From hit songs to Brigadier-General! How ‘Kanji’ ruled the airwaves and rose to military fame

Before the crisp military uniform and the legal briefs at Army Headquarters, Mwizukanji Namwawa was best known to many Zambians simply as Kanji — a vibrant and trailblazing artiste whose music dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s.

At a time when the local music industry was still finding its modern identity, Kanji stood out as one of the few female performers making a strong mark.

Her hit song Mr Big Star became a household favourite, earning her recognition across the country and securing her place in Zambia’s urban music scene.

With her confident delivery and relatable themes, Kanji carved out a space for herself in an industry largely dominated by male voices.

Music insiders recall her as disciplined, focused and unapologetically ambitious — traits that would later define her career beyond the recording studio.

As Kanji, she was more than an entertainer; she became a symbol of young women pushing boundaries and redefining what was possible in creative spaces.

While fans associated her with microphones and melodies, few could have predicted that the artiste would one day trade studio sessions for military service.

Yet even during her time in music, those close to her say she displayed a strong sense of purpose and leadership, qualities that hinted at a much broader destiny.

On Friday, Namwawa’s promotion to Brigadier General in the Zambia Army by President Hakainde Hichilema reignited public interest in her remarkable journey — prompting many to reflect on her earlier life as an artiste.

Her promotion came alongside other deserving officers elevated in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service.

The advancements were marked by a colourful rank insignia pinning-on ceremony held on Friday at Army Headquarters.

For those who remember Kanji on stage and on radio playlists, her story stands as a powerful reminder that talent, discipline and reinvention can take a person from the spotlight of entertainment to the highest levels of national service.

Her transformation from chart-topping musician to senior military officer remains one of Zambia’s most compelling personal narratives — rooted in a chapter when Kanji’s voice first captured the nation’s attention.

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