Muzo AKA Alphonso Biography: Complete Life Story & Comeback
Muzo AKA Alphonso is one of Zambian hip-hop‘s most talented yet tragic figures – a rapper whose meteoric rise to fame was matched only by his devastating fall into addiction. Born Musonda Chishimba, this Kasama-born artist went from being one of Zambia’s most sought-after rappers to struggling on the streets, before finding redemption through rehabilitation in 2025.
His story is one of exceptional talent, poor decisions, addiction, and ultimately hope – a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the possibility of second chances.
This is the complete biography of Muzo AKA Alphonso.
QUICK FACTS
Real Name: Musonda Chishimba
Stage Name: Muzo AKA Alphonso
Born: Early 1990s (exact date not public)
Origin: Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia
Genre: Hip-Hop, Afrobeat
Years Active: 2012 – Present
Labels:
- Kopala Swag / Alpha Entertainments (2012-2015)
- Kasama Swag (2015-Present)
- M.Beats Generation Music
Notable Hits:
- “Purpose” (feat. Jae Cash)
- “Redemption” (feat. Vinchenzo)
- “Unasheko Insele”
- “Mama We”
- “Fyonaule”
- “Emotions”
- “Teti Njishibe”
- “Kutumpa”
Albums:
- “Ntekwa Nemitundu Shibili” (2015 – unreleased commercially)
- “I Am Asia” (struggled commercially)
- “The Recovery” (includes “Purpose,” “Redemption”)
- “Massacre Vol. 1”
Current Status (2025): Recovered from addiction, making comeback
PART 1: EARLY LIFE & KASAMA ROOTS
From Kasama to Stardom
Musonda Chishimba was born and raised in Kasama, the capital of Zambia’s Northern Province. Growing up in a modest background, young Musonda discovered his passion for hip-hop early, inspired by both international rap and the emerging Zambian hip-hop scene.
Kasama Influence:
- Kasama wasn’t known for producing major hip-hop artists
- Most successful rappers came from Lusaka or the Copperbelt
- Muzo became Kasama’s first major rap export
- Represented “Kasama Swag” movement
Early Musical Development:
- Started writing rap verses as a teenager
- Participated in local rap battles and cyphers
- Built reputation in Northern Province
- Dreamed of breaking into Lusaka’s competitive scene
PART 2: THE BREAKTHROUGH – KOPALA SWAG ERA (2012-2015)
Signing with Alpha Entertainments
Muzo’s big break came when he caught the attention of Macky 2 and Alpha Entertainments, home of the powerful Kopala Swag movement. This was Zambia’s most influential hip-hop collective, featuring artists like:
- Macky 2 (founder)
- Chef 187
- Pilato
- Jemax
- Drifta Trek
Why Kopala Swag Wanted Muzo:
- Raw, authentic Northern Province style
- Exceptional lyrical ability
- Unique flow and delivery
- Potential to expand Kopala Swag beyond Copperbelt/Lusaka
The Golden Years (2012-2014)
During this period, Muzo was UNSTOPPABLE:
Hit Songs: His releases dominated radio and clubs:
- Songs went viral before “viral” was common
- Every release was an event
- Fans couldn’t get enough
Performance Demand:
- Concerts almost selling out
- Every event wanted Muzo to perform
- His schedule was “so tight he chose where to perform”
- Radio stations sent airtime to his friends just for phone interviews
- “Getting an interview with Muzo was every radio presenter’s dream”
Financial Success:
- Made good money from shows
- Traveled across Zambia performing
- Lived the celebrity lifestyle
- Girls were “obsessed with Muzo’s fame”
Collaborations:
- Worked with top Zambian artists
- Featured on major projects
- Kopala Swag collaborations
Industry Respect:
- Fellow artists admired his bars
- Public loved his music
- Media coverage was constant
- Fans from Kasama to Lusaka
In His Own Words (2018 Apology):
“Alpha entertainment was the base of my fame and i shall ever honor that… When my talent broomed and i needed that market for my art, a big name and my big brother Macky 2 and the entire Alpha entertainment crew offered me a great cruise and platform that has made me who i am today.”
