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Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya (born November 12, 1986) known as B Flow , is a Zambian Dance hall Artist, Social Justice Advocate, Part Time Radio Presenter, Peer Educator and Owner of Chant-It-On
{{Good article}}
Music & Media is also
{{Featured article}}
the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social
 
Commentary (HASC) committee of the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM). He is also the global
{{Infobox person
ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS for the
| name          = B Flow
American organization
| image        =
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and also the first
| caption      = B Flow in performance
Zambian artist to launch an album at the US Embassy. The event was proudly
| birth_name    = Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
powered by the United
| birth_date    = {{Birth date and age|1986|11|12}}
States government through the embassy. The stage name B Flow was inspired by
| birth_place  = [[Kabwe]], [[Zambia]]
numerous praises from
| nationality  = [[Zambian]]
people who loved his 'flow'. B Flow also took a new direction with his music,
| other_names  = B’Flow, B-Flow
changing his genre to what is now known as “KaliDanceHall” (A mix of
| occupation    = Musician, Social Advocate, Entrepreneur, Radio Presenter
traditional Zambian Kalindula music and Dance Hall).
| known_for    = Music For Change Initiative, HIV/AIDS Advocacy, ''KaliDanceHall''
==Early life==
| years_active  = 2009–present
B Flow was born in Kabwe on 12
| notable_works = ''Voiceless Woman'', ''Dear Mama'', ''Sunda Station''
November 1986. At the age of 8 he and
| organisation  = Music For Change, [[Zambia Association of Musicians]]
his friends played a small band by
| title        = B Flow
turning pots and buckets into drums
| website      =
and making Banjos(non-electric
}}
guitars) using tins, planks and strings.
 
Among that band B Flow was the only
'''Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya''' (born 12 November 1986), popularly known by his stage name '''B Flow''' (also stylised as '''B’Flow''' or '''B-Flow'''), is a Zambian Afro-Dancehall and Hip Hop artist, media entrepreneur, and civic advocate. He is best known for his fusion music style called '''KaliDanceHall''', which combines traditional Zambian Kalindula rhythms with modern dancehall beats. His work spans music, public health advocacy, youth engagement, and social justice.
one who is now a professional musician.
 
Brian started out as a member of the
B Flow is the founder of the ''Music For Change Initiative'', an organisation that uses music to raise awareness on pressing social issues including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and human rights. He also serves as the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) Committee under the [[Zambia Association of Musicians]] (ZAM), where he promotes socially conscious music and youth outreach.
School Boys' Scout Club in Grade 1 at
 
Kasanda Malombe Primary School in
Internationally, B Flow is recognised as a Global Ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a U.S.-based health organisation. In this role, he uses his public platform and performances to spread messages of prevention, stigma reduction, and empowerment, especially among young people. He was also the **first Zambian artist to officially launch an album at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, in an event supported and hosted by the United States government.
Kabwe. He left the club shortly and
 
became a basketball player.
The stage name "B Flow" emerged from local fans who frequently praised his lyrical "flow" during early performances. Over the years, he transformed that recognition into a personal brand, merging art with activism.
In his 4th Grade, Brian and his mother
 
moved to Serenje with where he joined
In November 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow among its 16 Voices of Activism Against Gender-Based Violenc, an international campaign that highlighted individuals using their platforms to fight GBV. His inclusion alongside global activists underscored the international reach of his message and his growing influence beyond Zambia.
the poetry club at Serenje Boma School
 
and participated in competitions;
Aside from his musical and advocacy work, B Flow is also a part-time radio presenter and peer educator. He remains active in community engagement programmes, public dialogues, and youth mentorship across Zambia.
reciting poems. The following year
 
Brian learned how to beat the African
== Early life and education==
drum and became a drummer and
B Flow was born in Kabwe on 12 November 1986. He was raised by his grandmother Matilda Chiti-Byrne and his mother Mirriam Mulenga Mumba Byrne, a policewoman.
singer in the school cultural group. He
[[File:Young B Flow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|360x360px|left]] His father Mathews "Mizzy" Kasoka was a football coach for Kabwe Warriors football club. B flow cames from a family full of renowned Zambian musicians like [[Chris Mbewe]] of [[The Great Witch Band]], [[Anna Mwale]] of [[The Mwale Sisters]] and [[Ras Willie]].
was also one of the only two male
B Flow's grandmother Matilda was a teacher by profession and she taught him how to read and write English which then became his favourite subject. When he was 6 years old, he enrolled at Kasanda Malombe Primary School. In 2nd Grade, he joined the school Boy Scouts for a few months.
dancers in the group.
[[File:B FLOW School.jpg|thumb|right]]
During his 10 Grade at Kabwe High
At the age of 8 he and his friends played a small band by turning pots and buckets into drums and making [[Banjos]](non-electric guitars) using tins, planks and strings. Among that band B Flow was the only one who is now a professional musician. Brian started out as a member of the School Boys' Scout Club in Grade 1 at Kasanda Malombe Primary School in Kabwe. He left the club shortly and became a basketball player which his uncle Frank Byrne introduced him to and played for fun for about 7years.
School Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/
 
