Xaven The Kopala Queen Biography – Zambian Female Rapper Story
Xaven The Kopala Queen, born Rachel Chakwa Mwewa, stands as one of Zambia’s most prominent female rappers and a trailblazer for women in Zambian hip-hop. Rising from the Copperbelt to national fame, Xaven has shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated industry, becoming the first female artist from the Copperbelt to win Zambian Female Artist of the Year. Her story is one of talent, determination, family influence, and breaking barriers while maintaining authenticity to her roots.
Quick Facts
Real Name: Rachel Chakwa Mwewa
Stage Name: Xaven The Kopala Queen
Born: May 29, 1991 (Age: 33 years old in 2025)
Birthplace: Mufulira, Copperbelt, Zambia
Hometown: Chingola, Copperbelt
Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Label: Nexus Music Entertainment
Management: Jerahyo (alongside Chanda Na Kay)
Husband: Nez Long (Zambian rapper/singer)
Cousin: Y Celeb (biological first cousin)
Education: Marketing degree, University of Lusaka (full scholarship from Nexus Entertainment)
Early Life and Family Background
Xaven The Kopala Queen was born Rachel Chakwa Mwewa on May 29, 1991, in Mufulira, one of the major mining towns on Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. She later relocated to Chingola, another Copperbelt town, where she would grow up surrounded by the mining culture and urban life that would influence her music.
Coming from a musically inclined family, Xaven is the biological first cousin of Y Celeb, one of Zambia’s most controversial and successful rappers. This family connection to music proved instrumental in shaping her career path. From a young age, Xaven had a passion for music, heavily influenced by her elder brother Y Celeb (though sources vary on whether he’s her brother or cousin, they are definitely close family), who started his music career at an early age and became a major figure in Zambian hip-hop.
Growing up on the Copperbelt, Xaven experienced the unique culture of Zambia’s mining region—a place known for producing some of the country’s grittiest and most authentic hip-hop. The Copperbelt’s distinct identity, separate from the capital Lusaka, would later become central to her brand as “The Kopala Queen.”
Education and Balancing Career
While in high school in Mpongwe, Xaven engaged in freestyle music, inspired by Y Celeb’s contribution to the Zambian music scene. These early freestyle sessions honed her skills and built her confidence as a performer and lyricist.
Remarkably, Xaven has successfully balanced her academic pursuits with her music career. As of 2021, she was pursuing a Marketing degree at the University of Lusaka (Unilus) on a full scholarship from Nexus Music Entertainment. This scholarship demonstrated the label’s belief in developing their artists holistically, not just as musicians but as educated professionals capable of understanding the business side of entertainment.
Her pursuit of a Marketing degree particularly aligns well with her music career, giving her insights into branding, promotion, and the commercial aspects of the music industry—knowledge that has likely contributed to her successful career management.
The Origin of “Xaven The Kopala Queen”
The name “Xaven” itself holds special significance. According to the artist, she chose the name to personify a high attitude, which serves as a source of confidence for her. The unique spelling and pronunciation set her apart in an industry where memorable branding is crucial.
The moniker “Kopala Queen,” however, has an interesting origin story. In an interview with ZMB Talks, Xaven shed light on how this title came to be. According to her, the name was not a deliberate creation but a spontaneous expression during a recording session.
“I was recording this one time and I needed something to just hype me up when going into the verse… I said the Kopala Queen and that pretty much was how the name came up,” she explained.
What started as an ad-lib to pump herself up during a recording became her signature title. Others began referring to her as “The Kopala Queen,” and she embraced it warmly. The title perfectly encapsulates her identity as a proud representative of the Copperbelt (Kopala in local slang) and her position as the leading female rapper from that region.
Musical Journey and Breakthrough
Early Career
Xaven’s musical journey began at a tender age, but like many artists, she spent years developing her craft before achieving mainstream recognition. Her early years were characterized by underground freestyle sessions and building a local following on the Copperbelt.
The 2019 Turning Point: Chef 187 Lip-Sync Video
In 2019, Xaven gained significant recognition through a lip-sync video where she mimicked Chef 187, one of Zambia’s most respected rappers. This video became a significant turning point in her career, showcasing her charisma, humor, and ability to command attention on camera.
The viral success of this video caught Chef 187’s attention, leading to a career-defining collaboration. She was featured on Chef 187’s “Bon Appetit” album on a song called “Ninfika Mu City” (or simply “Mu City”). This collaboration with one of Zambian hip-hop’s biggest names gave Xaven credibility and introduced her to Chef’s massive fanbase.
Breakthrough Singles
Xaven’s breakthrough came with the release of singles such as “Ndine Woloweshe” and “Adedesha,” which not only garnered significant attention but also propelled her to national recognition. These songs showcased her unique flow, clever wordplay, and ability to create catchy hooks while maintaining authentic hip-hop sensibilities.
The success of these tracks established Xaven as more than just Y Celeb’s cousin or a female rapper with viral videos—she was a legitimate talent with commercial appeal and artistic substance.
Collaborations and Musical Range
Family Collaboration with Y Celeb
Xaven collaborated with her cousin Y Celeb, resulting in a chart-topping track that demonstrated their chemistry and the power of family connections in music. This collaboration benefited both artists, with Y Celeb’s established fanbase giving Xaven exposure while her fresh perspective and female voice added new dimensions to Y Celeb’s music.
International Reach
Xaven has also collaborated with various local and international artists, including:
- Bwiza from Rwanda – Expanding her reach into East African markets
- Driemo from Malawi – The collaboration “Imagine” showcased cross-border appeal
- Chef 187 – Multiple collaborations including “Ninfika Mu City” and “Kuifililwa”
These international collaborations demonstrate Xaven’s growing influence beyond Zambian borders and her ability to work with diverse artists across different markets.
