the Southern Africans and to the world at large in Windhoek, Namibia on the 27th of November 2010.

15 young vibrant intelligent beautiful delegates will go head to head vying for this coveted title with musical perfomances by the legendary Zambia’s very own Maureen Lilanda, Exile, and introducing Trizzo, plus many more perfomances.

As JK continues to promote his Kapiripri album his next stop is the tourist capital on Friday October 1st at “Masaka” Step-rite night club and Saturday 2nd at Taonga river shack for the family show with supporting acts from the likes of Afunika, Indy K and Lusaka’s Klub Vegas DJ Bizzy Wizzy and the beautiful Salma who at the moment has got a hot song which she performed at the Big Brother evictions.tickets are being sold at K20,000 and K10,000 for the family.

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Chanters, music, radioshow, uk, Zambia

On Leave

I am on leave in UK until 26th September and enjoying life in Brighton. The weather? Yesterday the sun shone and we took advantage by going out to Lewes and having a really English pub lunch in the Juggs, a 600 year old pub in rural Sussex. Nice? You bet! There’s the photo.

We also had an excellent dinner at Warung Tujuh, an Indonesian restaurant in the fascinating old part of Brighton, in the company of my son Edward, and Matthew and Kerry his workmates from CC.

Anastasia Katele is running the lodge – even if she had problems, I don’t suppose I would be told about them!

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Chanters, family, friends, restaurants, travel, uk

Avoiding Momentum

As usual Seth Godin’s blog gives great food for thought. When you read the piece below it amounts to self-confidence doesn’t it? That’s not always common in this part of the world. Seth writes:

“Some days, even the best dentist doesn’t feel like being a dentist. And a lifeguard might not feel like being a lifeguard. Fortunately, they have appointments, commitments and jobs. They have to show up. They have to start doing the work. And most of the time, this jump start is sufficient to get them over the hump, and then they go back to being in the zone and doing their best work.

Momentum is incredibly useful to someone who has to overcome fear, dig in deep and ship. Momentum gives you a reason to overcome your fear and do your art, because there are outside forces and obligations that keep you moving. Without them, you’d probably stumble and fall.

And yet…

And yet many of us fear too much momentum. We look at a project launch or a job or another new commitment as something that might get out of control. It’s one thing to be a folk singer playing to a hundred people a night in a coffeehouse, but what if the momentum builds and you become a star? A rock star? With an entourage and appearances and higher than high expectations for your next work. That’s a lot of momentum, no?

Deep down, this potential for an overwhelming response alerts the lizard brain and we hold back. We’re afraid of being part of something that feels like it might be too big for us.

Hint: it probably isn’t.”

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Africa, blog, development, entrepreneurship, management, People, staff, Zambia

Women Bosses A Nightmare?

As Annastasia Katele (pictured above) my long term and dedicated assistant prepares to manage Chanters Lodge for 2 weeks, this caught my eye from The Institute of Hospitality, of which I’m a Fellow. In our case, I’m quite sure I’m the nightmare and Anny’s the dream!

“A survey recently undertaken by recruitment firm UKJobs.net found that two thirds of respondents, both men and women, preferred to be managed by men. According to the poll of 3,000 employees, which was picked up by media around the world, women bosses are seen as a nightmare to work for as they are “loose cannons” and too “sharp tongued.”

Nearly two thirds (63%) of the women surveyed and three-quarters of the men said they would prefer to be managed by a man. Male bosses were less likely to get involved in office politics, were easier to reason with and rarely suffered from mood swings, the survey found.

Among the respondents, there were also those who would rather have a female boss (31%). They said women bosses are more approachable, friendly and understand when workers need time off to look after their children.”

Oh yes, and she’ll be co-hosting the Chanters Lodge Experience on 107.7 fm too!

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Africa, Chanters, livingstone, management, staff, TripAdvisor, victoriafalls, Zambia

Andrew & Caroline Kashita

It was a first for us when Andrew and Caroline Kashita (pictured above) appeared on The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient ft George Soulchild, our regular Sunday night radio show that goes out on Zambezi Radio 107.7 fm at 20.30 hrs for an hour. Why? Well, they were the first Guests ever to be asked back for a second show! Why? Because they’re great people and huge supporters of Chanters Lodge, and Andrew Kashita is a former Minister who will not keep quiet! “You’ve been in the newspapers a lot recently concerning the ERB” said Milli Jam after the introductions and the first two tracks “what’s that all about”.