Drug Club the same year, where he
In his 4th Grade, Brian and his mother moved to Serenje with where he joined the poetry club at Serenje Boma School and participated in competitions; reciting poems. The following year Brian learned how to beat the African drum and became a drummer and singer in the school cultural group. He was also one of the only two male dancers in the group. At the age of 11 he started listening to reggae music a collection that his mom owned and his love for reggae music started to grow with likes of Bob Marley being hits of his early childhood. In 7th Grade, B Flow and his brother Terence Sampa were transferred back to Kabwe where they attended Broadway Primary and Basic School and he was always punished for singing and drumming in class by his class teacher at his new school. At age 13, he formed a group called Natty Boys. The group only performed at one party and disbanded because B Flow was the only member who had the ability to compose songs and the confidence to sing in front of people, while the rest of the members were shy.
actively participated in quiz and
He then formed Hot Kays which consisted of B Flow and Zed Pride's Ron Kay, the duo dedicated their time learning the art of song writing, rhyming and arranging lyrics B Flow then known as Attic B, specialised in Rap and Ragga while Ron Kay specialised in R&B.
singing. In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian
 
was elected vice president for the
In 8th Grade, he developed strong interest in civic education and joined the Child Rights club at school. During his 10 Grade at Kabwe High School Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club the same year, where he actively participated in quiz and singing and that the time he gave hime saelf the name B Flow a combition of his first name letter of his name and the word ''flow''. He served in the disciplinary committee of the school library and joined the school Press Club where he became Chief Printer.   In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian was elected vice president <ref name=SKL>{{cite web|title= Brian Bwembya Kasoka (B Flow) |url=https://www.irex.org/person/brian-bwembya-kasoka-b-flow |publisher= Irex.org |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref> for the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his dedication to counselling his fellow pupils who used to smoke [[Marijuana]] and drink [[alcohol]]. As President, he mobilise his peers and teach them about sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and the dangers of taking drugs. He also raised awareness on HIV/AIDS through song and led the club during candlelight walks and visits to AIDS hospices. B Flow was later trained by the Kabwe Adventist Family Health Institute(KAFHI) and the Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) as a [[peer educator]]. His club won a number of quiz & talent competitions(Music, Drama and Poetry) on [[AIDS]] & Drug awareness in central province. B Flow always performed at most of the school functions which included Closing Ceremonies, World AIDS Day event, Debate Competitions and other school parties.
Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his
 
dedication to counselling his fellow
After his final year High School B Flow moved to Lusaka to live with his uncles and enrolled into college. He studied Marketing and Social Science at the National Institute of Public Administration and [[University of Zambia]]. Whilst in University, B Flow was selected for a Peer Educators' training, sponsored by the Society For Family Health(SFH) in 2008. In 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change. B Flow's musical influence came from musicians like [[Nasty-D]], [[DaNNY]], Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beanie Man, [[MC Wabwino]], [[Black Muntu]], Master Flo, Sam Kuli and Alubusu.
pupils who used to smoke Marijuana and
drink alcohol . Brian mobilized new
members and taught the club about
HIV and drugs. He was later trained
by the Kabwe Adventist Family Health
Institute(KAFHI) as a peer educator.
His club won a number of quiz & talent
competitions(Music, Drama and Poetry)
on AIDS & Drug awareness in central
province.
After his final year High School B Flow
moved to Lusaka to live with his uncles
and enrolled into college. He studied
Marketing and Social Science at the
National Institute of Public
Administration and University of
Zambia . Whilst in University, B Flow was
selected for a Peer Educators'
training, sponsored by the Society For
Family Health(SFH) in 2008.
In 2012, B Flow started to use music to
continue his peer education and
influence social change.


