B'Flow

Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya known professionally as B Flow (B'Flow or B-Flow), is a Zambian dancehall and hip hop artist, media personality, social commentator and justice advocate,[6] and founder of the Music For Change Initiative. He is also the current Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary (HASC) committee of the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).[7] He is the global ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS for the American organization AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)[6] and also the first Zambian artist to launch an album at the US Embassy. The event was sponsored by the United States [4] government through the embassy. The stage name B Flow was inspired by people who loved his 'flow'. B Flow also took a new direction with his music, changing his genre to what is now known as “KaliDanceHall” (A mix of traditional Zambian Kalindula music and Dance Hall).[4] In November 2016, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) named B Flow as one of the 16 voices of activism against gender-based violence around the world.[8][9][10]

B'Flow
B Flow at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood during the Keep the Promise concert (November 2016).
Born
Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya

Kabwe, Zambia
Other names
  • B Flow
  • Junior Obama[1]
  • Dancehall Champion [2]
  • Mr Chant-it-on
Occupation
  • Dancehall/Hip Hop Artist
  • Record Producer
  • Human Rights Activist[3]
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
Years active2005-present
Labels
  • Music For Change
  • Romaside (Former)
  • ZedWay
  • K-Army [5]
Associated acts
Websitemusicforchange.info

Early life
Young Brian getting ready for school.

Bwembya was born in Kabwe and raised by his grandmother Matilda Chiti-Byrne and his mother Mirriam Mulenga Mumba Byrne, a policewoman. His father Mathews "Mizzy" Kasoka was a football coach for Kabwe Warriors football club. B flow comes from a family of renowned Zambian musicians like Chris Mbewe of The Great Witch Band, Anna Mwale of The Mwale Sisters and Ras Willie . B Flow's grandmother Matilda was a teacher by profession and she taught him how to read and write English which then became his favourite subject. When he was 6 years old, he enrolled at Kasanda Malombe Primary School. In 2nd Grade, he joined the Boy Scouts. He left the club shortly after and became a basketball player which he played for fun for about 7years.

At 8, he and his friends played a small band by turning pots and buckets into drums and making Banjos(non-electric guitars) using tins, planks and strings.

In 4th Grade, Brian and his mother moved to Serenje with where he joined the poetry club at Serenje Boma School. The following year, Brian learned how to beat the African drum and became a drummer and singer in the school cultural group. He was also one of the only two male dancers in the group. At the age of 11 he started listening to reggae music a collection that his mom owned and his love for reggae music started to grow with likes of Bob Marley being hits of his early childhood. In 7th Grade, B Flow and his brother were transferred back to Kabwe where they attended Broadway Primary and Basic School and he was always punished for singing and drumming in class by his class teacher at his new school. At age 13, he formed a group called Natty Boys how ever the group only performed at one party and disbanded because B Flow was the only member who had the ability to compose songs and the confidence to sing in front of people, while the rest of the members were shy. He then formed Hot Kays which consisted of B Flow and Zed Pride's Ron Kay, the duo dedicated their time learning the art of song writing, rhyming and arranging lyrics B Flow then known as Attic B, specialised in Rap and Ragga while Ron Kay specialised in R&B.

During his 10 Grade at Kabwe High School Brian joined the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club the same year, where he actively participated in quiz and singing. In 3rd term of Grade 10, Brian was elected vice president [6] for the Anti-AIDS/Drug Club because of his dedication to counselling his fellow pupils who used to smoke Marijuana and drink alcohol. Brian mobilized new members and taught the club about HIV and drugs. He also raised awareness on HIV/AIDS through song and led the club during candlelight walks and visits to AIDS hospices. He was later trained by the Kabwe Adventist Family Health Institute (KAFHI) and the Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) as a peer educator. His club won a number of quiz & talent competitions(Music, Drama and Poetry) on AIDS & Drug awareness in central province. B Flow always performed at most of the school functions which included Closing Ceremonies, World AIDS Day event, Debate Competitions and other school parties.

After his final year High School B Flow moved to Lusaka to live with his uncles and enrolled into college. He studied Marketing and Social Science at the National Institute of Public Administration and University of Zambia. Whilst in University, B Flow was selected for a Peer Educators' training, sponsored by the Society For Family Health(SFH) in 2008. In 2012, B Flow started to use music to continue his peer education and influence social change.

B Flow's musical influence came from musicians like Nasty-D, DaNNY, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beanie Man, MC Wabwino, Black Muntu, Master Flo, Sam Kuli and Alubusu.