PART 3: THE SPLIT FROM KOPALA SWAG (2015)
The Album Controversy
Everything fell apart in 2015 over Muzo’s debut album “Ntekwa Nemitundu Shibili” (Twenty-Two Tribes):
Muzo’s Version:
- Album was ready for release
- Executive produced by “Dice”
- Kopala Swag refused to release it commercially
- This betrayal led to his departure
Alpha Entertainments’ Version:
- Album was released and copies given to Muzo
- Documentation exists to prove this
- Muzo left of his own volition
The Smoking Gun: Audio surfaced of Macky 2 (2015 interview with DJ Showstar) saying:
“Zambia wasn’t ready to buy the type of music Muzo was doing, so I’d rather put it out on Indimba.com for free downloads”
The Irony: The same year (2015), Kopala Swag released Chef 187’s “Heart of A Lion” album commercially – fueling Muzo’s belief he was being treated unfairly.
The Bitter Exit
What Happened:
- Muzo refused to renew his contract when it expired (2015)
- Left Kopala Swag without engagement with management
- Started “Kasama Swag” movement
- Publicly insulted and “rubbished” Kopala Swag, its artists, and affiliates
The Fallout:
- Relationship with Macky 2 destroyed
- Lost the powerful Kopala Swag machinery
- Industry connections damaged
- Started from zero without the label’s support
PART 4: THE DOWNFALL (2015-2024)
Why Muzo’s Career Collapsed
According to industry insiders and reports, multiple factors destroyed Muzo’s career:
1. Loss of Management & Label Support
The Reality:
- Kopala Swag had introduced and promoted many artists successfully
- The label’s machinery (marketing, distribution, connections) was powerful
- Leaving meant losing all that infrastructure
- Kasama Swag couldn’t match Kopala Swag’s reach
Result: Set back to zero professionally
2. Arrogance & Burning Bridges
What Happened:
- “When Muzo started gaining fame, he grew horns and tails”
- Started disrespecting producers he worked with
- Verbal fights with collaborators
- Damaged relationships across the industry
Quote from Kopala Producer:
“He always had verbal fights with most of them – a thing that affected his journey to success musically.”
3. Drugs & Alcohol Addiction
The Core Problem:
- “Muzo was always drunk. From morning to evening”
- Heavy marijuana use
- Alcohol dependency grew worse over time
- Struggled to produce quality music while intoxicated
How It Affected His Music:
“So how do you expect a rapper, who is on cloud nine, after taking his weed and alcohol to produce top quality music?”
4. Over-Production Without Strategy
The Issue:
- Muzo recorded constantly without strategic releases
- “Rumoured to be having sooooo many songs that can last him up to the next world cup”
- While with Kopala Swag, they controlled his release schedule
- Kasama Swag failed to execute proper release strategy
Result: Flooded market, diminished impact of releases
5. Poor Quality Control
What Happened:
- “Muzo has not produced quality music in a long time”
- Fans expected more after nominations in local awards
- Failed to maintain the standard that made him famous
- Releases became inconsistent in quality
6. The Girlfriend Factor
The Rumor:
- Reportedly had a girlfriend who hated Kopala Swag
- She allegedly gave him an ultimatum: “Quit Kopala Swag or I dump you”
- Muzo chose the relationship
- Lost his career foundation for a relationship
Industry Gossip: Some believe this was the PRIMARY reason for leaving Kopala Swag, more than the album issue.
7. Personal Presentation
The Details:
- Wore the same jeans and shoes to multiple events
- Didn’t keep up with fashion trends
- Appearance became increasingly disheveled
- Image deteriorated alongside career
The Visible Decline
2016-2020:
- Fewer bookings
- Lower-quality music
- Declining fanbase
- Financial struggles
2020-2024:
- Public addiction became obvious
- Viral videos of Muzo looking unkempt
- Seen performing hits like “Mama We” and “Unasheko Insele” on streets
- Video of near-fight with bus conductor over shortage of transport fare
- Clutching bottles of cheap alcohol in public
- Fans, socialites, fellow artists mobilizing to send him to rehab
PART 5: THE REHABILITATION (2024-2025)
Rock Bottom
By late 2024, Muzo’s situation had become desperate:
- Disturbing images and videos circulating on social media
- Looking unkempt and intoxicated in public
- Performing for money on streets
- Unable to afford basic transport
- Health clearly deteriorating
Public Response:
- Fans heartbroken seeing their former hero
- Fellow artists calling for intervention
- Social media campaigns to raise money for rehab
- “Where is Muzo?” became a national conversation
Kopala Swag’s Response
When public called on Kopala Swag/Alpha Entertainments to help, they issued a statement:
Key Points:
- Muzo left of his own volition
- He consistently insulted and rubbished them without cause
- They’re willing to help IF Muzo requests it
- “Muzo has not requested for help from anyone of our members nor from the management”
- “We feel only Muzo knows when he needs help and where that help should come from”
Macky 2’s Statement (November 2024):
“It’s hard for me to speak on Muzo’s situation, but I’m always dragged into it”
He chose to remain silent about Muzo’s predicament but lamented that his name kept being brought up.
