Started by Chris Chali in 1978 in Choma, the band was originally called Crossbones, one of many Zambian acts that had sprung up to do gigs based on rock.
A recent report is typical of news accounts of the band: ...the ‘Never-fading’ Amayenge Asoza did not have to wait until the whole arena was filled with fans before they started unleashing their collection gathered over a period of 20 years.
With such a record, no one could resist the Amayenge, led by Alice Chali, when the crew delivered a two by two circle dance.
[2] Kalindula is a Zambian musical style that was originally played on "banjos" (pronounced 'bahn-jos'), a 4-stringed bass (called 'mbabadoni' or 'kalindula'), [ngoma] drums, chisekele shakers and metal bells.
Western guitars and percussion have replaced the homemade banjos and drum sets used previously Current Band Members: Alice Chali (Dancer/Vocalist, Obert Chali (Vocalist/Dancer), Emmanuel Kayeji (Dancer/Vocalist), Bester Mudenda (Dancer/Vocalist), Jonathan Nthanga (Lead Guitar), Mathews Mulenga (Rhythm Guitar), Joseph Mwamba (Drums), Davy Muthali (Percussionist), Chabala Chitambo (Percussionist), Donald Njovu (Percussionist), Eddy Moto (Sound Engineer), Sam Chiluba (Bass), Fraser Chilembo - Band Manager In 1996, Amayenge traveled to Whidbey Island, WA, where they met up with Moye Kashimbi, who had left Zambia to marry US citizen, Vernon Huffman, who became Tour Director for Amayenge.