Music and career
B Flow with Mampi and KB Killa Beats

Mr Ignatius Chongwe nicknamed as Lawyer Without Boarders [sic] discovered B Flow's singing talent after he performed at a talent show at Sacred Heart Parish in Kabwe in 2004 and the later that year Mr Chongwe started to sponsor B Flow's professional music career. B Flow's first album Mpu mpu mpu (meaning heartbeat)was released in 2009. The album earned B Flow recognition at the 2009 Zambia Ngoma Awards where he was nominated in the Best New Artist Category the album has songs like Bubblegum Lover, Energizer, Mosikito and the album title track Mpu Mpu Mpu. His second solo album called 'No More Kawilo' was released in 2011(meaning no more loneliness). His third album 'Voiceless Woman' was released in 2013. He also had the privilege to share the stage with international artists such as Brick & Lace, Oliver Mtukuzi, P-Square and Jah Cure.[11][12] B Flow is a brand ambassador for a number of non-governmental organizations the AIDS Health Care Foundation(AHF), USAID-funded SHARe II,[13] the Obama Foundation, National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council in Zambia and the Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy campaign[1] he is also the chairman for the HIV/AIDS and Social Commentary(HASC) team of the Zambia Association of Musicians(ZAM). B Flow is also a part of the Zambia/Norway(ZedWay) project.[5]

Recognition

Former US President Barack Obama gave special recognition to B Flow when delivering his speech to the 2015 Mandela Leadership Fellows on August 3 in Washington, D.C. President Obama spoke highly of the artist for using his music to advocate against gender-based violence and to educate youths on HIV/AIDS.[14]

In 2017 B Flow was invited to launch of the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit [15][16] in Chicago, United States by the former US President Barack Obama and former FLOTUS Michelle Obama. B Flow announced the update on his Facebook page. “I will attend the first ever Obama Summit and the launch of Obama foundation which was recently established,” B flow said. “I thank God that since 2015, our partnership has grown and the Obama ‘s are still supporting my work in various ways”. He we went on to say I don't take the privilege of receiving an invitation from Obama for granted, it shows that there is really something am doing right. I’am a very open person, those who are interested in learning some things know that am an open person. I'm always happy to represent the African continent on a global scale. In 2015, President Obama ended his YALI Presidential Summit speech by saying ‘So Brian, we are proud to be your partner!’ I say yes indeed, the partnership is amazing”,[17]

Music and election
B'Flow on stage at the independence stadium in Lusaka. (2016)

During the launch of his fifth album, Dear Mama, B Flow also launched his "Go Out and Vote" campaign phase II with his partner, Young Women in Action.[18] To deliver the voter education message to the youth ensured that the targeted voters be ready, willing, and able to participate fully in the 2016 election process in Zambia.[19] The Go Out To Vote [20] project aims at addressing voter apathy amongst young people in Zambia by encouraging them to register as voters, verify their details in the voter register and finally go out and vote during the 2016 elections.

Triple V Campaign
Kantu, B'Flow and Cactus Agony (far right) at the US Embassy in Lusaka during the Triple V Campaign in 2016

Triple V which stands for My Vote, My Voice, My Victory [20] was a voter [21][22] education project which used to motivate young and newly registered voters to go out and vote in the August 2016. Triple reached out to young voters through music and social media.

The project was working with B Flow,[23] Kan 2 and Dj 800 in undertaking roadshows. During the roadshows, the artists used to sensitise young people on the important of participating in elections.

Negative response

The campaign had been a successful program but in 2015 while in Mongu B-Flow and fellow Triple V members got some negative response as some fans ended up crashing B-Flow's car during the aftermath of the show.[24][25]

Young African leaders initiative

In 2015 the United States Embassy in Zambia, selected B Flow to represent Zambia in President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative ( Mandela Washington Fellowship ). He participated in the US government sponsored program for 3 months in different US cities.

"" And I know you’ve been busy. Over the past few weeks, at schools and businesses all across America, you’ve been taking courses, developing

the skills you’ll need to make your ideas a reality, so that you're able to continue the great work that you’re already doing, but take it to the next level. That’s what Brian Bwembya of Zambia plans to do. Where’s Brian? Where is he?

So Brian uses music to advocate against things like gender based violence and educate youths on HIV / AIDS . While in the US he has learnt about our health care system, met the Founder of the American H .I. V Organisation and now he plans to start a record label for music about social change. So Brian we are proud to be your partner "

— President Obama talking about B'Flow [26]

"" Woops! Did 3 interviews today; Voice of America (VOA), US National Public Radio (NPR) and CSSI. What have you guys been up to? Let's chat…Chant it on #MusicForChange [27] "" "" This is one of the happiest days of my life . I wish my mother was alive to witness this one ! " [28]

— B'Flow posting on his Facebook Page

During the program United States President Barack Obama addressed over 700 young Africans and [26] US officials and made a speech in which he endorsed B Flow [27][29] for his excellent work in using his music to advocate against gender based violence and educating youth on HIV/AIDS. President Obama also announced the formation of B Flow's record company. B Flow is first artist in the world to be endorsed [26] by a US president publicly. Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), also awarded B Flow a highly competitive Professional Development Experience (PDE) to work in the American music industry with US company, Okayafrica, in New York. American organisation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) [6] also appointed B Flow as global ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He is part of the organization's global 20 by 20 Campaign.