==Music and Career==
==Music and Career==
Mr Ignatius Chongwe nicknamed as Lawyer Without Boarders discovered B Flow's singing talent after he performed at a talent show at Sacred Heart Parish in Kabwe in 2004 and the later that year Mr Chongwe started to sponsor B Flow's professional music career. B Flow's first album Mpu mpu mpu (meaning heartbeat) was released in 2009. The album earned B Flow recognition at the 2009 Zambia Ngoma Awards where he was nominated in the Best New Artist Category the album has songs like Bubblegum Lover, Energizer, Mosikito and the album title track Mpu Mpu Mpu. His second solo album called 'No More Kawilo' was released in 2011(meaning no more loneliness). His third album 'Voiceless Woman' was released in 2013. He also had the privilege to share the stage with international artists such as Brick & Lace, Oliver Mtukuzi, P-Square and Jah Cure. B Flow is a brand
[[File:B Flow at KTP 2016.jpg|thumb|right|B Flow and Queen Latifah led 5,000 people in a march past with AIDS Healthcare Foundation at the Keep The Promise Concert & March in Durban in July 2016.]]
ambassador for two non-governmental
Mr Ignatius Chongwe nicknamed as Lawyer Without Boarders discovered B Flow's singing talent after he performed at a talent show at Sacred Heart Parish in Kabwe in 2004 and the later that year Mr Chongwe started to sponsor B Flow's professional music career. B Flow's first album Mpu mpu mpu (meaning heartbeat) was released in 2009. The album earned B Flow recognition at the 2009 Zambia Ngoma Awards where he was nominated in the Best New Artist Category the album has songs like Bubblegum Lover, Energizer, Mosikito and the album title track Mpu Mpu Mpu. His second solo album called 'No More Kawilo' was released in 2011(meaning no more loneliness). His third album 'Voiceless Woman' was released in 2013. He also had the privilege to share the stage with international artists such as Brick & Lace, Oliver Mtukuzi, P-Square and Jah Cure. B Flow is a brand ambassador for two non-governmental organizations known as AIDS Health Care Foundation(AHF) and USAID-funded SHARe II he is also the chairman for the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary(HASC) team of the Zambia Association of Musicians(ZAM). B Flow is also a part of the Zambia/ Norway (ZedWay) project. <ref name=ZED>Radio interview on Norway National Radio |url= http://p3.no/musikk/christines-jul-ane-brun-og-admiral-p/ |publisher= ZedWay </ref>
organizations known as AIDS Health
 
Care Foundation(AHF) and USAID-
In February 2017, B Flow released the video for his song  “MAMA (Genesis Of My Story)” Directed by Adam “bttags” Battaglia and Stacy Fong From Hollywood, Joel ‘DMV Tatoos’ and George Okudi From Washington DC, QBick, Lawdak (N.X.T Solutionz) and Terence “Pictures” Sampa from Zambia.<ref>[https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/02/03/b-flow-unveils-official-video-dear-mama/ B Flow unveils the official video for “Dear Mama”], [[Lusaka Times]], 3 February 2017</ref>
funded SHARe II he is also the
 
chairman for the HIV/AIDS and Social
===Advocacy===
Commentary(HASC) team of the
B Flow has been using music to advocate against issues affecting communities such as inequality, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. In July 2016, he and Queen Latifah led 5,000 people in a march past with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation at the Keep The Promise Concert & March in Durban, South Africa. The concert was a reminder to the world leaders that AIDS is not over and there is need to continue and to increase funding for its prevention and treatment.
Zambia Association of Musicians(ZAM).
 
B Flow is also a part of the Zambia/
===Recognition===
Norway(ZedWay) project. <ref name=ZED>Radio interview on Norway National Radio |url= http://p3.no/musikk/christines-jul-ane-brun-og-admiral-p/ |publisher= ZedWay </ref>
President Barack Obama gave special recognition to B Flow when delivering his speech to the 2015 Mandela Leadership Fellows on August 3 in Washington, D.C. President Obama spoke highly of the artise for using his music to advocate against gender-based violence and to educate youths on HIV/AIDS.<ref>[http://zambianeye.com/archives/35739 US President Obama ‘shouts out’ Zambian artiste B-Flow], [[Zambian Eye]], 5 August 2015</ref> {{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing
the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do.
Where’s Brian?
Where is he?
 
