Yvonne Mwale releases her debut studio album on March 2. 2012

The powerhouse behind Mzungu Kichaa, Caravan Records, is proud to announce its first official release in

2012 ! The label has signed the talented award winning songstress Yvonne Mwale. Originally from Zambia

Yvonne won Best Upcoming Artist at the Zambian Music awards in 2009 and went on to tour 8 countries in

Europe in 2010. In 2011 she came to Dar es Salaam to perform and was spotted by Mzungu Kichaa who

encouraged her to stay on to record her debut solo album KALAMATILA. Her performances on stage have

been very well received in the capital of Dar es Salaam. The album has 11 songs. She sings in English,

Senga, Swahili and Scat, a non-lingual form of singing popular in jazz and reggae. Yvonne’s voice can best

be described as an African version of Billie Holiday.

Yvonne’s life has not been easy. Born in 1988, Yvonne Mwale is raised as the daughter to the Honorable

Member of Parliament Mr. Michael Mwale and former songstress Jelita Mwanza in Zambia’s Eastern

Province. She starts her musical education at the age of 7. Yvonne soon begins to sing on a more professional

level in different choirs, performing in churches all over the country.

Life changes dramatically when both her parents die and all possessions are taken by other members of the

family. Left with nothing but her talent at the age of 12 Yvonne survives for two years without a home, sleeping

on the benches of markets and on the streets. She manages to survive, gets little jobs here and there

and finally finds a family where she gets shelter.

Her life situation can’t stop her from her vision to improve on her music. Yvonne joins the group B Sharp as

a vocalist where she enjoys the advanced musical education of Jones Kabanga, an outstanding musician

with an international reputation. Soon she is seen on stages all over Lusaka and becomes popular for her

dynamic performances.

In 2009 Yvonne Mwale is awarded “Best Upcoming Female Artist” at the Ngoma Awards, the national music

awards in Zambia. The same year, she forms with friends the Band “Nyali”. The group with Yvonne Mwale

as lead singer enters the Crossroads Music Competition. They win the competition and take the prize for the

first time ever to Zambia. Later that year the U.S. embassy in Lusaka initiates a project for the Department of

State. Yvonne is asked to participate in a song based on one of Barack Obama’s popular speeches. The

following year her band records their first Album. They are invited to tour Europe where they perform for

several months in eight countries. This is followed by a tour in Africa including performances in Malawi and

South Africa.

Yvonne Mwale is a great example of how young people can endure hardships and work on their

dreams without giving up. 

KALAMATILA (track list)

1. I wIll Settle For

2. Daa Dee Daa

3. KalamatIla

4. FamIlIa Yangu

5. Acha Umbea

6. Mulume

7. In My Life ft. Mzungu Kichaa

8. The Virus

9. FIght Like a Soldier

10. Igwe

11. Dancehall

The album will be available online and in all Novel Idea bookshops and in the new Caravan Records shop at

Makutano House / Black Tomato, in Oysterbay from the 2nd of March.

If you are in Dar es Salaam. Please join us to for the:

Yvonne Mwale “ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY”

date: 2. March 2012

time: 8pm

venue: Triniti, Msasani Rd. 26, Oysterbay

(next to Ugandan High Comission, opposite Oysterbay Primary sch.)