Mumba Yachi

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Mumba Yachi
Birth nameShadreck Fundi
Born14 June 1986
Mokambo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
OriginZambia
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, producer
InstrumentsGuitar, vocals, flute
Years active2009–present
LabelsRehogoo Music; Vibrant-Africa Art and Media Productions
Associated actsChef 187, Slapdee, Stevo, T-Low

Mumba Yachi (born Shadreck Fundi, 14 June 1986) is a Congolese-born Zambian folk musician, songwriter and producer known for his deep commitment to African roots music and fusion of traditional Zambian sounds with contemporary rhythms. He is one of the most influential voices in Zambia’s music landscape, particularly in Kalindula and Afro-centric folk genres. [1]

Early life

Yachi was born in Mokambo, a border town between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, where he was exposed to Kalindula, rumba and indigenous folk music that shaped his artistic voice. [2]

Music career

Mumba Yachi began his music career in 2009, releasing his debut work and building a reputation for soulful melodies and culturally grounded compositions. [3]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Webuchushi (2010) – early studio project marking his formal entry into the recording scene. [4]
  • Mokambo (2012) – named after his birthplace. [5]
  • Mongu Rice (2013) – further established his sound among folk audiences. [6]
  • I Am Lenshina (2015) – thematic work reflecting cultural and personal identity. [7]
  • The Great Work (2017) – matured folk expression with collaborations. [8]
  • The Great Work Vol. 2 (2019) – expanded project with digital distribution. [9]
  • Violet (2022) – recent album project demonstrating his continued relevance. [10]
  • Mumba Yachi (2024) – alternative/indie album released in 2024 available on digital platforms. [11]

Selected singles

  • "You Are My Love" – folk classic track that helped launch his early career. [12]
  • "Iso Mone" (feat. Slapdee) – collaboration with a mainstream artist. [13]
  • "Ing'omba" (2017) – popular single from later discography. [14]
  • "Ifya Kumwena Kubukulu" (feat. Chef 187) – cross-genre collaboration. [15]
  • "Because of You" (feat. T-Low) – noted contemporary track. [16]
  • "Winning" (feat. Stevo) – collaboration highlighting diverse influence. [17]

Film and multimedia

Aside from his music, Yachi wrote and composed the original score for Tazara, a short film released on 11 December 2021 exploring life along the TAZARA railway, which won Best Indie Short Film at the Paris Film Awards and garnered honours at the Tokyo Film Awards and other international festivals. [18]

Awards

Mumba Yachi has been recognised within the Zambian music industry:

  • In 2010, he received a Born and Bred Music Awards nomination for Best Foreign Rhythm early in his career. [19]
  • In 2016, he won a Zambian Music Awards trophy for Best Live Recording Album, celebrating his ability to translate folk music to engaging live performance. [20]
  • His collaborative work has been nominated in major music award shows such as the Kwacha Music Awards, including in Best Folk / Indigenous Sound categories with other artists. [21]

Style and influence

Mumba Yachi’s music draws on Kalindula — a traditional Zambian genre — and African folk storytelling. His lyricism and fusion of indigenous melodies with modern sensibilities have made him a respected cultural voice in Zambia and beyond. [22]

Personal life

Yachi has two children and is committed both to family and to cultural heritage in his art. [23]

See also

References

  1. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  2. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  3. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  4. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  5. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  6. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  7. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  8. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  9. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  10. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  11. ↑ “Mumba Yachi – Album by Mumba Yachi,” Apple Music, accessed 2025.
  12. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  13. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  14. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  15. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  16. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  17. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  18. ↑ [https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/03/16/tazara-short-music-film-by-mumba-yachi-wins-prestigious-international-awards/ “Tazara short music film by Mumba Yachi wins prestigious international awards,” Lusaka Times, 16 March 2022.
  19. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  20. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  21. ↑ “From provincial stars to national icons … Kwacha Music Awards 2025,” Zambian Music Blog, accessed 2025.
  22. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
  23. ↑ “Mumba Yachi,” Wikipedia, accessed 2025.
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