Entertainment
Kopala shows up for Danny Kaya festival
Turned up over the weekend for the eighth edition of the Danny Kaya Music Festival, hosted at the Waterfront.
Picture: Times of Zambia
The Kopala edition of the festival featured notable performances and appearances by household names in the Zambian entertainment industry, alongside up-and-coming artists who warmed up the stage for the main stars.
Among the opening acts was DJ-turned-musician, So Sick.
Apart from the headliner, the lineup of artists who wowed the massive crowd near the Kabwe River included Judy Yo, Mampi, Ty2, and General Ozzy. Each supporting act brought their A-game, delivering stellar stage performances.
Danny Kaya, who had just celebrated his daughter Niza’s 21st birthday, expressed his gratitude to Ndola fans for turning out in large numbers. He noted that the city always provides him with his most enthusiastic crowds, adding that he owed them an unforgettable show.
True to his word, Danny Kaya belted out a wide selection of songs from his 10 albums, performing for more than two hours without showing any signs of fatigue.
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He treated the audience to hits like As Long AsNaiweYakwimbuyo, and Neliya, while patrons reciprocated by dancing and singing along.
After 01:00, Danny Kaya changed the tempo, dedicating the final segment of the show to a tribute set for the late, celebrated artist Dandy Krazy.
Dandy Krazy tragically passed away in a road traffic accident on the Luasaka-Ndola Road during the Christmas holiday a few years ago while en route to a performance in Kitwe.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kopala! Wow! Just wow! The energy, the love, the singing along… mamama! Fire for fire. Indeed, we are reliving the moments of yesterday,” Danny Kaya said as he left the stage in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Prior to Danny Kaya taking the stage, yesteryear music powerhouse Ty2, crowd favourite General Ozzy, Judy Yo, and the “Queen Diva” Mampi thrilled the massive crowd.
The venue was electric as Ty2 performed Smile and Nikukonde, General Ozzy sang Don’t Give Up, Judy Yo delivered Chikawama, and Mampi hyped the crowd with Similiya
All the artists on the lineup did justice to the festival, which continues to be praised for providing a premier platform for homegrown Zambian talent and local music.
This coming weekend, on September 5, 2026, the party shifts to the capital city, where the Lusaka edition of the eighth Danny Kaya Music Festival will take place at the Lusaka Showgrounds, Polo Field.
Danny Kaya will be supported on stage by Angela Nyerize, Izrael, Ty2, General Ozzy, Mampi, and Judy Yo.
Source: Times of Zambia — Read more
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