Music overcomes borders

Voices soar upwards. One is higher than the other. Music starts, Anna and Owen laugh as Chrispin ends their little competition of who has the highest vocal range with a spontaneous vocal interlude to music from his smartphone.

When two musicians meet

Chrispin Lindunda is a well-known tenor in Zambia. He began his singing career in the New Apostolic Church, later taking a masterclass with a professional voice coach and also performing at concerts outside the Church. And he enjoyed going to concerts. For example, when Anna Lapwood, the famous organist from Great Britain, performed with the Chapel Choir of Pembroke College in Zambia. “Apparently I was singing to myself after the concert. That’s how Anna became aware of me.”

Anna Lapwood has become famous through social media, particularly her midnight practising sessions at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She is not only a conductor, but also an organist, broadcaster, and the youngest Director of Music at Pembroke College (Cambridge). She is also an associate artist at the Royal Albert Hall (London) and an artist in association with the BBC Singers. The 28-year-old has already released two solo organ albums and is particularly popular with a young audience. And she loves to share her passion for music. For example with Chrispin, with whom she stayed in contact after getting to know him musically.

Helping young talent along

In 2022, Chrispin and Anna arranged to meet for a music session. Chrispin had previously met Owen Kasonda in Lusaka and was impressed by his voice. “Having identified Owen as a rare voice, I felt it was right to introduce him to Anna Lapwood, and she was amazed.” They met to sing together in the large building of the Olympia congregation in Lusaka. Anna also attended a youth service together with Owen and Chrispin. However, the three of them moved to the Anglican church to use the organ there.

“The New Apostolic Church is the reason why I’ve come this far,” says Chrispin. “But not every member gets such an opportunity as I did.” That is why he also wanted to give others a chance, he said. “That is why I wanted to introduce Owen, and anyone else who is following the path I’ve taken, to the outside world. Who knows, they might strike it lucky.”

Not a single singing lesson

Owen sings tenor and, thanks to Chrispin’s encouragement, even countertenor—a register higher. The 37-year-old taxi driver had not had a single day of singing lessons before he was supported by Chrispin and Anna. “I learned to sing in church, in the choir,” he says. And then he went on YouTube and taught himself. “I never had the opportunity to go to music school, which I wanted to do.” Owen simply couldn’t afford it.

“I almost gave up singing because I thought it wasn’t going to get me anywhere.” Although he enjoys conducting, gives voice training, and has guest appearances with various New Apostolic choirs in Zambia, the most he receives is reimbursement for his travelling expenses. But then Anna arrived. She shared her musical knowledge as far as she could and motivated him again.

Owen always shared his self-acquired knowledge with the choirs. He would love to take singing lessons. “Because then I could teach others at a professional level.” He would love to make singing his profession. Anna motivates him to pursue this dream. “Because she loves music and because she realised that I have a talent.”

Everyone who likes to make music comes together

Sitali Sitali is another talent. The 30-year-old is an organist in the New Apostolic congregation of Lusaka-Central. “In my home congregation in Choma we got an organ in 2012 and I became the first young organist and have been playing ever since.” He studied music at the University of Rusangu in Monze and has already performed on organs in other churches and at concerts. He is also happy to pass on his skills to his brothers and sisters. He published clips from an organ workshop in the congregation of Ndola on his Facebook page. “Anna Lapwood discovered my post and contacted me with a request to organise an organ workshop with her here in Zambia.”

At the beginning of September 2023, fifteen organists came together in our church in Ndola. “Anna basically taught about musicianship and gave a few tips on how to become a good organist,” says Sitali. “She also performed the pieces she has been working on. Each of the participants was also given a chance to perform a piece they have been working on.”

At the beginning of September 2023, fifteen organists came together in our church in Ndola. “Anna basically taught about musicianship and gave a few tips on how to become a good organist,” says Sitali. “She also performed the pieces she has been working on. Each of the participants was also given a chance to perform a piece they have been working on.”

With Anna at the organ, the three Zambian tenors sang duets or solos or together. Owen sang “Amazing Grace” by Dottie Rambo, “Ombra mai fu” by Handel and many other pieces. And Anna was there at the organ coaching along the way. He particularly enjoys singing Christian songs. “Most of the songs I sing are from our Church.”

Owen realised that he had improved since last year. This was also confirmed by the others. If he stays focussed, Owen could one day earn money with his singing, says Chrispin. “He has great talent.”