Namvula is a singer and songwriter whose artistic journey is an exploration of cultural intersections and heartfelt storytelling. Her music reflects the nuances and complexities of her mixed Zambian and Scottish heritage, and a restlessness born of her diasporic upbringing.
She takes inspiration from the deep grooves of Africa, the lyrical sensibility of folk-pop, and the improvisational freedom of jazz. She sings about the beauty and ugliness of life, its creativity, its tenderness and cruelty. The inspiring stories and influences of strong women who populate her lineage have informed her interest in and sensitivity to politics including feminism, the climate emergency, and migration.
Namvula’s reflections on In Motion:
“Having space to sit with, play with, dive into, pull the edges, shape and reshape ideas that are bubbling under the surface has been so exciting; exploring how to bridge artistic forms and discover new artistic possibilities for my creative expression; and to do this within a network of support has been wonderful. The multifaceted support that In Motion provides has been invaluable – particularly the process developing and exploring new elements. I was able to really dig deep, understanding my own musical language for communicating my ideas to the musicians I work with”