Exile AKA Izreal : Biography and Profile

Exile AKA Izrael is a Zambian music artist whose real names are Kangwa Kapamba. He is an R&B singer, songwriter and occasional music producer who is widely recognised for his contribution to the growth of Zambia’s music industry. Undoubtedly, he is among the country’s most accomplished musicians, having built a career spanning several years and worked with numerous established artists. He is also regarded as one of Zambia’s most featured musicians, thanks to his songwriting abilities, collaborations and versatility.

He came onto the Zambian music scene with his debut album, So Lucky, released in 2003. The album became a classic and is considered one of the most memorable projects in the history of Zambian R&B. It featured popular songs such as So Lucky, Walimbikila, Teti, Kunvele Nimvela, Tikakumana and Oxygen.

The success of the album established Exile as a household name, with his music enjoying considerable airplay and attracting a strong following. Two songs from the project, So Lucky and Walimbikila, earned him Song of the Year recognition on the Radio Phoenix Local Rhythms countdown in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

His success continued with the release of his second studio album, Siku Yalelo, in 2005. The album featured songs such as Siku Yalelo, Tamwalale, Kuseni and It’s Alright, featuring K’Millian. The project further cemented his position as one of Zambia’s leading R&B singers, with its title track becoming particularly popular.

He later released Nkungulume in 2007 and 7 Days in 2010, making up a catalogue of four major albums from his early secular music career. Other memorable songs from these projects include Nkungulume, Dat Girl Is Nice, Mweleleko, Nga Ni Luv and Nganalikwebele.

Apart from his successful solo career, Exile has worked with several prominent musicians in Zambia, both as a featured artist and behind the scenes as a songwriter and composer. He has contributed to the music of established acts such as JK, Black Muntu, Joe Chibangu, Shatel, CQ, Ruff Kid, Afunika and the late Lily T, among others.

His ability to write music and work with artists from different musical backgrounds has made him a respected figure within the industry. His contribution to Zambian music extends beyond his own albums, as he has also played a role in helping other musicians develop their sound and musical careers.

In 2014, Exile made a major change in his musical journey when he publicly embraced Christianity and adopted the name Izrael. Together with his wife, fellow musician Nalu, he announced his decision to pursue gospel music full-time, marking a new chapter in his career.

He subsequently released a gospel album titled From Exile to Izrael, which reflected his spiritual transformation and change in musical direction. Although the transition meant moving away from the secular R&B music that had made him famous, he continued using his musical talent to reach audiences through a different message.

Despite the changes in his musical direction, Exile’s earlier songs have continued to enjoy recognition among Zambian music lovers. Songs such as So Lucky, Walimbikila, Siku Yalelo and Kunvele Nimvela remain memorable classics, particularly among people who grew up listening to Zambian music in the early 2000s.

His journey from Exile to Izrael remains one of the notable transformations in Zambia’s entertainment industry. From producing classic R&B hits to writing songs for fellow musicians and eventually embracing gospel music, Exile AKA Izrael has built a career that has left a lasting mark on Zambian music.