Strut Records has long been known for its thoughtful and exciting compilations, but their latest release, Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola, feels like a bold new chapter. Curated by celebrated East African DJ Kampire, this album isn’t just a collection of songs – it’s a deep dive into the soundscape of her formative years, combining nostalgia with discovery in a way that’s bound to make listeners move and reflect in equal measure.
Kampire, who made her mark with unforgettable sets at Uganda’s Nyege Nyege Festival and now performs globally, brings the energy and essence of East and Southern Africa into this compilation. The selections span a wide range of genres, from the unmistakable rhythms of Congolese rumba and soukous to the vibrant sounds of Zambian kalindula and 1980s South African township bubblegum. These tracks offer a sense of place and history, inviting listeners into the bustling dancefloors of a past era that still feels entirely relevant today.
photo by Kharumwa: Dj Kampire
What stands out about A Dancefloor in Ndola is how personal it feels. Born in Kenya to Ugandan parents and having spent her early years in Ndola, Zambia, Kampire’s choices aren’t just about selecting great tracks – they’re about crafting an audio memoir. As she notes, many of these songs formed the soundtrack of her youth, a connection she didn’t fully grasp until later. Now, with this compilation, she’s giving these songs a new stage, allowing them to resonate with fresh ears while honoring their roots.
Kampire’s respect for African music history shines through, particularly in her celebration of the women who have helped shape its sound. Names like Congolese legends Pembey Sheiro, Feza Shamamba, and Princesse Mansia M’bila are prominently featured, as well as South African artists like V-Mash and Di Groovy Girls.
Sonically, the selection feels vibrant and dynamic. Each track is a portal to a different time and place, the compilation maintaining a groove that feels both timeless and now. What might have once been dismissed as “unsophisticated” rural styles are revealed in their full power and beauty, showing the depth and diversity of African music.
Strut’s decision to release the compilation on both double LP and CD is a testament to the album’s broad appeal. The vinyl restoration and mastering by The Carvery ensures that these tracks sound as crisp and lively as ever, while Canon Rumanzi’s cover artwork adds a visual layer to the story Kampire is telling.
At its core, A Dancefloor in Ndola is a celebration – not only of music, but of memory, connection, and shared experiences. For those familiar with the genres represented, it will evoke memories of family gatherings and vibrant nights out. For others, it will open up a world of sounds they may never have encountered. Either way, it’s a record that begs to be played loud, danced to, and cherished.
In a musical landscape often dominated by Western narratives, Kampire’s selection stands out as a reminder of Africa’s profound influence on the global music scene. A Dancefloor in Ndola is an invitation to step into that world, one where past and present are always in conversation. And if you listen closely, you might just find yourself on the dancefloor, too.
Released by Strut Records, “A Dancefloor in Ndola” is available now on double LP, CD, and digital platforms. You can purchase your copy directly from Strut’s website or at your favorite music retailer.
text: Sofia Hussein for Dinya
images: courtesy of Strut Records