The Intervention
Finally, help came from Dr. Rozious Siatwambo and the Great North Road Academy Rehabilitation Centre.
The Program:
- 6-month intensive rehabilitation
- Addressed alcohol addiction
- Addressed drug/smoking addiction
- Counseling and therapy
- Life skills training
- Spiritual guidance
Completion & Graduation (July 2025)
July 1, 2025 marked a powerful milestone – Muzo’s rehabilitation graduation.
In an emotional farewell ceremony, Muzo:
- Spoke candidly about quitting alcohol and smoking
- Shared his transformation journey
- Extended heartfelt gratitude to the rehab team
- Gave special thanks to Dr. Rozious Siatwambo for “giving him the chance to turn his life around”
- Promised to honor the opportunity by staying focused, healthy, and committed
His Message:
“Change is possible with the right support, mindset, and determination”
PART 6: THE COMEBACK (2025 & BEYOND)
Clean, Focused, and Free
Current Status (December 2025):
- Successfully completed 6-month rehab
- Clean from alcohol and drugs
- Focused on rebuilding career
- Zambia is rooting for him
Recent Releases (2025):
- “NIWE” (feat. Chanda na Kay)
- “Kalifwa (Your Love)”
- “Chafbemba Ichi” (feat. Chef 187) – Major collaboration!
- Various features on other artists’ projects
What’s Different Now:
- Sober mindset
- Better decision-making
- Appreciation for second chances
- Maturity from struggles
- New perspective on life and career
Industry Support
Fellow Artists:
- Chef 187 collaborating (huge vote of confidence)
- Features from multiple artists
- Industry welcoming his return
- Fans excited for comeback
The Apology (2018 – Pre-Rehab)
Before his full collapse, Muzo had attempted reconciliation with Kopala Swag:
“Am human and am bound to error hence it is my humble apology to all the kopala swag team for all the damages i caused knowingly and unknowingly.”
Though the relationship remained strained, this showed awareness of his mistakes.
DISCOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
Major Hits:
“Purpose” (feat. Jae Cash)
- Second single from “The Recovery” album
- M Beats Entertainments
- Career-defining track
- About finding direction in life
“Redemption” (feat. Vinchenzo)
- Spectacular ballad
- Theme: Second chances and forgiveness
- Ironic given his later need for actual redemption
“Unasheko Insele”
- Fan favorite
- Traditional Zambian music fused with Afrobeat
- Later performed on streets during lowest point
“Mama We”
- Emotional track
- Also performed on streets during struggles
“Fyonaule”
- Love song showing softer side
- Emotive lyrics
“Emotions”
- Addresses complexity of love and relationships
“Teti Njishibe”
- Message: Stay true to yourself
- Don’t be misled by others
“Kutumpa”
- High-energy danceable track
- Showed range beyond serious rap
Albums:
“Ntekwa Nemitundu Shibili” (2015)
- Unreleased commercially (controversy)
- Executive produced by Dice
- Caused rift with Kopala Swag
“I Am Asia”
- Struggled commercially
- Released after Kopala Swag split
- Didn’t match earlier success
“The Recovery”
- Includes “Purpose,” “Redemption”
- Prophetic title given later actual recovery
- M Beats Entertainments
“Massacre Vol. 1”
- Later project
- Mixed reception
MUSICAL STYLE & INFLUENCE
What Made Muzo Special:
Lyrical Ability:
- Thought-provoking lyrics
- Spoke to daily life struggles
- Relatable to common people
- Storytelling ability
Sound:
- Afrobeat fused with hip-hop
- Traditional Zambian music elements
- Unique Northern Province flavor
- Energetic rhythms, soulful melodies
Voice & Delivery:
- Distinctive flow
- Passionate performance
- Raw, authentic emotion
- Captured “the spirit of Africa”
Influence:
- Put Kasama on the hip-hop map
- Inspired Northern Province youth
- Showed regional artists could succeed nationally
- Cautionary tale about fame’s dangers
CONTROVERSIES & CHALLENGES
The Kopala Swag Feud
- Bitter split (2015)
- Public insults toward label
- Damaged Macky 2 relationship
