Nkwazi Unfiltered

Episodes

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  48: Episode 48: Sipho Phiri: Business. Investment. Legacy. 05.11.2026 1h 19m

  Sipho Phiri has built a career in banking, investment, infrastructure development and renewable energy. The entrepreneur and corporate-finance specialist is our guest on this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, where we listen to his experiences and journey.Sipho speaks about growing up with the influence of his father, the late David Abel Ray Phiri, whose career spanned banking, mining and diplomacy, and what it meant to build an identity of his own. He also shares insights from his move into entrepreneurship, his work in infrastructure and energy, and his involvement in community development through the DARP Foundation. 
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  47: Episode 47: Betty Chilunga: Her Fight For Independence 22.10.2026 1h 49m

  On this Independence Special, Betty Chilunga joins Nkwazi Unfiltered to share her story as a freedom fighter during Zambia’s struggle for independence. She takes us back to her early years, like at Chipembi Girls’ School, where her interactions with politically active families helped shape her understanding of colonial rule and racial inequality.She recounts how her home in Zambezi became a meeting place for freedom fighters, how she stood guard outside with her baby on her back and how she used coded knocks to warn those inside of approaching danger. Mama Betty also speaks about mobilising women through the Balovale Welfare Society and local women’s clubs and her role during the Cha-Cha-Cha campaign.Listen to to the full conversation as Betty Chilunga now. 
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  46: Episode 46: Victor Simukonda: What Zambia's History Missed 15.10.2026 55m

  Lieutenant Colonel Victor Simukonda, better known as Victor Simz or The Z Historian, is on a mission to uncover the parts of Zambia’s history that many of us never got to learn about.On this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Victor sits down for a conversation about his journey into history, what inspired him to create The Z Historian, and the stories behind some of his most notable work, including the Mailoni Brothers and Zambia’s military history.He also shares his thoughts on Zambia’s independence, the history we may have overlooked, preserving African knowledge, and how AI could change the way we document and understand our past.How much of Zambia’s history do we really know? And what stories are still waiting to be told?Listen to the full conversation now. 
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  45: Episode 45: Thabo Kaamba: See Me Differently 02.10.2026 38m

  Thabo Kaamba started acting at just eight years old, but it was her role as young Joseph in Can You See Us? that brought her story to a much wider audience. The film went on to become the first Zambian feature film released on Netflix.On this week’s episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Thabo sits down for a conversation about growing up with albinism, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the experiences that have shaped how she sees herself. She also opens up about her journey in acting, future roles she would like to play, stepping into advocacy, the impact of Can You See Us?, and what she hopes people understand about living with albinism.
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  44: Episode 44: El Mukuka: Two Identities, One DJ 17.09.2026 1h 10m

  El Mukuka joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation about identity, music, growing up, entrepreneurship as a founder of Gin 1964, being judged by association and the journey that took him from wanting to be a rapper to becoming an internationally recognised DJ and producer.Half Zambian and half Greek, El Mukuka speaks openly about growing up with an absent father, being labelled the “bad kid” because of the people he was associated with, and the experiences that shaped him into an artist he is today.In this episode, he talks about his journey in music, becoming the first Zambian to attend Berklee College of Music, leaving the school because of financial challenges, and eventually finding his way back. He also opens up about building his career as a DJ and producer, his work beyond music, and the parts of his life he has chosen to keep away from the internet.The conversation also goes into his Zambian and African identity, his Greek roots, and why being Zambian is part of what makes his sound unique. El Mukuka shares his thoughts on Zambian music and the term “Ku Chalo" and leaves us with a bigger question: what exactly is Zambian music?This is El Mukuka beyond the music, the international stages and the image you see online.Listen to the full episode and join the conversation.Subscribe to Nkwazi Magazine for more episodes of Nkwazi Unfiltered.
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  43: Episode 43: Patricia Luhanga: Behind The Composure 04.09.2026 1h 32m

  Patricia Luhanga joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation where we get to hear more about her journey, growing up in Northern Province, facing challenges at a young age, rising from being a maid, building a career as Corporate Affairs Manager for the Electoral Commission of Zambia and everything that comes with it. She also talks about her values, family and Kopala side. Listen now! 
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  42: Episode 42: Bob Nkosha: When The Laughs Stop 21.08.2026 1h 42m