“Energy Regulation Board?” queried Andrew, “let me tell you about it”! He then went on to tell us, and the listeners, exactly what he thought of the ERB who are supposed to reconcile energy providers and consumers over tariffs, but in Andrew’s opinion and most of the country, they’re simply not doing their job! They’ve given the green light to increases in the cost of petrol and diesel of at least 30% this year, and electricity prices have just gone up by another 30% as well. Mr Kashita wished that Zesco, our monopoly electricity supplier, would look into cutting their costs as hard as they look into increasing tariffs. “Lots of blokes standing around with their hands in their pockets watching other people do the job” he observed, correctly.

“How many ministerial positions have you held?” Milli Jam wanted to know. “Three” came back Andrew as quick as flash “and I was fired from every one”! He went on to tell listeners that he was variously Minister of Mines and Industry, Minister of Communications and Transport and Minister of Works and Supply. He didn’t mention, but it’s a fact, that he was one of the first overseas qualified Zambian Engineers immediately after independence. He did go on to tell listeners that he’d enjoyed his time as a civil servant more than when he was a Minister, as he found it more rewarding in terms of achievements. He was instrumental in, or involved with Zambia Airways; Lusaka International Airport; Tazara; Ndeni Oil Refinery; Zambia’s microwave system; the introduction of cell phones in the country and the dismantling of UBZ to allow for the privatization of the coach/bus industry in Zambia.

The music on the show went down well. Ace of Base “Mr Replay” represents a return to form for that particular band, while we opened as usual with Aggro Santos “Candy”. We featured my two tracks of the moment, ‘Dynamite’ by Taio Cruz and ‘DJ Got Me Falling In Love’ by Usher. Milli Jam featured Charice – ‘Pyramid’ (special request from Monica, one of the Chanters Girls) and Kelly Rowland’s ‘Forever and A Day’. George’s local numbers were ‘If It’s Love’ by Brothahood Crew ft Kaufela and Tsoya – ‘Katwayeko Umbi’ (‘Go look for someone else’, we were told was the translation’).

Caroline enjoyed talking about her family. She and Andrew will be married 30 years soon. They have a son and a daughter, son Steven is an aero-nautical engineer in America and daughter Nonde is studying at Reading University in UK. They have a grand-daughter Aisha, just 16 months old, whom they hope will soon come and live with them in Lusaka.

We gave away the usual dinner for two at Chanters Lodge which was quickly snapped up by an alert listener in answer to our simple question, and as usual we greeted Guests, family and staff alike! We had messages while we were on air from Swithin Haangala, owner of 107.7 fm and DJ Wildfire a former 107.7 fm DJ, now making a name for himself in South Africa. Great!

Luckily and surprisingly there was no message from Zesco!

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Africa, Chanters, Customers, electricity, energy, music, politics, radioshow, Zambia

Free Delivery

The picture says it all! Enjoy your Sunday!

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Africa, Customers, entrepreneurship, innovation, Zambia

We Are Of The Delicious And Friendly People!

We loved this review on TripAdvisor from an Italian couple living in Naples (check the photo).

“Pleasant and comfortable Lodge, situated next to Livingstone center, to alone 6 minutes drive from the Victoria Falls. Richard and all staff are of the delicious and friendly people. The evening we have always dined to the lodge, eating very well. We have organized two excursions with Richard, all perfect. We recommend this Lodge to whoever. “

Thanks!

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Africa, Chanters, reviews, richard, victoriafalls, Zambia

George Soulchild – Guest Blog

George Soulchild, co-presenter of our weekly radio show The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient ft George Soulchild, gives us his regular look at the Zambian musical scene:

‘C.R.I.S.I.S’ TO PERFORM ALONG SIDE AKON IN ZIMBABWE
Zambian Hip Hop artist, CRISIS (aka Mr Swagger) is heading to Zimbabwe to perform alongside Akon and Sean Paul at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, along with other African artists who have been invited by Zimswag Entertainment, the organisers. The show will take place on September 4th and starts at 12:00 noon. The concert is all about uniting African artists in the region by encouraging them to work together as one, as the late Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman did back in the day.

CRISIS said he’ll go with JK (pictured above), another Zambian artist, with whom he’ll perform the song ‘One Day’ from his first album. He said that other songs he’ll perform are ‘Make The Crowd Go’ from his new album and ‘The Fire Inside’. CRISIS said that he’s excited to have the opportunity to perform alongside Akon and Sean Paul and hopes that they can do a collaboration in future. He said about 50,000 fans are expected to attend the show which is not only for Zimbabweans, but also people from other African countries.

He also said there’ll be an after party for all artists at Rainbow Towers in Harare. To ensure that many Akon fans travel to Zimbabwe for the live concert, the Zambian airline, Zambezi Airways will reduce the fare for those going to attend the concert, as they are one of the companies sponsoring the show. Tickets are going at $10 for kids, $15 for stadium ground, $25 for sitting, $50 VIP and Golden Circle $100.