So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV/AIDS . While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner " |source=— President Obama talking about B'Flow <ref name=BRIA>{{cite web|title=Brian Bwembya recognized by President Obama |url= http://www.zambiaembassy.org/in-the-news/brian-b-flow-bwembya-recognized-by-president-obama-during-the-2015-mandela-fellowship |publisher=Zambia Embassy |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref>
}}
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange ""
 
"" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " <ref>{{cite web|title= B-Flow Thanks Obama |url= http://www.kitwetimes.com/2015/08/b-flow-thanks-obama-for-recognising-him/|publisher=Kitwe Times |accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref> |source=— B'Flow posting on his [https://www.facebook.com/BBBFLOWMUSIC Facebook Page]
}}
 
== Music and election ==
During the launch of his fifth album, ''Dear Mama'', B Flow also launched his "Go Out and Vote" campaign phase II with his partner, Young Women in Action. To deliver the voter education message to the youth ensured that the targeted voters be ready, willing, and able to participate fully in the 2016 election process in [[Zambia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Demand peaceful elections-Schultz |url= http://www.postzambia.com/news.php?id=17186 |publisher= Stuart Lisulo |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref>
The ''Go Out To Vote'' <ref name=VVV/> project aims at addressing [[voter apathy]] amongst young people in Zambia by encouraging them to register as voters, verify their details in the voter register and finally go out and vote during the [[Zambian general election, 2016|2016 elections]].
 
===Triple V Campaign===
[[File:B Flow on stage.jpg|thumbnail|right|B Flow on stage During the Tripple V Campaign May 1,2016]]
'''Triple V''' which stands for ''My Vote, My Voice, My Victory'' <ref name=VVV>{{cite web|title= Bflow rocks hometown Kabwe the Triple V Concert |url= http://triplevcampaign.blogspot.com/2015/10/bflow-rocks-hometown-kabwe-triple-v.html?m=1|publisher=Triple V Blog site |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref> is a voter <ref>{{cite web|title=CSO Coalition launches ‘Triple V campaign’ | url= http://www.qfmzambia.com/2015/09/05/cso-coalition-launches-triple-v-campaign/|publisher= Q FM Zambia |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=It’s triple V for ZNWL: my Voice, my Vote, my Victory |url= http://www.tiozambia.com/its-triple-v-for-znwl-my-voice-my-vote-my-victory/ |publisher= Tiozambia.com |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref> education project which motivates young and newly registered voters to go out and vote in the August 2016. Triple reaches out to young voters through music and social media.
 
The project is currently working with B Flow,<ref>{{cite web|title= Mongu Triple V concert on tomorrow | url= http://zambiadailynation.com/2015/10/30/mongu-triple-v-concert-on-tomorrow/|publisher= Terence Miselo |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref> [[Kan 2]] and Dj 800 in undertaking roadshows. During the roadshows, the artists sensitise young people on the important of participating in elections.
 
====Negative response====
The campaign has been a successful program but in 2015 while in [[Mongu]] B-Flow and fellow Triple V members got some negative response as some fans eneded up crashing B-Flow's car during the aftermath of the show.<ref name=LIGHT>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=63297|publisher=Lusaka Times |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=LGH>{{cite web|title= Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow |url= http://www.zambianews.net/index.php/sid/238357673 |publisher=Zambian News |accessdate= 25 April 2016}}</ref>
 
==Young African leaders initiative==
 
In 2015 the United States Embassy in Zambia, selected B Flow to represent Zambia in President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative ( Mandela Washington Fellowship ). He participated in the US government sponsored program for 3 months in different US cities.
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do.  Where’s Brian? Where is he?


So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV/ AIDS. While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner " |source=— President Obama talking about B'Flow <ref name=BRIA>{{cite web|title=Brian Bwembya recognized by President Obama |url= http://www.zambiaembassy.org/in-the-news/brian-b-flow-bwembya-recognized-by-president-obama-during-the-2015-mandela-fellowship |publisher=Zambia Embassy |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref>
}}
{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange <ref name=BBF/> ""


=== Awards===
"" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " <ref>{{cite web|title= B-Flow Thanks Obama |url= http://www.kitwetimes.com/2015/08/b-flow-thanks-obama-for-recognising-him/|publisher=Kitwe Times |accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref> |source=— B'Flow posting on his [https://www.facebook.com/BBBFLOWMUSIC Facebook Page]
# 2013 HIV/AIDS Awareness Ambassadors' Certificate- USAID Funded SHARe II Project
}}
 
