Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family – My Ancestors [AFRICAN ACID ROCK 1976] – New LP

While clearly African, this is also clearly a power trio heavily influenced by Hendrix (perhaps Band of Gypsies more than Experience), as well as outfits of the early 1970s that clearly came out of Hendrix, namely NYC's Mountain and Michigan's Frijid Pink, maybe some Funkadelic, Shuggie Otis, and Isley Brothers as well, and considering this is 1976 and the moods and tempos, Jimmy Cliff and other reggae artists probably had some influence on the music (as African sounds clearly had a huge influence on all those American bands.)  It seems nearly equal parts of their homeland Africa and the influence of American music.  The sound of the recording is wonderful (especially considering it was 1976 when other recordings were plagued with "improvements" in the studio).  It's not exactly a living-room sound, but it's immediate and wonderful.  The guitar is drenched in a fuzz that seems more connected with the freak-out guitar sounds of 1966 (but also recalls the previously mentioned Frijid Pink), and the focused interplay of the rhythm section is amazing. -- winch

Originally released in 1976, My Ancestors is one of the greatest releases from Zambia’s Zamrock scene. The album travels the darker undercurrents of 70s rock and roll, warping and heightening the influences of Jimi, the Stones, the Beatles, Black Sabbath, and James Brown. 27 year old Chrissy “Zebby” Tembo provided drums and vocals while Paul Ngozi, one of the chief architects of the Zambian rock sound, was responsible for the aggressive guitar leads. Created amidst an explosion of creativity and positivity in Zambia in the mid to late 70s, this album is an absolute stunner we’re glad to see in print again!!! Licensed from the family of Chrissy Zebby Tembo via Now-Again Records.  September 3, 2021

Chrissy Zebby Tembo - Drums & Vocals
Tommy Mwale - Bass
Paul Ngozi - Guitar