  He discovered the character “Dorika” at only 13 years old and became one of Zambia’s most talked-about stand-up comedian, Bob Nkosha returns to the mic, but this time for an unfiltered conversation. In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, he speaks about his childhood, how he discovered he wanted to be an artist at 6 years old, his journey, mentorship, family, legacy and Zambia’s entertainment industry.
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  41: Episode 41 - Magnate: Betting, Cars & Contraversy 07.08.2026 54m

  Suzyo Shawa, popularly known as Magnate, joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation about money, betting, fatherhood, confidence, public criticism and the real story behind one of Zambia’s most talked-about online personalities.Known for his bold public image, business mindset and association with the betting industry, Magnate has built a name that attracts attention wherever it appears. In this episode, he opens up about his upbringing, his academic background, his time in lecturing, how he built the Magnate brand, and the questions many people have asked about his lifestyle, his money and his choices.The conversation also goes into fatherhood, relationships, online judgement, responsible betting, controversy and what it means to be both admired and criticised in public.This is Magnate beyond the posts, the cars and the comment section.Watch the full episode and join the conversation.Subscribe to Nkwazi Magazine for more episodes of Nkwazi Unfiltered.
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  40: Episode 40 - Mix Kasamwa: The Truth About Fame 29.07.2026 1h 16m

  Everyone knows Mix Kasamwa as “The Hardest Ohn in LSK”, but what does life look like behind the jokes, the videos and the public image?In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Mix Kasamwa opens up about building Lusaka Starter Pack, turning content creation into a career, working with brands, dating in public, dealing with burnout, and the pressure of always being expected to be funny.He also speaks about his journey from Gaborone to Lusaka, dropping out of university, finding his creative voice, and using his platform to talk about mental health, anxiety and depression.This is a conversation about fame, money, identity, family, relationships and the reality of Zambia’s creative industry.Watch the full episode and join the conversation.Follow Nkwazi Magazine:Instagram: @nkwazimagazineFacebook: Nkwazi MagazineTikTok: @nkwazimagazineWebsite: nkwazimagazine.com#NkwaziUnfiltered #MixKasamwa #TheHardestOhn #LusakaStarterPack #ZambianCreators #ZambianPodcast #Zambia
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  39: Episode 39 - Petersen Zagaze: The Man Behind The stage Name 10.07.2026 59m

  Petersen Zagaze joins Nkwazi Unfiltered for a conversation that reaches far beyond the music and the headlines. As one of Zambia’s most outspoken artists, he built a career on challenging politicians, religious leaders, and the status quo, but this discussion reveals the man who exists away from the stage name and the deliberate controversy.He speaks about the unexpected national storm that followed the release of Munyaule, and why he chose to run for public office not once but twice.
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  38: Episode 38 - Dickson Jere: Private Life Exposed 26.06.2026 51m

  On this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Amina Kaunda sits down with Dickson for a different kind of interview.He opens up about growing up in Matero and what that neighbourhood taught him and talks about the careers he considered before law and journalism took over.He also reflects on fatherhood, why he chooses to keep his personal life private, and what he wishes he could tell his 21-year-old self.If you have ever wondered what shapes a person who moves across journalism, law, government, and writing, this conversation is for you.
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  37: Episode 37 - Mumba Yachi: The Man who Lost Everything Twice! 12.06.2026 56m

  When you're deported from the country you call home, most would pack up their dreams and disappear. Mumba Yachi didn't. He rebuilt his life, embraced both his Congolese roots and his Zambian home, and kept making music that refuses to fit into a box.Since then, the man behind the mealie meal sack suit and the underwear-on-the-head fashion statement has continued to walk his own path. He's won a Zambian Music Award, picked up an international film prize in Paris for his short film Tazara, survived his bamboo studio burning to ashes, and built a sound he calls "Yachi Music" — a fusion of Kalindula, Rhumba, and folk that is unapologetically his own.Mumba Yachi sat down with Chana Musakanya for an exclusive interview and we were fortunate enough to get to know the man behind the headlines, the costumes, and the controversy.
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  36: Episode 36 - Patricia Ellis Chama: Loss, Grit and Becoming 29.05.2026 1h 17m

