JORDAN KATEMBULA(JK)

Jordan Katembula is a Zambian Musician.
He got his start in a group called New Age. After leaving the group he rose to fame with the massive success of his debut album, the self titled [JK]. This was an instant hit with Zambians of all age groups. Additionally, JK marked the start of a new fusion of western electro pop with Zambian lyrics .His follow up album to this was Helena and on one track he did a duet with one of Zimbabwe's stars, Oliver Mutukudzi.
He has released four albums so far, as of June 2008. His latest album is 'No Pressure' in which again he collaborates on one song with another musician from South Africa namely Hugh Masekela.
His critics argue that his more recent releases borrow too much from Congolese Rumba and lack creativity but that is far from the truth as his music is full of rich lyrics and he sings not only about love like others but about most aspects of life. JK is also a successful businessman and his success has caused so much jealousy from his competitors. in 2010 he did another album called Akapilipili titled after the hit single Akapilipili featuring salma Doldia an upcoming female Zambian artist. The album produced by Digital X, a Lusaka based studio received massive air play with other hits such as Poison and Ona mummy. the video Akapilipili is considered one of the best in Zambia and received good air play on MTVbase and channel O.
What is beyond dispute, however, is that JK played a significant role is shaping today's Zambian music scene. In fact, he released his first album when Zambia's music was losing direction as most young artists at the time where releasing poorly recorded rap and R&B music because of influence of the western music which saturated the market and lack of innovation from the young.
In 2010, his Kapiripiri song featuring Salma Dodia was a major hit and he followed it with Soul Survivor feturing Raydo. He was signed to the Sony Music supported Rockstar 4000 and then became one of the first musicians to be signed on to One 8, an African megagroup.

Jordan Katembula, otherwise known as JK, is currently Zambia's leading musical superstar, lauded as a household name in his home country as well as creating a name for himself across Europe.

The Zambian music industry had taken a severe knock in the 1990s as consumers favoured international flavours and sounds over their local home-grown talent. It took a star of JK's magnitude to change that trend and in 2001 upon releasing his first solo album, he singlehandedly changed the way the Zambian public perceived local music.

JK began his professional career in 1997, performing in several groups including a boy band, until eventually deciding to go solo in 2000. His debut album seemed to be perfectly in tune with what the public wanted and instantly JK was shot to household name status in Zambia, whilst simultaneously raking in respect in the rest of Africa and Europe.

His self-titled debut album included two massive hits for JK, namely 'Nkafikilisha' and 'Balekuzembeleka'. It was the power of these tracks that helped re-establish the Zambian music scene and rekindled the flames in the hearts of African music lovers.

Following the success of his first solo album, JK was nominated for a KORA Award, an African Award equivalent to a SAMA or a Grammy. This award meant his appeal had reached far beyond the borders of his home country and had influenced the African continent too. Being nominated was a reflection of the strong quality of work that JK produced, setting a precedent for all Zambian musicians to follow.

Since that first release, JK has released a further three albums, all of the highest standards and always including his signature sound of Rhumba-meets-reggae-meets-R&B. His music appeals to young and old alike. Apart from great danceable beats, the other magic ingredients are his incredible voice, stage presence and sophisticated choreography. On stage he is mesmerising and engaging, booking out concert halls with sell-out shows across Africa and Europe. Regardless of time, weather or venue, his events are filled to capacity.

JK's star continues to rise and as part of the ONE8 team, he effortlessly lends his signature flair and talent to a much broader audience