Balalolela by JK

With his incredible success on the home front, it was inevitable that J.K spread his reach into international markets. His nomination for a KORA award in 2002 for Best Southern African Musician (African equivalent of a Grammy) is a reflection of the quality of his work that is not only being recognized in Zambia, but across the entire continent.

With four albums to date, his body of work is of the highest quality and embodies a fine blend of musical influences ranging from Rhumba to Reggae to R&B. JK has created masterpieces that cater for all. This ingredient fused with his incredible voice, stage presence and choreography has made JK one of Zambia's most successful concert performers, with sell out shows across Europe and Africa.

JK: His family and educational background

The fifth son of both a businessman and woman, Jordan was born in 1978 at Ndola Central Hospital. He concluded his junior school at Chilengwa Basic School in Ndola and later proceeded to Lubuto School, where he completed his secondary education. Jordan started embracing music with his peers as early as the age of eight whilst in his fourth year of junior school.

I was always singing (at home, school), always, but I chose to keep it to myself-may be because at the time I was not confident enough to sing to an audience. I enjoyed it.

About Jordans Musical Background

Jordan stepped onto the show bizz gush in 1997 when he first recorded his demo at The Savoy Hotel in Ndola with a band known as The Ukwa Band. After huge applauses and credits, Jordan decided to trek to Lusaka for greener pastures where he met one of Zambias well-renowned rap artists MC Wabwino at the Heritage Studio. It was at this point that J.K. was showcased when he featured on MC Wabwinos popular album Yamene Yamene.

In 1999, I felt it was time to move on and create music and this prompted me to team up with a very good friend, Kelvin Mwesa and together formed a group called New Age and I became the lead vocalist. Initially, our intention as New Age was to produce a gospel album but then we conscripted our sound engineer and producer Sebastian Mutale and decided to change the whole gospel concept to something more secular instead. We released two albums; our well renowned debut Biyoyo and Chikokoshi, which did very well too.

During the year 2000, Jordan also worked with the all-boy group Just Close and sang with them on their smash hit Twamilumbanya, which was featured on the Rhythm Nation Project.

JK: Fact Sheet

NAME

Jordan Katembula

NATIONALITY:

Zambian

BIRTHDAY

21 August 1978

MARITAL STATUS:

Married with a young son

TRIBE:

Mambwe

VILLAGE:

Kakusu - Mbala

LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED:

Right

SHOE SIZE:

9

FUNNY HABITS:

None

STAR SIGN:

Leo

INSPIRATION

His Dad, who he describes as beeing so hardworking. J.K is trying to follow in his footsteps.

MUSIC

Started singing when he was in grade 5

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:

When he was in grade 12 (1995) he jumped on a bus and when the conductor asked for the fare, J.K realised he had forgotten his bus fare.

DREAM CAR:

Lamborghini

FIRST TIME CRIED AS ADULT:

When his brother died in 1995

PET PEEVE:

Being provoked

FAVOURITE FOOD:

Nshima with beef

JK is considered the leading musician of his generation in Zambia. This is why:

Ngoma Award Winner 2002 and 2003: Best Zambian Musician.

Kora Africa Award Nominee 2002: Best Musician Southern Africa.

JK is the highest selling Zambian musician in history to date and was the first Zambian musician to sell over 50 000 copies of his album (JK, 2001).

JK is phenomenal on stage. He has performed as a headliner in major cities across Africa, Europe and North America Like:

Lusaka, Johannesburg, London, New York, Chicago and Atlanta

Balalolela manufactured, marketed and distributed in the USA by:

Milestone Entertainment

P. O. Box 50

Shelton, CT 06484

Average Customer Review: