Famous Zambian People

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 1 
Kenneth Kaunda
23
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 28, 1924
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Chinsali
Died: June 17, 2021

Kenneth Kaunda is a Zambian former politician. He served as the first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. A major figure in Zambia’s struggle for independence from British rule, he became the first president of independent Zambia. As the president, he implemented many educational and economic reforms to accelerate the rate of modernization in the country.

 2 
Dambisa Moyo
(Economist)
Dambisa Moyo
4
Birthdate: February 2, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lusaka
 3 
Denise Chaila
(Irish and Zambian Rapper)
Denise Chaila
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthplace: Chikankata
 4 
Rupiah Banda
(Former President of the Republic of Zambia)
Rupiah Banda
6
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 13, 1937
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Gwanda

Former Zambian president Rupiah Banda is known for his efforts to reduce corruption. Born in Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, he was sponsored by a preacher and later studied at the Rusangu University in Zambia. He made headlines when he married his second wife, who was 30 years his junior.

 5 
Levy Mwanawasa
(Member of Parliament)
Levy Mwanawasa
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 3, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mufulira
Died: August 19, 2008
Levy Mwanawasa was a Zambian politician who served as the third president of Zambia from 2002 until his death in 2008. His presidency was marked by a campaign, which was initiated by him, to eliminate corruption in Zambia. His anti-corruption drive attracted the interest of many foreign investors, which played a major role in improving the economic conditions in Zambia.
 6 
Frederick Chiluba
(Second President of Zambia (1991 – 2002))
Frederick Chiluba
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 30, 1943
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kitwe
Died: June 18, 2011

Frederick Chiluba was a Zambian politician best remembered for his service as the President of Zambia from 2 November 1991 to 2 January 2002. After leaving office, he became the subject of an arduous investigation regarding alleged corruption. He even went on trial and was acquitted in 2009.

 7 
Macky 2
(Musician)
Macky 2
4
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 10, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Luanshya
 8 
Barbra Banda
(Zambian Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Barbra Banda
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 20, 2000
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lusaka
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 9 
Inonge Wina
(The First Woman to Serve as the Vice President of Zambia)
Inonge Wina
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 2, 1941
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Senanga

Inonge Wina is a Zambian politician who became the highest ranking woman in Zambian history in 2015 when she was elected to serve as the Vice President of Zambia, a position which she held until 2021. An important politician, Wina has also served as the Minister of Gender and Child Development and as the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.

 10 
Michael Sata
(Fifth President of Zambia (2011 – 2014))
Michael Sata
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 6, 1937
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Mpika
Died: October 28, 2014

Michael Sata was a Zambian politician best remembered for his service as the fifth President of Zambia from 2011 until his death in 2014. He also served as the leader of a major political party called the Patriotic Front (PF). A social democrat, Michael Sata was praised for his strong values and admirable abilities as a politician. 

 11 
Paul Ngozi
(Singer)
Paul Ngozi
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 10, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lusaka
Died: 1989 AD
 12 
Lily Tembo
(Musician)
Lily Tembo
2
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 20, 1981
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kabwe
Died: September 14, 2009
 13 
Chef 187
(Musician)
Chef 187
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 23, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Chingola
 14 
Mampi
(Singer)
Mampi
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 4, 1986
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lusaka
 15 
Peter Dickinson
(Author)
Peter Dickinson
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 16, 1927
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Livingstone
Died: December 16, 2015
 16 
Victoria Kalima
(Zambian Politician)
Victoria Kalima
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kitwe
Died: June 11, 2018

Victoria Kalima was a Zambian politician best remembered for her service as the Minister of Gender from 6 October 2016 until her death on 11 June 2018. During her political career, Victoria Kalima spoke against social evils such as child marriages and was an activist against gender inequality.

 17 
Nkandu Luo
(Zambian Politician and Microbiologist Who is Known for Her Extensive Research into HIV/AIDS)
Nkandu Luo
1
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 21, 1951
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chinsali

Nkandu Luo is a Zambian politician and microbiologist. She is best known for her extensive research into HIV/AIDS at the University Teaching Hospital, where she was the former Head of Pathology and Microbiology. An important politician, Luo has held various ministerial offices, including the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Higher Education, and Ministry of Gender and Child Development.

 18 
Mainza Chona
(Former Vice-President & Former Prime Minister of Zambia)
Mainza Chona
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 21, 1930
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Monze
Died: December 11, 2001

Mainza Chona was a Zambian diplomat and politician. He is remembered for his service as the Vice-President of Zambia from October 1970 to August 1973. Mainza Chona also served as the first Prime Minister of Zambia from 25 August 1973 to 27 May 1975. He then served as the prime minister again from 20 July 1977 to 15 June 1978. 

 19 
Betty Kaunda
(Kenneth Kaunda's wife)
Betty Kaunda
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: November 17, 1928
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chinsali
Died: September 18, 2012
 20 
Thandiwe Banda
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Thandiwe Banda
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthplace: Zambia

Thandiwe Banda is a Zambian educator and political science teacher. She is also known as the widow of former President of Zambia, Rupiah Banda, as she served as Zambia's first lady during Rupiah Banda's presidential term from 19 August 2008 to 23 September 2011. Thandiwe Banda was the youngest First Lady in the history of Zambia. 

 21 
Namwali Serpell
(Writer)
Namwali Serpell
0
Birthdate: 1980 AD
Birthplace: Lusaka
 22 
Margaret Mwanakatwe
(Zambian Politician & Former Minister of Finance)
Margaret Mwanakatwe
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 1, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Northern Rhodesia

Margaret Mwanakatwe is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the Minister of Finance from February 2018 to July 2019. Prior to holding the office of the finance ministry, Mwanakatwe served as the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry from 2015 to 2018. Previously, Margaret Mwanakatwe worked as a bank executive and accountant. 

 23 
Amon Simutowe
(Chess player)
Amon Simutowe
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 6, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mbala
 24 
Charlotte Harland Scott
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Charlotte Harland Scott
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: November 13, 1963
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Blackheath

Charlotte Harland Scott is a British-born Zambian social development and economic specialist. She is best known for her service as the Acting First Lady of Zambia from 2014 to 2015, during which her husband Guy Scott served as the interim president of Zambia.

 25 
Kabange Mupopo
(Zambian Sprinter and Football Midfielder)
Kabange Mupopo
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 21, 1992
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lusaka
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 26 
Lewanika
(King)
Lewanika
1
Birthdate: 1842 AD
Birthplace: Nyengo Swamp
Died: 1916 AD
 27 
Rozalla
(Musician)
Rozalla
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 18, 1964
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ndola
 28 
Christine Kaseba
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Christine Kaseba
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1959 AD
Birthplace: Zambia

Christine Kaseba is a Zambian surgeon, physician, and politician. She is perhaps best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 23 September 2011 until her husband President Michael Sata's demise on October 28, 2014. Christine Kaseba is currently serving as Zambian Ambassador to France. As a physician, she specializes in gynecology and obstetrics.

 29 
Henry Tayali
(Artist)
Henry Tayali
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: November 22, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Serenje
Died: July 22, 1987
 30 
Maureen Mwanawasa
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Maureen Mwanawasa
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 28, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kabwe
Maureen Mwanawasa is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 2 January 2002 until her husband's demise on 19 August 2008. She has also served as the president of a not-for-profit organization called Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA). She is also credited with founding the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative.  
 31 
Mizinga Melu
(Businesswoman)
Mizinga Melu
0
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: March 17, 1968
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mazabuka
 32 
Sylvia Masebo
(Zambian Politician and Former Minister of Health)
Sylvia Masebo
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 7, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Zambia

Sylvia Masebo is a Zambian politician and entrepreneur. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Health from 2005 to 2006. She first came into prominence in the 1990s when she served as the Deputy Mayor of Lusaka. In 2021, Sylvia Masebo was appointed as the Minister of Health, marking her second term in the office.

 33 
Lottie Mwale
(Zambian Light Heavyweight-Class Boxer)
Lottie Mwale
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 14, 1952
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kitwe
Died: October 18, 2005
 34 
Esther Lungu
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Esther Lungu
4
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: June 2, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Zambia

Esther Lungu is a Zambian public figure best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 2015 to 2021. During her tenure as Zambia's First Lady, Lungu focused on campaigns against child marriage. Esther Lungu is currently serving as the chairman of the Esther Lungu Foundation, which aims at empowering Zambian women and children.

 35 
Cleo Ice Queen
(Musician)
Cleo Ice Queen
5
Birthdate: June 14, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lusaka
 36 
Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
(Media personality)
Brian Mumba Kasoka Bwembya
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 12, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kabwe
 37 
Sydney Siame
(Zambian Sprinter)
Sydney Siame
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 7, 1997
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Isoka
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 38 
Brenda Muntemba
(Zambian Diplomat, Author, and Teacher)
Brenda Muntemba
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 2, 1970
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Kitwe
Died: March 19, 2019

Brenda Muntemba was a Zambian diplomat who was involved in a fatal accident in 2019 when she was serving as the Zambian High Commissioner to Kenya. A multi-talented personality, she also worked as a teacher at Leopards Hill High School between 1993 and 1995. Brenda Muntemba also authored four motivational books before passing away at the age of 48.

 39 
Petersen Zagaze
(Singer)
Petersen Zagaze
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 28, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lusaka
 40 
Vera Tembo
(Former First Lady of Zambia)
Vera Tembo
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 25, 1953
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Zambia

Vera Tembo is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 1991 to 2001. Her separation and eventual divorce from Frederick Chiluba attracted a lot of attention, an experience which she later termed as humiliating. Vera Tembo made a comeback in 2006 when she was elected to the National Assembly from Kasenengwa constituency.

 41 
KB Killa Beats
(Record producer)
KB Killa Beats
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 20, 1983
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lusaka
 42 
PilAto
(Recording artist)
PilAto
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 6, 1984
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Ndola
 43 
Edith Nawakwi
(The First Woman to Serve as the Minister of Finance in Zambia)
Edith Nawakwi
0
Birthdate: 1959 AD
Birthplace: Mwenzo

Edith Nawakwi is a Zambian politician and economist. In 1998, she became the first woman to serve as the Minister of Finance in Zambia. In 2005, Edith Nawakwi also became the first Zambian woman to serve as party president when she was elected as the president of the Forum for Democracy and Development.              

 44 
Prince Mumba
(Zambian Former Track and Field Athlete)
Prince Mumba
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kitwe
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 45 
Catherine Phiri
(Zambian Professional Boxer)
Catherine Phiri
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 1, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lusaka
 46 
Jordan Katembula
(Singer)
Jordan Katembula
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: 1978 AD
Birthplace: Ndola
 47 
Felix Bwalya
(Zambian Boxer)
Felix Bwalya
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 27, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chingola
Died: December 23, 1997
 48 
Monica Musonda
(Zambian Businesswoman and Lawyer)
Monica Musonda
0
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: 1976 AD
Birthplace: Zambia
 49 
Dora Siliya
(Zambian Politician Who Has Held Various Ministerial Positions)
Dora Siliya
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 8, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kitwe

Dora Siliya is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the former Minister of Communication and Broadcasting. An important politician, Siliya has also held various ministerial positions, such as the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Energy and Water Development. In 2018, Dora Siliya was appointed as the Minister of Information by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

 50 
Grace Chanda
(Zambian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder and Forward)
Grace Chanda
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 11, 1997
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Zambia
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Much famous for its vibrant dance routines and folk songs, it comes as no surprise that the country gave birth to dancers and singers such as B FLOW Zambia, Leo "K'millian" Moyo, Mwesa Isaiah Mapoma, and Paul Ngozi. Other prominent entities who have made their nation proud in diverse fields are artists Henry Tayali and David Fairbaird, authors Binwell Sinyangwe and Wilbur Smith, and chess player Amon Simutowe. This section provides you information about the life and works of famous Zambians.