Awards and Recognition
2022: Historic Win
In 2022, Xaven achieved a historic milestone by winning Zambian Female Artist of the Year at the Diamond TV Personality Awards. This achievement was particularly significant as she became the first female artist from the Copperbelt to win the award, breaking the dominance of Lusaka-based female artists.
This award validated years of hard work and proved that talent from the Copperbelt could compete and win on the national stage. For many young female artists from the Copperbelt, Xaven’s win represented hope and inspiration.
Marriage to Nez Long
Xaven is married to Nez Long, a fellow Zambian singer and rapper, creating one of Zambian hip-hop’s power couples. Nez Long, known for his melodic approach to rap and R&B-influenced style, complements Xaven’s harder-edged hip-hop sound.
Their marriage represents a union of two talented artists navigating the challenges of the music industry together. While both maintain their individual careers, they occasionally collaborate and support each other’s artistic endeavors.
The couple keeps their personal life relatively private, focusing public attention on their music rather than their relationship details.
Management and Label: Nexus Music Entertainment
Xaven is signed to Nexus Music Entertainment and is managed by Jerahyo, who also manages the popular duo Chanda Na Kay. This management structure has provided Xaven with professional support, strategic career guidance, and access to quality production resources.
Nexus Entertainment’s investment in Xaven goes beyond typical artist management. The full scholarship they provided for her university education demonstrates a commitment to long-term artist development rather than short-term exploitation. This approach has allowed Xaven to build a sustainable career while developing skills that will serve her beyond her performing years.
Musical Style and Impact
Lyrical Themes
Xaven’s music addresses various themes including:
- Female empowerment in a male-dominated industry
- Copperbelt pride and regional identity
- Relationships and love from a female perspective
- Hustle and ambition in the music business
- Street life and urban experiences
Flow and Delivery
Xaven possesses a distinctive flow that balances technical skill with commercial appeal. She can deliver rapid-fire verses that showcase lyrical dexterity while also crafting melodic hooks that make her songs radio-friendly. Her voice carries confidence and attitude, reflecting the “high attitude” she sought when choosing her stage name.
Breaking Barriers for Female Rappers
In Zambian hip-hop, female rappers face significant challenges including:
- Male-dominated industry infrastructure
- Limited radio play compared to male counterparts
- Stereotypes about female rappers’ abilities
- Pressure to sexualize image for commercial success
Xaven has navigated these challenges while maintaining authenticity. She dresses stylishly but doesn’t rely on hypersexualized imagery. She raps with technical skill rather than just relying on being a “female rapper.” Her success has opened doors for other aspiring female MCs from the Copperbelt and beyond.
Popular Songs and Discography
Hit Singles:
- “Ndine Woloweshe” (Breakthrough hit)
- “Adedesha” (Career-defining single)
- “Ninfika Mu City” (with Chef 187)
- “Kuifililwa” (with Chef 187)
- “Imagine” (with Driemo from Malawi)
- Various collaborations with Y Celeb
While Xaven hasn’t released a full album as of 2025, her consistent single releases and high-profile collaborations have maintained her relevance in the competitive Zambian music scene.
Current Status (2025)
At 33 years old, Xaven continues to be an active force in Zambian hip-hop. Having completed or nearly completed her Marketing degree, she’s positioned to take even greater control of her career trajectory with business knowledge complementing her artistic talent.
She remains signed to Nexus Music Entertainment and continues releasing music while balancing her role as a wife to Nez Long. Her influence extends beyond music to fashion and youth culture on the Copperbelt, where she serves as a role model for young women pursuing careers in entertainment.
Legacy and Impact
First Female Copperbelt Artist to Win National Award
Xaven’s 2022 win as Zambian Female Artist of the Year holds historical significance. The Copperbelt, despite producing numerous male hip-hop stars, had never produced a female artist who achieved this level of national recognition. Xaven’s win proved that female talent from outside Lusaka could compete and win on the national stage.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young female rappers from the Copperbelt and across Zambia cite Xaven as inspiration. She demonstrated that women can succeed in Zambian hip-hop without compromising their artistic integrity or relying solely on sex appeal.
Representing “Kopala”
Xaven has become synonymous with Copperbelt pride. Her “Kopala Queen” title isn’t just branding—it’s a declaration of regional identity in a music industry often dominated by Lusaka artists. She carries the Copperbelt flag with pride, ensuring her region receives recognition in national conversations about Zambian hip-hop.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Like many female artists in male-dominated industries, Xaven has faced:
- Skepticism about her abilities compared to male rappers
- Limited opportunities for female artists in Zambian hip-hop
- Balancing education with a demanding music career
- Industry politics and favoritism toward Lusaka-based artists
- Pressure to conform to stereotypical female rapper images
Her success despite these challenges makes her achievements even more impressive and her story more inspiring.
Conclusion
Xaven The Kopala Queen‘s biography is a testament to talent, determination, and the power of staying true to one’s roots. From freestyle sessions in Mpongwe to becoming the first female artist from the Copperbelt to win Zambian Female Artist of the Year, Rachel Chakwa Mwewa has carved out a unique space in Zambian hip-hop.
Her journey—from viral lip-sync videos to prestigious awards, from being Y Celeb’s cousin to establishing her own identity, from struggling artist to educated entrepreneur—represents the evolution of Zambian hip-hop itself. As she continues balancing music with education, marriage with career, and regional pride with national ambition, Xaven remains a symbol of what’s possible for female artists in Zambian hip-hop.
The Kopala Queen reigns on, inspiring the next generation of female rappers to believe they too can wear the crown.