During the program 44th United States President Barack Obama addressed over 700 young Africans and <ref name=BRIA/> US government officials and made a speech in which he endorsed B Flow <ref name=BBF>{{cite web|title=Zambia Musician Gets Shoutout From President Obama for Highlighting Struggle Against HIV/Aids |url= https://globalvoices.org/2015/08/08/zambia-musician-gets-shout-out-from-president-obama-for-highlighting-struggle-against-hivaids/|publisher= Globalvoices.org|accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref>
<ref name=FlowBB>{{cite web|title=B Flow Thanks Obama For Recognising Him |url= http://zambianeye.com/archives/35739 |publisher=Zambian Eye |accessdate= 23 April 2016}}</ref> for his excellent work in using his music to advocate against gender based violence and educating youth on HIV/AIDS. President Obama also announced the formation of B Flow's record company. B Flow is first artist in the world to be endorsed <ref name=BRIA/> by a sitting US president publicly in an official speech. Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), also awarded B Flow a highly competitive Professional Development Experience (PDE) to work in the American music industry with US company, Okayafrica, in New York. American organisation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) <ref name=SKL/> also appointed B Flow as global ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He is part of the organization's global '''20 by 20 Campaign'''.
 
==US Tour==
 
==Studio albums==
{{Main | B Flow discography}}
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of studio albums, with selected information
! scope="col" style="width:11em;"| Title
! scope="col" style="width:18em;"| Album details
!Certification
|-
! scope="row"|''[[Mpu Mpu Mpu]]''
|
* Released: 2008/2009
*{{nowrap|Label:[[Romaside]]}}
* Formats: CD, Digital download
|
|-
! scope="row"|''[[Dabo Trabo]]''
|
* Released: 2010
*{{nowrap|Label: Romaside/[[Chant-it-on Music & Media]]}}
* Formats: CD, Digital download
|
|-
! scope="row"|''[[No More Kawilo]]''
|
* Released: 2012
*{{nowrap|Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media}}
* Formats: CD, Digital download
|
|-
! scope="row"|''[[Voiceless Woman]]''
|
* Released: 2013
*{{nowrap|Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media}}
* Formats: CD, Digital download
|
|-
! scope="row"|''[[Dear Mama]]''<ref name=Mama>{{cite web|title= B-Flow launches ‘Dear Mama’|url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/?p=63297|publisher=Zambia Daily Mail |accessdate= 16 April 2016}}</ref>
|
* Released: 2016
*{{nowrap|Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media}}
* Formats: CD, Digital download
|
|}
 
==Awards and nominations==
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Result
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2009
| Ngoma Awards
| Best pcoming artist of the year against
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2009
| Born and Bred Awards
| best Ragga Video Of The Year
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2009
| Hone Fm
| Best Upcoming Artist of the year.
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2010
| Radio Phoenix/Zain
| Best Collaboration Of The Year.
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2011
| Radio Phoenix
| Best Song Of The Year
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=1| 2011
| Born & Bred Video Awards
| Best Conscious Video
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| rowspan=1| 2012
| Born & Bred Video Awards
| Best Dance hall Video
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| rowspan=1 | 2013
| Zambian Music Awards
| Best Dancehall Artist
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2014
| rowspan=4 | Zambian Music Awards
| Best Mainstream Album
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Best Collaboration Song
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Best Dance hall Artist <ref>{{cite web|title= ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards | url=http://www.zambianmusiccharts.com/zambian-music-awards-2014/ |publisher= Zambian Music Charts |accessdate= 25 March 2016}}</ref>
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| Best Dance hall Album
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2014
| rowspan=4 | Born & Bred Awards
| Best Conscious Video
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Best Dance hall Video
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
|  Best Collaboration Video
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Most Educative Album <ref>{{cite web|title= ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards | url=http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2014/03/02/zmas-2014-an-evening-of-music-and-awards/|publisher= UKZambians |accessdate= 3 March 2015}}</ref>
|style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| rowspan=5 | 2017
| rowspan=5 | Kwacha Music Awards <ref>{{cite web|title= 2017 Kwacha Music Awards Nominations| url=http://www.kwachaawards.org/structure-of-the-awards/nominations/|publisher= Kwacha Music Awards |accessdate= 18 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Voting Kicks Off In the 1st Kwacha Music Awards| url=https://zedhypemag.com/voting-kicks-off-1st-kwacha-music-awards/|publisher=  X-duey |accessdate= 18 July 2017}}</ref>
| Best International Achievement
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Best Humanitarian Award
| style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
|-
| Best Artist (Central Province
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| Best Conscious Song (Know Your Status) - B Flow & [[Just Slim]]
| style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
|}
 
