If you’re a fan of psychedelic rock fused with African rhythms, then WITCH—Zambia’s pioneering Zamrock band (We Intend to Cause Havoc)—is essential listening. Formed in 1971 in Kitwe, WITCH blended fuzzy guitars, funky basslines, and traditional Zambian folk into a sound that defined the 1970s Zamrock explosion. After a hiatus, they roared back with new music in the 2020s, proving their timeless appeal. This guide lists all WITCH studio albums in release order, complete with Spotify embeds, insightful breakdowns, and full tracklists. Whether you’re discovering “Lazy Bones!!” or streaming “Sogolo,” dive into the groovy chaos that made WITCH icons. Let’s jam through their catalog!
List Of Witch Albums In Order by Year
Discover the complete list of Witch albums in order by year, from their earliest releases to their latest music. Explore the band’s evolution, discography timeline, and iconic tracks. Perfect for fans looking to understand Witch’s musical journey and history in a clear, chronological guide.
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Introduction |
| 1974 | In the Past |
| 1975 | Lazy Bones!! |
| 1976 | Lukombo Vibes |
| 1977 | WITCH (Including “Janet”) |
| 1980 | Movin’ On |
| 1984 | Kuomboka |
| 2023 | Zango |
| 2025 | SOGOLO |
WITCH Albums In Order: The Ultimate Guide to Zamrock Legends’ Discography (1972–2025)
Introduction (1972)
WITCH’s debut Introduction, burst onto Zambia’s scene as the first commercial album by a local band, igniting the Zamrock revolution. Recorded in a raw, garage-psych style, it captures the band’s youthful energy with driving riffs inspired by Jimi Hendrix and local folk vibes. Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda’s soaring vocals and the twin guitars of Gedeon Mulenga and Shaddick Bwalya create hypnotic grooves that feel both rebellious and celebratory. At just 22 minutes, it’s a concise blast of fuzz and funk, setting the template for Zamrock’s psychedelic soul. Perfect for newcomers craving that ’70s African rock fire—timeless and electrifying.
Track list:
1. Introduction
2. Home Town
3. You Better Know
4. Feeling High
5. Like a Chicken
6. See Your Mama
7. That’s What I Want
8. Try Me
9. No Time
10. I’ve Been Away
In the Past (1974)
Building on their debut’s promise, In the Past sees WITCH honing their Zamrock edge with bolder psych experiments and tighter grooves. Released amid Zambia’s post-independence optimism, the album reflects introspection through Chanda’s emotive lyrics, paired with swirling organ and relentless bass. Tracks like the title cut evoke nostalgic longing, while funky breaks add danceable flair. This sophomore effort showcases the band’s evolution—less garage rawness, more polished psych-funk fusion—cementing their status as Zamrock trailblazers. Fans rave about its replay value; it’s the bridge from debut spark to full-blown mastery. Dive in for that addictive riffage!
Track list:
1. Living in the Past
2. Young Lady
3. Chance
4. It’s Alright
5. I’ve Been Away
6. I Like the Way I Am
7. The Only Way
8. No Way
9. Johnny
10. Confusion
Lazy Bones!! (1975)
Often hailed as WITCH’s masterpiece, Lazy Bones!! It is pure Zamrock gold—fuzzy, frenetic, and fiercely original. At their creative peak, the band unleashes thunderous drums, wailing guitars, and Chanda’s gritty howls on themes of social unrest and personal turmoil. The title track’s slinky riff became a Zambian anthem, while psych odysseys like “Havoc” channel Black Sabbath meets African trance. Recorded in Lusaka’s primal studios, it captures ’70s rebellion in every note. Critics call it essential psych-rock; listeners can’t stop spinning it. If you love deep cuts with soul-shaking grooves, this is your gateway to Zamrock euphoria.
Track list:
1. Black Tears
2. Motherless Child
3. Tooth Factory
4. Strange Dream
5. Look Out
6. Havoc
7. October Night
8. Off Ma Boots
9. Lazy Bones
Lukombo Vibes (1976)
Lukombo Vibes marks WITCH’s bold pivot toward Afro-prog, infusing Zamrock with jazzier horns and extended jams that pulse with urban Zambian life. As economic woes loomed, the album’s darker tones—evident in “Bleeding Thunder”—mirror societal shifts, yet upbeat funk keeps spirits high. Bwalya’s guitar wizardry shines, weaving intricate solos over rhythmic foundations. This fourth LP feels like a live-wire concert in album form, blending Deep Purple crunch with local chiwemba chants. A fan favorite for its dynamic range, it’s WITCH at their most adventurous. Crank it up for vibes that transcend decades!
Track list:
1. Thou Shalt Not Cry
2. Bleeding Thunder
3. Devil’s Flight
4. Blood Donor
5. Nasauka
6. Evening of My Life
7. Kangalaitoito
8. See-Saw
9. To You
10. Chifundo
WITCH (Including “Janet”) (1977)
Closing the classic ’70s era, WITCH (Including “Janet”)—aka including Janet—delivers breezy funk-rock with romantic flair, signaling the band’s maturation. Amid Zamrock’s fade, Chanda’s smooth croon on love anthems like the titular “Janet” contrasts heavier riffs, creating a bittersweet swan song. New members inject fresh energy, blending soulful ballads with uptempo grooves that hint at disco’s rise. This self-titled gem feels intimate yet stadium-ready, encapsulating WITCH’s versatility. Reissued in 2024, it’s a nostalgic treasure for longtime fans. Stream it to feel the warmth of Zambia’s rock golden age fading into legend.