JK’S SA LAUNCH
Sensational singer Jordan Katembula popularly knows as JK launched his ‘Akapilipili’ Album in South Africa. The album as become a hit on the Zambian music scene. The launch was on Saturday August 28, at Monte Casino in Johannesburg where JK was accompanied by two artistes, Indie K who recently released her ‘Chipuba Chandi’ album, and Afunika. JK’s South African fans were ready for the Zambian star and showed up in numbers to see him.

JK was also accompanied Bizzy Wizzy of Klub Vegas, one of the hottest clubs in Zambia, who displayed his skills during the show. JK is expected to tour Zambia to promote his album which has captured many of his local music lovers. Some of the songs that JK performed were ‘Ka Pillow’, ‘Concrete Mixer’, ‘Kanyimbo’, ‘Poison’ and many more. Other Zambian artistes that have recently been to South Africa for performances include Mampi, Dalisoul, K’Millian, Petersen and Ozzy who is currently promoting his ‘Kobili’ album,

JK recently released his single ‘Akapilipili’ song which features Salma Dodia another upcoming Zambian artist. The video for the ‘Akapilipili’ song is already being played on MTVBase and Channel O. This is JK’s fifth Album.

BRICK n LACE
Jamaican born, Canadian based RnB dancehall female duet Brick n Lace performed two Saturdays ago at Barclays Bank Sports Complex in Lusaka, Zambia for its local fans. Brick n Lace popularly known for ‘Love Is Wicked’ and ‘Never Never’ performed most of their new songs on stage and managed to entertain some of their Zambian fans. Most of the Zambian artistes who were invited to perform at the show were not allowed to mingle with their counterparts even though they performed on the same stage.

Mahogany Entertainments arranged two VIP lounges one for Brick n Lace with other foreign artistes while the Zambian artistes were made to occupy the other. The Zambian artistes were not in the slightest bit amused about this segregation! The security for the duo was very tight and the fans only managed to mingle with artistes on stage during their performance. The media personnel were also not given the privilege of interviewing the foreign artistes as they were not allowed access to the VIP lounge either, and although the show started late, the foreign artistes tried their best to entertain the fans.

The artistes that performed at the show were Jozi from South Africa and TR and TEF (a combination of a Zambian and Canadian duo). The local artistes were B Flow, P-Jay, Indie K, JK, Judy, Slap Dee, J-Bus, Cactus Agony, and CQ among others. It is the first time the duo Brick n Lace (Nyanda and Nailah Thoubourne) have visited and performed in Zambia to market their music. They came into the country under Mahogany Entertainments.”

Thanks George, great piece!

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Africa, blog, Chanters, Lusaka, music, radioshow, rsa, Zambia

Solar Energy

With rapidly rising electricity costs in Zambia (this year will see more than a 50% rise) this, from CNN, is the future:

“In rural communities of Africa, where more than 95 percent of homes have no access to electricity, solar energy has the power to transform lives. Globally, 1.5 billion people, one quarter of the world’s population, live without electricity, according to a United Nations report.

Those who can afford any power at all spend large proportions of their income on kerosene for lamps or travel to larger towns to charge their batteries several times a week. Burning kerosene contributes to indoor air pollution, which is estimated to kill 1.6 million people each year. Kerosene lamps also lead to fires that cause severe burns and deaths.

Solar energy saves families money as well as allowing children to study in the evenings and giving families access to information through radio and television and mobile phone chargers. Lack of access to energy is a cause of poverty, not just a result of poverty. The light from a solar-powered bulb is also between 10 and 20 times brighter than from a kerosene lamp.

Among those bringing solar power to the world’s poor is Rural Energy Foundation, a Dutch non-profit organization. It has now helped 450,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa gain access to low-cost solar power. Rural Energy Foundation runs the SolarNow program, training independent retailers and technicians in nine countries to sell low-cost solar gadgets or home systems to people without electricity.

Last month, the organization was one of the international winners of the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy. Willem Nolens, director of Rural Energy Foundation, said: “Lack of access to energy, just as lack of clean drinking water, is a cause of poverty, not just a result of poverty.

“Gaining access to electricity can be really life-changing. People can increase their productivity, children can study, read books and watch television, which allows them to be connected to the world. “Whole villages can become self-sufficient once someone has a home solar system.” Rural Energy Foundation supports 250 independent local retailers in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mozambique and Zambia.

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Africa, electricity, energy, infrastructure, innovation, Zambia

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