===Other Awards===
# 2013 HIV/AIDS Awareness Ambassadors' Certificate- USAID Funded SHARe II Project  
# 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
# 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
# 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award
# 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award
==See also==
*[[Music For Change]]


==External links==
==External links==
Line 93: Line 249:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|4}}
 
{{B Flow |state=expanded}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:B Flow}}
[[Category:B Flow| ]]
[[Category:B Flow| ]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Entertainers]]
[[Category:Zambian musicians]]
[[Category:Zambian musicians]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Zambian male singers]]
[[Category:Zambian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century singers]]
[[Category:21st-century singers]]
[[Category:People from Kabwe]]
[[Category:People of Zambia]]

Latest revision as of 10:06, 2 August 2025

B Flow -
Born (1986-11-12) November 12, 1986 (age 38)
Kabwe, Zambia
Nationality Zambian
Occupation Musician, Social Advocate, Entrepreneur, Radio Presenter
Years active 2009–present
Known for Music For Change Initiative, HIV/AIDS Advocacy, KaliDanceHall
Notable work Voiceless Woman, Dear Mama, Sunda Station
Awards
Children


Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya (born 12 November 1986), popularly known by his stage name B Flow (also stylised as B’Flow or B-Flow), is a Zambian Afro-Dancehall and Hip Hop artist, media entrepreneur, and civic advocate. He is best known for his fusion music style called KaliDanceHall, which combines traditional Zambian Kalindula rhythms with modern dancehall beats. His work spans music, public health advocacy, youth engagement, and social justice.

B Flow is the founder of the Music For Change Initiative, an organisation that uses music to raise awareness on pressing social issues including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and human rights. He also serves as the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) Committee under the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM), where he promotes socially conscious music and youth outreach.

Internationally, B Flow is recognised as a Global Ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a U.S.-based health organisation. In this role, he uses his public platform and performances to spread messages of prevention, stigma reduction, and empowerment, especially among young people. He was also the **first Zambian artist to officially launch an album at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, in an event supported and hosted by the United States government.

The stage name "B Flow" emerged from local fans who frequently praised his lyrical "flow" during early performances. Over the years, he transformed that recognition into a personal brand, merging art with activism.

In November 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow among its 16 Voices of Activism Against Gender-Based Violenc, an international campaign that highlighted individuals using their platforms to fight GBV. His inclusion alongside global activists underscored the international reach of his message and his growing influence beyond Zambia.

Aside from his musical and advocacy work, B Flow is also a part-time radio presenter and peer educator. He remains active in community engagement programmes, public dialogues, and youth mentorship across Zambia.

Early life and education

B Flow was born in Kabwe on 12 November 1986. He was raised by his grandmother Matilda Chiti-Byrne and his mother Mirriam Mulenga Mumba Byrne, a policewoman.

His father Mathews "Mizzy" Kasoka was a football coach for Kabwe Warriors football club. B flow cames from a family full of renowned Zambian musicians like Chris Mbewe of The Great Witch Band, Anna Mwale of The Mwale Sisters and Ras Willie.

B Flow's grandmother Matilda was a teacher by profession and she taught him how to read and write English which then became his favourite subject. When he was 6 years old, he enrolled at Kasanda Malombe Primary School. In 2nd Grade, he joined the school Boy Scouts for a few months.

At the age of 8 he and his friends played a small band by turning pots and buckets into drums and making Banjos(non-electric guitars) using tins, planks and strings. Among that band B Flow was the only one who is now a professional musician. Brian started out as a member of the School Boys' Scout Club in Grade 1 at Kasanda Malombe Primary School in Kabwe. He left the club shortly and became a basketball player which his uncle Frank Byrne introduced him to and played for fun for about 7years.