  Before she became Zambia’s favourite TV presenter, Patricia Ellis spent eight years out of school. She was twelve when her father died, failed her Grade 9 exams, and survived by peeling cassava and waiting tables just to get by.In this episode of Nkwazi Unfiltered, Amina Kaunda sits down with the ZNBC news anchor and actress to walk through the parts of her story most people never hear. Patricia talks honestly about the long fight to finish her education, her early days in radio, and what it actually took to earn a seat behind the main news desk.More Nkwazi:Website: https://nkwazimagazine.com/Instagram:   / nkwazimag  Facebook:   / nkwazimag  TikTok:   / nkwazimag  X: https://x.com/NkwaziMag#nkwaziunfiltered #interview #podcast #zambia
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  35: Episode 35 - Peter "Pzee" Zulu: More than a voice 29.05.2026 1h 26m

  Peter Zulu, better known as PZEE on the Red Hot Breakfast Show on Hot FM Zambia, is a voice you already know, but the story behind it might surprise you.Before radio, there were ideas, small hustles, and a moment that sparked something bigger.Watch the full episode and get to know the story behind the voice.
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  38: Episode 34 - James Sakala: A Sound Worth Saving 17.04.2026 1h 3m

  James Sakala joins Chana Musakanya this week on Unfiltered for a conversation about his journey in music, from his early years in Mkushi to discovering his love for songwriting and performing.He reflects on his path from backup singer to solo artist, and what he has learned along the way about faith, discipline, identity, and navigating the Zambian music industry.
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  37: Episode 33 - Lee Kawanu: The Talent Architect 13.04.2026 49m

  Lee Kawanu is one of the country’s most successful football talent scouts. He’s also the founder of Kafue Celtic Football Club - the former home of two of our biggest exports, Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka. This week, Lee is in the Unfiltered studio to talk about the art of seeing what others can’t, the perks of not gatekeeping, and why he chose to make the beautiful game his life.
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  36: Episode 32 - Frank Sibbuku: A Life in Frames 13.04.2026 1h 18m

  The very talented and prolific Frank Sibbuku is a creative who has brought numerous television shows and movies to our screens - including one of the country’s most successful soap operas, Mpali.⁠⁠Once an aspiring rapper, then a comic book artist and illustrator, Frank’s road to the screen has been an interesting one. ⁠We discussed why he left rap behind and how he got his foot in the door at Muvi TV. Frank also took us through some parts of his creative process, being a proudly Zambian director, and the challenges of the film industry. We were also fortunate enough to hear about his relationship with and the devastating loss of one of his leading ladies, the much-loved Wanga Zulu. ⁠
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  35: Episode 31 - Paul Mwanza: Man of Steel 06.03.2026 1h 3m

  A champion is in our midst this week! Paul Mwanza is a powerhouse who entered the history books in 2024 when he became the first African athlete to be crowned a World’s Strongest Man - a title he returned to defend and retained the following year.He joins us to talk about his unconventional career and the discipline that has put him on multiple podiums and earned recognition from President Hakainde Hichilema, his modest beginnings, and how the untimely passing of his son inspired him to reach new heights.
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  34: Episode 30 - Sana Ginwalla: The Art Behind Belonging 20.02.2026 1h 9m

  Lusaka-born and based curator and archivist, Sana Ginwalla is interested in stories - hers, yours, ours. ⁠In exploring archives, memories, and heritage. ⁠In visual history and multiple truths. ⁠⁠She is the founder of Everyday Lusaka a project that became a platform and now also includes a gallery dedicated to the documentation of daily life in Zambia, and Zambia Belonging, a counter-archive project that got its legs when she discovered unclaimed photographs in Fine Arts Studio - one of the capital’s oldest photo studios. ⁠⁠Ginwalla joined Chana Musakanya for a beautiful conversation about her identity as the child of immigrants, the themes her work engages with and interrogates, and championing Zambian art and artists.⁠ 
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  33: Episode 29 - Emmanuel Mwanza: Leaving His Mark 06.02.2026 1h 2m

  Emmanuel Mwanza is determined to leave his mark in society - and he certainly has the determination and discipline to do just that. The visionary founder of E-MARK is our guest on this week’s episode of Unfiltered, and we had the chance to learn from and question the grassroots electronics trader-turned-leading tech entrepreneur. ⁠⁠Emmanuel spoke about growing up as the “favourite” child, and how his path to starting his own business was paved. He also addressed the rumours that accompany success and why he chooses to put a fence around his personal life.⁠