Veteran Zambian artist Petersen Zagaze returns with his brand-new studio album “Escalation,” released ahead of the 2026 edition of Zaga Fest, scheduled for 26 September.
The 14-track project finds Zagaze firmly in his element, bringing together the distinctive sound, storytelling and subject matter that have characterised his music throughout his career. Escalation serves as another showcase of the veteran artist’s versatility and longevity, allowing him to explore different themes while remaining true to the musical identity that has defined his journey.
Across the project, Zagaze continues to demonstrate the ability to tell stories through music while navigating different subject matters. The album gives listeners another opportunity to experience the qualities that have kept his music relevant throughout his career.
Escalation also features collaborations with Floxy Zambia and Blood Kid YVOK, bringing different voices and textures to the 14-track project. The collaborations add another dimension to an album that otherwise keeps Zagaze at the centre of the musical experience.
The timing of the release makes the album even more significant, arriving just weeks before Zaga Fest 2026. With the new project now available, fans heading to the 26 September celebration will have a fresh body of work to experience alongside the music that has defined Zagaze’s career.
For an artist with such a long-standing presence in Zambian music, Escalation serves as another reminder of Zagaze’s ability to continue creating, evolving and connecting with his audience while maintaining the identity that fans have come to know.
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