Track list:
1. Janet
2. As Days Go By
3. Ntedelakumbi
4. In Flight
5. Nazingwa
6. Silverlady
7. Anyinamwana
8. Mama Feel Good
Movin’ On (1980)
As Zamrock waned, WITCH reinvented with Movin’ On, a disco-boogie pivot that’s surprisingly slick and seductive. Crisp synths and thumping beats dominate, but Chanda’s emotive delivery keeps the soul intact on tracks craving connection. Recorded during Zambia’s turbulent ’80s, it reflects adaptation—funky basslines dance over horns, evoking Chic meets African pop. Far from a sellout, this LP showcases resilience, with grooves that still pack dancefloors. A hidden gem for funk aficionados, its reissues highlight WITCH’s genre-hopping prowess. Get moving to this underrated chapter in their saga!
Track list:
1. Movin’ On
2. To Be Felt
3. It Was You, Boy
4. I’m Coming Back
5. My Desire
6. You Are My Sunshine
7. It Feels So Good
8. Let’s Get Together
Kuomboka (1984)
WITCH’s final ’80s hurrah, Kuomboka (named for a Lozi canoe festival) fully embraces boogie-disco with jubilant horns and infectious hooks. As the band navigated lineup changes, the album radiates communal joy—think “Erotic Delight”‘s sultry sway—while echoing Zamrock’s rhythmic core. Chanda’s vocals soar over synth washes, capturing a nation in flux. This swan song blends escapism with cultural pride, making it a buoyant closer to their classic run. Reissued for modern ears, it’s proofthat WITCH could evolve without losing heart. Essential for boogie fans seeking African twists on global sounds.
Track list:
1. Erotic Delight
2. I Can Do Without You
3. Chibuku
4. The Message from WITCH
5. Under the Influence
6. Bang Bang
7. Kuomboka
8. Day of Judgement
9. Touch Wood
Zango (2023)
After nearly 40 years, WITCH’s triumphant return, Zango reignites Zamrock with fresh fire, blending vintage fuzz and modern polish. Recorded in Lusaka with guest spots from Amanaz’s Keith Kabwe, it pulses with Chanda’s undimmed charisma on anthems of realization and resilience. Tracks like “Avalanche of Love” (feat. Sampa the Great) fuse psych-rock with hip-hop flair, while “Waile” channels raw ’70s energy. This eighth LP proves legends age like fine wine—groovy, relevant, and revolutionary. A 2023 standout, it’s Zamrock’s phoenix moment. Blast it loud; the havoc is back!
Track list:
1. By the Time You Realize
2. Waile
3. Nshingilile (feat. Keith Kabwe of Amanaz)
4. Streets of Lusaka
5. Unimvwesha Shuga
6. Avalanche of Love
7. Malango
8. Black Woman
9. Zango
10. Luv Luv
SOGOLO (2025)
WITCH’s latest, SOGOLO (meaning “to grind” in Bemba), grinds out joyfully punchy Zamrock with renewed vigor. At 74, Chanda leads a revamped lineup through funky riffs and swirling keys on themes of freedom and memory. Standouts like “Queenless King” nod to royal intrigue with blistering solos, while “Bang Bang” delivers upbeat warnings. Recorded post-reunion tours, it marries ’70s psych to 2025 sheen, featuring playful percussion and guest horns. This ninth album cements WITCH’s legacy as living legends—vital, visionary, and vibey. The Zamrock revival rolls on; don’t miss this essential spin!
Track list:
1. Kamusale
2. Nadi
3. Queenless King
4. Tiponde Madzi
5. Bang Bang
6. Set Free
7. Mbangula Sesa
8. (In Memory Of) John
9. Dancer on a Trip
10. Sogolo
11. Echoes
12. Final Grind
Most Frequently Asked Questions About WITCH Albums
1. Which WITCH album should I start with if I’m new to Zamrock? Most fans and critics agree: start with Lazy Bones!! (1975). It’s the band’s most iconic, accessible, and consistently praised record – packed with fuzzy riffs, infectious grooves, and pure Zamrock energy. From there, go back to Introduction (1972) and forward or jump straight to Zango (2023) for the modern comeback.
2. Why did WITCH disappear for almost 40 years? After Kuomboka (1984), economic hardship, the decline of the Zambian music industry, and personal tragedies (including the deaths of several members) forced the band to split. Jagari Chanda became a teacher and gemstone miner. Global reissues by Now-Again and Partisan Records in the 2010s sparked a massive revival, leading to reunion tours and new albums.
3. Are the new albums (Zango & SOGOLO) worth listening to? Absolutely. Zango (2023) was named one of the best albums of the year by Pitchfork, The Guardian, and Mojo. SOGOLO (2025) continues the momentum with even tighter songwriting and guest appearances. Jagari’s voice at 70+ is still incredible, and the young Dutch-Zambian backing band adds fresh fire while staying true to the classic sound.
4. What does “WITCH” stand for? “We Intend To Cause Havoc” – a perfect description of their wild, psychedelic live shows in the 1970s that often ended in joyful chaos.
5. Where can I buy vinyl or physical copies? Official reissues of the 1970s albums are available via Now-Again Records and Partisan Records. Zango and SOGOLO are distributed worldwide by Partisan – check Bandcamp, Rough Trade, or your local record store.
Conclusion: Why WITCH Still Matters in 2025
More than 50 years after their explosive debut, WITCH remains one of Africa’s greatest rock stories – from 1970s Zamrock pioneers who rivaled Black Sabbath and Deep Purple in raw power, to 2020s comeback kings dropping critically acclaimed albums at an age when most bands are long retired. Their journey proves that great music has no expiration date. Whether you’re chasing the gritty garage-psych of Lazy Bones!!, the disco shimmer of Kuomboka, or the triumphant return of SOGOLO, every spin feels like uncovering buried treasure. So turn it up, let Jagari’s voice soar, and join the havoc – WITCH is forever. 🎸🔥