- Industry taking sides
The Album Dispute
- Claims label didn’t release album commercially
- Label claims they did
- Audio evidence of Macky 2’s reluctance
- Never fully resolved
Addiction Struggles
- Public decline visible to all
- Viral videos of intoxication
- Street performances for money
- Transport fare incident
Management Issues
- Lost Nicholas Kansansa (close friend/manager)
- Failed relationships with producers
- Burned bridges across industry
- Poor business decisions
PERSONAL LIFE
Private Person:
- Keeps personal details quiet
- Family background not widely known
- Relationship status unclear post-rehab
Girlfriend Controversy:
- Rumored relationship influenced Kopala Swag exit
- “Girlfriend Factor” cited as major reason for decline
- Never publicly confirmed
Kasama Roots:
- Always represented Northern Province
- Kasama Swag movement
- Hometown hero despite struggles
LEGACY & IMPACT
What Muzo Represents:
The Talent:
- One of Zambia’s most gifted rappers
- Natural ability undeniable
- Hits still remembered and loved
The Tragedy:
- Cautionary tale about addiction
- How poor decisions destroy careers
- Price of burning bridges
The Hope:
- Redemption is possible
- Second chances exist
- Recovery from addiction achievable
Lessons from Muzo’s Story:
- Talent alone isn’t enough – Need good management, discipline
- Bridges matter – Relationships are valuable, don’t burn them
- Addiction destroys – Fame doesn’t protect you
- Pride comes before fall – Arrogance cost him everything
- Comeback is possible – But requires humility and hard work
CURRENT STATUS & FUTURE (2025)
Where He Is Now:
- 6 months post-rehab
- Releasing new music
- Collaborating with major artists (Chef 187)
- Building second-chance career
- Industry and fans supportive
Challenges Ahead:
- Staying sober (biggest challenge)
- Rebuilding trust
- Competing in changed music landscape
- Overcoming past reputation
Opportunities:
- Comeback narrative is compelling
- Testimony can inspire others
- Mature perspective in music
- Industry rooting for redemption story
Will He Make It? Only time will tell. But Zambia is hoping their prodigal son has truly found his way home.
FAQS
Q: What is Muzo AKA Alphonso’s real name?
A: Musonda Chishimba
Q: Where is Muzo AKA Alphonso from?
A: Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia
Q: Why did Muzo leave Kopala Swag?
A: Officially over his album “Ntekwa Nemitundu Shibili” allegedly not being released commercially. Unofficially, rumored girlfriend pressure and ego issues contributed.
Q: Did Muzo go to rehab?
A: Yes, he completed a 6-month rehabilitation program at Great North Road Academy Rehabilitation Centre in July 2025.
Q: Is Muzo still making music in 2025?
A: Yes, he’s released several songs in 2025 including collaborations with Chef 187.
Q: What is Muzo’s biggest hit?
A: “Purpose” (feat. Jae Cash) and “Redemption” (feat. Vinchenzo) are among his most popular songs.
Q: Did Macky 2 and Muzo reconcile?
A: Muzo apologized in 2018, but the relationship remains complicated. Macky 2 prefers not to comment publicly.
Q: What label is Muzo signed to now?
A: Kasama Swag and M.Beats Generation Music
CONCLUSION
Muzo AKA Alphonso‘s story is far from over. From Kasama’s pride to Zambia’s fallen star to a man fighting for redemption – his journey mirrors many real-life struggles with addiction, ego, and second chances.
He had it all:
- Talent
- Fame
- Money
- Respect
He lost it all:
- Addiction
- Arrogance
- Poor decisions
- Burned bridges
He’s fighting for it back:
- Sobriety
- Music
- Respect
- Redemption
Whether he fully reclaims his place in Zambian hip-hop depends on choices he makes daily. But one thing is certain: Muzo’s talent was never in question. The question is whether he can stay clean, stay humble, and stay focused long enough to rebuild what was lost.
Zambia is watching. Zambia is hoping. Zambia is rooting for the comeback.
Welcome back, Muzo. Now stay back.