In his 4th Grade, Brian and his mother moved to Serenje with where he joined the poetry club at Serenje Boma School and participated in competitions; reciting poems. The following year Brian learned how to beat the African drum and became a drummer and singer in the school cultural group. He was also one of the only two male dancers in the group. At the age of 11 he started listening to reggae music a collection that his mom owned and his love for reggae music started to grow with likes of Bob Marley being hits of his early childhood. In 7th Grade, B Flow and his brother Terence Sampa were transferred back to Kabwe where they attended Broadway Primary and Basic School and he was always punished for singing and drumming in class by his class teacher at his new school. At age 13, he formed a group called Natty Boys. The group only performed at one party and disbanded because B Flow was the only member who had the ability to compose songs and the confidence to sing in front of people, while the rest of the members were shy. He then formed Hot Kays which consisted of B Flow and Zed Pride's Ron Kay, the duo dedicated their time learning the art of song writing, rhyming and arranging lyrics B Flow then known as Attic B, specialised in Rap and Ragga while Ron Kay specialised in R&B.

In 8th Grade, he developed strong interest in civic education and joined the Child Rights club at school. During his 10 Grade at Kabwe High School Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club the same year, where he actively participated in quiz and singing and that the time he gave hime saelf the name B Flow a combition of his first name letter of his name and the word flow. He served in the disciplinary committee of the school library and joined the school Press Club where he became Chief Printer. In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian was elected vice president [1] for the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his dedication to counselling his fellow pupils who used to smoke Marijuana and drink alcohol. As President, he mobilise his peers and teach them about sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and the dangers of taking drugs. He also raised awareness on HIV/AIDS through song and led the club during candlelight walks and visits to AIDS hospices. B Flow was later trained by the Kabwe Adventist Family Health Institute(KAFHI) and the Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) as a peer educator. His club won a number of quiz & talent competitions(Music, Drama and Poetry) on AIDS & Drug awareness in central province. B Flow always performed at most of the school functions which included Closing Ceremonies, World AIDS Day event, Debate Competitions and other school parties.

After his final year High School B Flow moved to Lusaka to live with his uncles and enrolled into college. He studied Marketing and Social Science at the National Institute of Public Administration and University of Zambia. Whilst in University, B Flow was selected for a Peer Educators' training, sponsored by the Society For Family Health(SFH) in 2008. In 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change. B Flow's musical influence came from musicians like Nasty-D, DaNNY, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beanie Man, MC Wabwino, Black Muntu, Master Flo, Sam Kuli and Alubusu.

Music and Career

B Flow and Queen Latifah led 5,000 people in a march past with AIDS Healthcare Foundation at the Keep The Promise Concert & March in Durban in July 2016.

Mr Ignatius Chongwe nicknamed as Lawyer Without Boarders discovered B Flow's singing talent after he performed at a talent show at Sacred Heart Parish in Kabwe in 2004 and the later that year Mr Chongwe started to sponsor B Flow's professional music career. B Flow's first album Mpu mpu mpu (meaning heartbeat) was released in 2009. The album earned B Flow recognition at the 2009 Zambia Ngoma Awards where he was nominated in the Best New Artist Category the album has songs like Bubblegum Lover, Energizer, Mosikito and the album title track Mpu Mpu Mpu. His second solo album called 'No More Kawilo' was released in 2011(meaning no more loneliness). His third album 'Voiceless Woman' was released in 2013. He also had the privilege to share the stage with international artists such as Brick & Lace, Oliver Mtukuzi, P-Square and Jah Cure. B Flow is a brand ambassador for two non-governmental organizations known as AIDS Health Care Foundation(AHF) and USAID-funded SHARe II he is also the chairman for the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary(HASC) team of the Zambia Association of Musicians(ZAM). B Flow is also a part of the Zambia/ Norway (ZedWay) project. [2]

In February 2017, B Flow released the video for his song “MAMA (Genesis Of My Story)” Directed by Adam “bttags” Battaglia and Stacy Fong From Hollywood, Joel ‘DMV Tatoos’ and George Okudi From Washington DC, QBick, Lawdak (N.X.T Solutionz) and Terence “Pictures” Sampa from Zambia.[3]

Advocacy

B Flow has been using music to advocate against issues affecting communities such as inequality, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. In July 2016, he and Queen Latifah led 5,000 people in a march past with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation at the Keep The Promise Concert & March in Durban, South Africa. The concert was a reminder to the world leaders that AIDS is not over and there is need to continue and to increase funding for its prevention and treatment.

Recognition

President Barack Obama gave special recognition to B Flow when delivering his speech to the 2015 Mandela Leadership Fellows on August 3 in Washington, D.C. President Obama spoke highly of the artise for using his music to advocate against gender-based violence and to educate youths on HIV/AIDS.[4]

"" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do. Where’s Brian? Where is he?

