Born Lindick Jere on 25th August in 1985 Zambia, M’kango is Zambia’s Reggae Poet, Percussionist, Writer, Broadcaster, Emcee and Agricultural Engineer inspired by a variety of music genres amongst others Reggae Music especially Reggae Dub, Dee-Jaying (Toasting) and Dub Poetry.
His body of work which symbolizes his commitment to writing, not only about personal struggles to achieve social and economic equality but also provides an insight into the warrior spirit of the conquering spirit of the spoken-word artist determined to awaken the consciousness of anyone assimilating his poetry.
The poetry he says is inspired by the long history of Griotry in African Literature and Orature as an informative medium. He likens himself to possessing the strength, jungle-pride, enduring spirit and tenacity of the lion, partly so because he hails from the Ngoni-Chewa traditions of Eastern Zambia where some native clans hold fast to the lion as a totem of ancestral significance and royal divinity.
M’kango’s examination of social issues is used to inspire his audience to an intellectual afro-centric world view in an increasingly materialistic white-supremacist world, which according to M’kango, is negatively impacting not only black people but all world peoples. His poetry is therefore a chant-down call on the need to liberate through the power of the word-sound all ones near and far, who continue to be down-pressed by imperialistic and neo-colonialistic systems that have continued to plague the world.
He has written over hundreds of poems and his maiden book entitled ‘Black Purge Poetry’ is due for release in 2017; he is also currently working on a spoken word CD which will feature some titles from his book and other collaborative recordings.
He has performed his poetry extensively from Universities, Colleges, Public Art Theatres, The Misty Jazz Cafe, Mellow Moods, 2013 Kariba Music Festival, including various Reggae shows and book launches in the country plus a feature on various radio and T.V stations in Zambia, using his poetry as vehicle of education and expression. He was also privileged to be Artiste/Manager of the Arts & Culture Advocates of Zambia (ACAZ) team that successfully sent sixteen selected artistes of different artistic orientation that represented Zambia at the Nottingham World Event Young Artist’s (WEYA) festival in the U.K in the year 2012. He also shared stage with Zambian Reggae acts including Jomo, Quuen Sheeba, Cactus Agony, Milz, Ras Anada, Peter Bob, Nasty-D, RBG Crew, Bongo Fari, Bantu Roots,Ras Tamuz, Hollaman as well as international Reggae artistes like Andrew Diamond, Admiral P, Selector Daniel lion, Don Carlos, Randy Mclaren (Reggae Poet), Logmmthh amongst others.
He has also a ran a six month weekly poetry performance and mentorship programme dubbed ’word-up’ at the Lusaka Theatre club with co-founder poet Simon ’Jomo’ Longwe that that exposed and nurtured some of the up and coming spoken word artistes from within the country. The Poet has worked with renown American Singer/songwriter/producer Andrew Diamond on the
Word-Up project The American Artiste also several times featured on the ‘Conscious Connections’, a Radio Reggae talk show on UNZA Radio 91.7fm co-hosted by M’kango and Associate poet Jomo of the Poetry Knights, A five poetry outfit to which M’kango is also a member. Alongside , the Conscious Connections, he has since hosted another Radio Show on the same station (UNZA fm) called the Griot Grooves, a show celebrating the rich ethnic musical beauty and diversity of indigenous African music genres.
Whilst studying Agricultural Engineering at UNZA, M’kango would gravitate towards the campus Rastafari bredrins and sistren who helped uplift his consciousness with the each one teach one philosophy. It is from here that he drew the strength and inspiration to write some of his inspiring and highly acclaimed works to date including poems such as; The State feat. Jomo, Dis Poetry, Fi de Black Queens, amongst other titles, will be featured in his current book project Black Purge Poetry. His poetry has been inspired by poets and lyricists including Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Mikey Smith, Oku Onuora, LKJ, Mutabaruka, Sister Nancy, Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, Jean Beenta Breeze, Lauryn Hill, Di b’Young, amongst others. Guided by great books amongst others, the Philosophies and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams, Africa lelo tekuti tu labe by Simon Kapwewe amongst others, the
Rastafarian Poet is on a quest to spread one of the greatest messages left by ancestry called Sankofa (know thyself). After years of searching and self re-discovery the poet is ready to conquer the world in spreading the messages of peace and love, redemption, self reliance, repatriations for African descendants, and, equality and justice for all through his word sound armoury.
M’kango is currently living in Lusaka Zambia, where he is working on local brands including Mellow Moods, Dubliq Solutions, Zed-Way, Pitch Black, amongst other brands in the Professional Development and Promotion of youth Artistic talent in the country.
Poet’s Quote; “yuh give up on love and still want some healing, yuh give up Marcus and still want self reliance, yuh give up on yuh culture and still want originality and identification.” – M’kango.
Links;
Tel: +260 965-057563| +260 969-511349 | +260 977 416235
Face book: M’kango Jere
E-mail: rasmukango@gmail.com