Chrissy Zebby Tembo

Chrissy Zebby Tembo was a pioneering Zambian drummer and bandleader, known for his influential role in the Zamrock movement of the 1970s—a vibrant fusion of psychedelic rock, funk, and traditional African rhythms. He rose to prominence through his work with the Ngozi Family and later with his own band, the Five Revolutions. Tembo’s 1974 album My Ancestors, recorded with guitarist Paul Ngozi, is now considered a cult classic, celebrated for its raw energy, fuzz-drenched guitar work, and hypnotic grooves.

Though his profile remained relatively low outside Zambia for many years, Chrissy Zebby Tembo’s music has gained international recognition in recent decades thanks to a renewed interest in Zamrock and reissues of his recordings. His work captures the spirit and creativity of a unique musical era, and he remains a key figure in Zambia’s rich rock history.