Former Zone Fam Rapper Reveals Why the Group Went Separate Ways
Zambian rap heavyweight Jay Rox, once a member of the iconic hip-hop group Zone Fam, has finally set the record straight on why the group parted ways. Zone Fam, which consisted of Jay Rox, Dope G (Sam Sakala), Thugga (Tim), and Yung Verbal, dominated the airwaves in the early 2010s with smash hits like “Shaka Zulu On ‘Em” and “Contolola”. Their success earned them international recognition, including winning Best Music Video at the Channel O Awards and being honored at the Global African Music Awards (GAMA) for Best African Group.
Despite their massive success, Zone Fam disbanded a few years later, with each member pursuing solo careers. For years, rumors swirled about the reasons behind the split, with fans speculating on internal conflicts. However, in a candid interview on the Kenny T 1 On 1 Podcast, Jay Rox revealed the truth: the group’s heavy investments in music were not yielding enough financial returns to sustain them. This economic strain led each artist to make the tough decision of going separate ways to secure their individual futures.
While Zone Fam may no longer be active, their impact on the Zambian music industry remains undeniable. They paved the way for many contemporary acts by putting Zambian hip-hop on the regional and international map. Jay Rox’s explanation finally gives closure to fans who have long wondered why one of Zambia’s most successful music groups ended.
Catch Jay Rox’s full interview on the Kenny T 1 On 1 Podcast to hear more insights about his journey and Zone Fam’s legacy.
20
20