So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV/AIDS . While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner "

— President Obama talking about B'Flow [5]

"" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange ""

"" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " [6]

— B'Flow posting on his Facebook Page

Music and election

During the launch of his fifth album, Dear Mama, B Flow also launched his "Go Out and Vote" campaign phase II with his partner, Young Women in Action. To deliver the voter education message to the youth ensured that the targeted voters be ready, willing, and able to participate fully in the 2016 election process in Zambia.[7] The Go Out To Vote [8] project aims at addressing voter apathy amongst young people in Zambia by encouraging them to register as voters, verify their details in the voter register and finally go out and vote during the 2016 elections.

Triple V Campaign

B Flow on stage During the Tripple V Campaign May 1,2016

Triple V which stands for My Vote, My Voice, My Victory [8] is a voter [9][10] education project which motivates young and newly registered voters to go out and vote in the August 2016. Triple reaches out to young voters through music and social media.

The project is currently working with B Flow,[11] Kan 2 and Dj 800 in undertaking roadshows. During the roadshows, the artists sensitise young people on the important of participating in elections.

Negative response

The campaign has been a successful program but in 2015 while in Mongu B-Flow and fellow Triple V members got some negative response as some fans eneded up crashing B-Flow's car during the aftermath of the show.[12][13]

Young African leaders initiative

In 2015 the United States Embassy in Zambia, selected B Flow to represent Zambia in President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative ( Mandela Washington Fellowship ). He participated in the US government sponsored program for 3 months in different US cities.

"" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do. Where’s Brian? Where is he?

So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV/ AIDS. While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner "

— President Obama talking about B'Flow [5]

"" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange [14] ""

"" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " [15]

— B'Flow posting on his Facebook Page

During the program 44th United States President Barack Obama addressed over 700 young Africans and [5] US government officials and made a speech in which he endorsed B Flow [14] [16] for his excellent work in using his music to advocate against gender based violence and educating youth on HIV/AIDS. President Obama also announced the formation of B Flow's record company. B Flow is first artist in the world to be endorsed [5] by a sitting US president publicly in an official speech. Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), also awarded B Flow a highly competitive Professional Development Experience (PDE) to work in the American music industry with US company, Okayafrica, in New York. American organisation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) [1] also appointed B Flow as global ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He is part of the organization's global 20 by 20 Campaign.

US Tour

Studio albums

Main article: B Flow discography
List of studio albums, with selected information
Title Album details Certification
Mpu Mpu Mpu
  • Released: 2008/2009
  • Label:Romaside
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Dabo Trabo
No More Kawilo
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Voiceless Woman
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Dear Mama[17]
  • Released: 2016
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result
2009 Ngoma Awards Best pcoming artist of the year against Nominated
2009 Born and Bred Awards best Ragga Video Of The Year Nominated
2009 Hone Fm Best Upcoming Artist of the year. Nominated
2010 Radio Phoenix/Zain Best Collaboration Of The Year. Nominated
2011 Radio Phoenix Best Song Of The Year Nominated
2011 Born & Bred Video Awards Best Conscious Video Won
2012 Born & Bred Video Awards Best Dance hall Video Won
2013 Zambian Music Awards Best Dancehall Artist Nominated
2014 Zambian Music Awards Best Mainstream Album Nominated
Best Collaboration Song Nominated
Best Dance hall Artist [18] Won
Best Dance hall Album Won
2014 Born & Bred Awards Best Conscious Video Nominated
Best Dance hall Video Nominated
Best Collaboration Video Nominated
Most Educative Album [19] Won
2017 Kwacha Music Awards [20][21] Best International Achievement Nominated
Best Humanitarian Award Won
Best Artist (Central Province Nominated
Best Conscious Song (Know Your Status) - B Flow & Just Slim Nominated

Other Awards

  1. 2013 HIV/AIDS Awareness Ambassadors' Certificate- USAID Funded SHARe II Project
  2. 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  3. 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award

See also

References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Radio interview on Norway National Radio |url= http://p3.no/musikk/christines-jul-ane-brun-og-admiral-p/ |publisher= ZedWay
  3. ↑ B Flow unveils the official video for “Dear Mama”, Lusaka Times, 3 February 2017
  4. ↑ US President Obama ‘shouts out’ Zambian artiste B-Flow, Zambian Eye, 5 August 2015
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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