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Result
2009 Ngoma Awards Best Upcoming Artist of the Year Nominated
2009 Born and Bred Awards best Ragga Video Of The Year Nominated
2009 Hone Fm Best Upcoming Artist of the Year Nominated
2010 Radio Phoenix/Zain Best Collaboration Of The Year Nominated
2011 Radio Phoenix Best Song Of The Year Nominated
2011 Born & Bred Video Awards Best Conscious Video Won
2012 Born & Bred Video Awards Best Dance hall Video Won
2013 Zambian Music Awards Best Dancehall Artist Nominated
2014 Zambian Music Awards Best Mainstream Album Nominated
Best Collaboration Song Nominated
Best Dance hall Artist [30] Won
Best Dance hall Album Won
2014 Born & Bred Awards Best Conscious Video Nominated
Best Dance hall Video Nominated
Best Collaboration Video Nominated
Most Educative Album [31] Won
2017 Kwacha Music Awards[32][33][34][35] Best International Achievement Nominated
Best Humanitarian Award Won [35][32]
Best Artist (Central Province Nominated[35]
Best Conscious Song (Know Your Status) - B Flow & Just Slim Nominated [35]
2018 Kwacha Music Award Best International Achievement Award Won

Other Awards
  1. 2013 HIV/AIDS Awareness Ambassadors' Certificate- USAID Funded SHARe II Project
  2. 2014 Zambian representative at Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub(ARCH) Conference African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  3. 2015 Symbol of excellence-Unique positive stance in music - New York Mwape Peer Award
  4. 2018 Presidential Award from the Zambia Medical Association.[36][37]

Discography

Studio albums
List of studio albums, with selected information
Title Album details Certification
Mpu Mpu Mpu
Dabo Trabo
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
No More Kawilo
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Voiceless Woman
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Dear Mama[4][18]
  • Released: 2016
  • Label: Romaside/Chant-it-on Music & Media
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
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References
  1. "B'Flow's Bio". musicforchange.info. Admin. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  2. "B Flow Zambia's dancehall champion". BBC Africa. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  3. "10 Things I Love About Zambia". Okayafrica. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  4. "B Flow Releases New Album – Dear Mama". MWAPE CHISAKA. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  5. "Radio interview on Norway National Radio". ZedWay. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  6. "Brian Bwembya Kasoka (B Flow)". Irex.org. Archived from the original on 2016-05-07. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  7. "B Flow Biography". Zambian Music Blog. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  8. "Flow named global hero". Daily Mail. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  9. "Ending violence in 16 days: United Nations agency shows shocking advert of woman using make-up to show violence". independent. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  10. "Sixteen voices for change". independent. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  11. "Some Major Appearances". Streetjamz9ja. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  12. "The Weekend in Pictures". Lusaka Times. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  13. "13 Zambian artistes appointed SHARE/USAID ambassadors". HivShareSpace. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  14. US President Obama ‘shouts out’ Zambian artiste B-Flow Archived 2016-04-24 at the Wayback Machine, Zambian Eye, 5 August 2015
  15. "Barack and Michelle Obama Are Returning to Inspire in a Major Way This Fall". InStyle. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  16. Obama Foundation Summit, Obama.org, 25 September 2017
  17. Obama B Flow Invited Again By Barack Obama To Launch The Obama Foundation., echomusicblog.com, 25 September 2017
  18. "B-Flow launches 'Dear Mama'". Zambia Daily Mail. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  19. "Demand peaceful elections-Schultz". Stuart Lisulo. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  20. "Bflow rocks hometown Kabwe the Triple V Concert". Triple V Blog site. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  21. "CSO Coalition launches 'Triple V campaign'". Q FM Zambia. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  22. "It's triple V for ZNWL: my Voice, my Vote, my Victory". Tiozambia.com. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  23. "Mongu Triple V concert on tomorrow". Terence Miselo. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  24. "Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow". Lusaka Times. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  25. "Triple V Mongu outing ends ugly for B Flow". Zambian News. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  26. "Brian Bwembya recognized by President Obama". Zambia Embassy. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  27. "Zambia Musician Gets Shoutout From President Obama for Highlighting Struggle Against HIV/Aids". Globalvoices.org. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  28. "B-Flow Thanks Obama". Kitwe Times. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  29. "B Flow Thanks Obama For Recognising Him". Zambian Eye. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  30. "ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards". Zambian Music Charts. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  31. "ZMAs 2014 An evening of music and awards". UKZambians. Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  32. "2017 Kwacha Music Awards | Complete Winners List". Zambian Music Blog. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  33. "2017 Kwacha Music Awards Nominations". Kwacha Music Awards. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  34. "Voting Kicks Off In the 1st Kwacha Music Awards". X-duey. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  35. "Sun FM Unveils "2017 Kwacha Music Awards" Check out the Nominees". Zambian Music Blog. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  36. Phill (December 16, 2018). "B'Flow Receives Zambia Medical Association's Artist Recognition Award presented by Pres. Edgar C. Lungu". Zambian Music Blog. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  37. Terence (17 December 2018). "Zma Award Cheers B Flow". dailynation.info. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
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