Ja Rule governs African Music Experience 2026

By Derrick Sinjela
Supper American heavyweight in the history of worldwide Hip Hop and Rhythms and Blues, Ja Rule is coming to Lusaka @AfricaMusicExperience on Monday, 23rd May 2026.

During a Thursday, 2nd April 2026 Second Edition of the African Music Experience 2026 Press Briefing at Zambezi Lifestyle Lounge, Eastpark Shopping Mall, Theresa Big Time Events, National Arts Council (NAC) chair lady, Ms. Maureen Lilanda, Zambia Tourism Agency (ZRA) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Ms. Amanda Mwendaweli Chipungu saw the forthcoming event as placing Zambia on the global tourism and hospitality pedestal.

The inaugural (first) African Music Experience 2025 was headlined by renowned Congolese musician Fally Ipupa.

Talking local is Lakah, artistes; Roberto, Chef 187, Xaven, K’Millian, James Sakala, DISMO
and Jay Cash will share the entertainment stage with international peers.
In her speech, Ms. Amanda Mwendaweli Chipungu applauded the African Music Experience 2026 as an exciting and strategic occasion for both Zambia’s tourism and creative industries.
“Today’s gathering and Press Briefing, held here at the Zambezi Lifestyle Lounge for the African Music Experience 2026, marks a big contribution to what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and culture. As you may be aware, Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema launched the national brand campaign dubbed: “Zambia Moves You”. This campaign cuts across tourism, investment, agriculture, mining, and energy. But at its core and what aligns directly with this initiative is tourism and culture. Because Zambia does not just move you through what you see, Zambia moves you through what you feel. And nothing moves people more than music and culture. That is why the African Music Experience is not just an event, it is a strategic tourism driver aligned to the Zambia Moves You campaign,” explained Ms. Mwendaweli Chipungu
In addition, the chosen ‘Zambia Moves You campaign’ tagline positions Zambia as a cultural and entertainment destination, stimulates domestic tourism, increases international arrivals and contributes to Zambia’s tourism product, and, extends visitor stay and spend in Zambia.
“Zambia Tourism Agency is pleased to note the inclusion of local artists in the program. The performance of internationally acclaimed artists such as Ja Rule, alongside some of Zambia’s talent, is highly strategic. It provides international visibility for Zambia, creates global exposure for our local artists, and strengthens the competitiveness of our music industry,” Ms. Mwendaweli Chipungu said.
In line with Zambia Tourism Agency mandate to market the country as a destination of choice, will be hosting the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) from the 4th to the 6th of June 2026.
“This is a platform that provides for engagement with international, regional and local tourism buyers and larger stakeholder business engagements and government ministries and agencies, further providing an opportunity for entertainment and cultural show casing. We invite the private sector which includes those in entertainment and the creative industries, to register as exhibitors at the ZATEX on the ZATEX website,” Ms.Mwendaweli Chipungu said.

Ms.Mwendaweli Chipungu equally invited the general public to attend the Consumer Day on Saturday, 6thJune 2026, where music, culture, and tourism will come together in one vibrant experience.

In addition, ZTA together with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) will host the Livingstone Cultural and Arts Festival (LICAF) from the 10th to 11th April in Livingstone,” said Ms. Mwendaweli Chipungu.
Ms. Mwendaweli Chipungu is eager to witness the main African Music Experience Ja Rule concert, bringing together local and international artistes on one stage, right here in Zambia, creating unforgettable moments that will resonate across borders.

” ZTA, allow me to sincerely thank the organizers of the African Music Experience for this outstanding initiative. We will be ready to warmly welcome Ja Rule and extend our deepest appreciation to all the artists performing at the show for choosing Zambia as your stage,” advised Ms. Mwendaweli Chipungu. – Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ).