Theresa's music is a blend of traditional and modern sounds with preferences in traditional rythms and ancestry chants. Her instruments are the acoustic guitar and percussion, but her main instrument is her unique voice. Her singing is in native to preserve African languages. She prides in expressing her voice passionately in her mother tongue more than English. She is a born artist and natural performer addicted to live music and improvisation.
"Onani," is a Chewa poetic song with my two children Thembinkhosi and Vusithando backing vocals, a poignant creation born from the depths of personal anguish, crafted by the deft hands and visionary eye of Zel Mathew, a luminary from Zambia. A testament to resilience in the face of adversity, this opus transcends mere melodies, delving into the very essence of human experience.
With every note and lyric, it unveils a tapestry woven with threads of hardship, betrayal, and the insidious grasp of corruption that festers within society's marrow. Through the soul-stirring verses, a narrative unfolds, echoing the artist's harrowing journey marred by exploitation and identity theft, a fate that shackled his artistic expression and eclipsed his true essence.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there emerges a beacon of defiance—a rallying cry against the forces of injustice and malice that seek to suffocate individuality and stifle creativity. "Onani" beckons, a fervent plea to cast aside apathy and heed the call to action, to confront the shadows that loom large over the human spirit.
In this evocative hymn, each refrain resonates with the collective echoes of countless souls, each grappling with their own trials of theft and manipulation, whether in the realm of artistry or the corridors of power. It serves as a sanctified vessel, carrying forth the prayers of the oppressed and the downtrodden, seeking solace in divine intervention.
"Onani"—a symphony of resilience, a testament to the indomitable spirit that refuses to be silenced. With every verse, it implores us to gaze beyond the superficial veneer of our existence and confront the stark realities that besiege us. So let us heed its call, let us listen, let us look, and let us stand united against the forces that seek to dim the light of our individuality.
Big thank you to Lee Senford, Yoraya Isreal, Zel Mathew, my two children and Dominic Sitamu and the Lusaka Play House team, who made the video possible !
This performance took place at Institut Français Lubumbashi in 2022 where Theresa collaborated with the Congolese multi disciplined folk artist Willy Kanyange Ilumbo and DJ Boss SAS.
Theresa Ng'ambi's "Save the Earth" is not just a song; it is a heartfelt and compelling appeal to protect our planet and embrace sustainable practices. It serves as a rallying cry for individuals and communities to come together and take proactive steps in safeguarding the environment. In a world yearning for change, this song offers a ray of hope, reminding us that by working together, we can make a difference and ensure a thriving Earth for every daughter and son. This talk was given at a TEDx event in Lusaka in 2023 using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Theresa Ng'ambi and her backing vocalist after the performance in 2023.
Zimele is a prayer chant written in Chewa that magnetize positive energy for rewarded dreams and desires. It is a song that speaks words to the universe to bring a good result that birth life of a beautiful reality to everything that we ever desire or dream. Zimele as a single song is an evidence of no boundaries in music genres. A new feature I feel proud. For this song I worked with Zambian/Greek Dj El Mukuka and Spanish musician G.Zamora. I am very grateful to be able to work with artists from different parts of the world. Having a bad day? Zimele is the right dose for quick energy.
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