By GETHSEMANE MWIZABI –

ALL boys band, Impact were a marvel to watch at Ndola’s Bo’ jangles at the weekend as they took people back to back with music of then and now.
The energetic band lead by Chenge Chibanda, a man with an obvious talent and a Paul Ngozi protégée, comprises talented musicians, sold-out to the art of performance.
True, there is a huge a difference between recording artistes and performing artistes. Impact Band has mastered the art of stage mannerism, to an extent where it comes naturally.
But what do you expect from a homogeneous band that embraces the culture of the old and new?
Impact Band comprises diversely-skilled artistes who collectively bring to the band a plaffora of talent that will guarantee all rounded entertainment for a cosmopolitan audience.
The repertoire is built from the most popular playlists internationally and locally. This allows the band to entertain even the most cosmopolitan audience. Impact Band was formed in November 1999 as an “all boys” cabaret band.
The band which has grown from strength to strength boasts some of Zambia’s most disciplined musicians: David Kasoche (D-Bass) – This is the musical director in the band.
As his stage name suggests, David plays the bass guitar. He has performed on both local and international stages with some of the fine musicians such as Mbilia Belle and Oliver Mutukudzi.
Benson Miti Halwindi (Uncle Ben) – Ben is the lead guitarist of the band. Having played with artistes like Lubumbashi Stars, Weavers and Directions, Ben is a versatile guitarists who plays all genres of music from jazz to kalindula, pop to reggae, and rhumba to R&B.
Kevin Siyandi (Ras K) – Kevin started off his music career as a bass player. He switched to Keyboards and has never looked back.
Playing 1st Keyboards Kevin is the lead keyboard player in the band.
Evans Shawa (e-love) – Evans is the second keyboard player in the band. His strong jazz background sets him as the perfect rhythm keyboard player for the band. Over fifteen years experience. Kelvin Mwale (Kelly Cool) – Kelvin the drummer.
He is an internationalclass artiste whose career has seen him perform all over Zambia. He is also the youngest in the band but exhibits such skill and expertise.
Lighton Chipeta Jnr – (ba Layi) Lighton is a singer in the band. He is versatile in genre of sorts. Having performed alongside many stars, Lighton has grown to be a well respected artist with a unique voice.
He can sing just about anything.
Peter Yambayamba – (Uncle Manoja) Peter is a singer in the band. He has performed for both local and international audiences. Of note was his feature in the Mulemena Boys in which he was a founder member.
An accountant by profession, Peter has a unique remarkable voice that resounds astoundingly to remind us of the likes of Late Franco, Papa Wemba, Late PK Chishala etc.
Mwila Mulenga (Relmome) – Mwila is a singer in the band. He is also a recorded artiste who has been nominated for several awards on the local scene.
This team of musicians is supported by a technician.
Emmanuel Nyoni Jr the former radio Phoenix DJ and presenter is also another talented lot. His graceful stage acts and voice projection goes down well with the audiece.
Emmanual Nkonka (Blue) – Technician/roadie is in charge of equipment. He is currently pursuing sound engineering as an understudy with one of the seasoned international sound engineers in Zambia.
Ultimately, Impact is a band of great performers. Ndola residents could not get enough of them.