Theresa Ng’ambi (also known as Kanjiba, meaning “wild dove” in Nsenga) is a celebrated Afro-traditional musician, storyteller, and multi-disciplinary artist from Zambia. Born in 1983 in Tendere near the Malawi border and based in Lusaka, she uses her rich heritage and personal story to shape her artistry forcreativegirls.com
Grew up raised by her widowed mother; influenced by her grandmother’s folk songs and her grandfather’s kalimba playing musicinafrica.net
From age five, began channeling her experiences—and the tragic loss of her immediate family—into songwriting as her emotional diary .
Discovered by producer Chali Mulalami, she signed with Sling Beats Records; debut single “Watembeleredwa.”
Won The Music Crossroads competition and later released her debut album “Mandu” (10 tracks, 2016), gaining radio play in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Named Best Singer at the Zambia Women in Music Awards in 2018
Honored as Zambia’s Bird Conservation Ambassador, actively promoting environmental and wildlife conservation through music
Featured in BBC Africa’s “Back to the Roots” in 2012, where her songs and an intimate interview aired for a week
Delivered inspiring TEDx Lusaka performances (2019, 2023), including “The Wise Goat” about nature and sustainability
- Theresa’s music fuses traditional rhythms, ancestry chants, jazz, blues, and soul, primarily sung in native tongues to preserve linguistic heritage
- She champions themes like environmental stewardship, unity, peace, self-confidence, and cultural authenticity.
- Passionate about storytelling, she leads workshops and performances with children, orphanages, schools—addressing climate change, wildlife protection, and cultural pride.
In short: Theresa Ng’ambi is a vibrant Zambian artist whose heartfelt fusion of music, storytelling, activism—and unwavering commitment to culture and the natural world—has earned her international acclaim and a powerful voice for social change.
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