By Jabbes Mvula, USA - Zambia's music wonderboys Jordan Katembula and Danny Siulapwa are this weekend expected to entertain hundreds of Zambians based in the United States of America as Zambia celebrates its 42nd Independence annivesary this week. Zambia celebrated its independence day on Tuesday 24th October, but for most American based Zambian organisations, celebrations to mark this special day have been set for this weekend. Among the functions lined-up for this weekend, is the Association for Zambians in Arizona (AZA) Independence party set for Saturday night, while the '2006 Miss Zambia International Pageant' will be held on the same day in Atlanta Georgia. Zambia's music sensations JK and Danny are expected to grace the '2006 Miss Zambia International Pageant'.

The 2006 Miss Zambia International Pageant, in its first year running, is being organized by three Antlanta based ladies, Aretha Sisa, Margaret Phiri, and Mutinta Mazoka, daughter to late Zambian politician Anderson Kambela Mazoka. The 2006 Miss Zambia International Pageant will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center with charges pegged at $25 advance purchase and $30 at the entrance. One of the organisers Aretha, explained that part of the proceeds for the function will be donated to two orphanages in Zambia, 'The Nyumba Yanga Home of Joy' and 'Ubumu Orphanage'. Aretha went on to say that it is the desire of the organizers to ensure that Zambians in priviledged positions contribute to 'Girl Child' education. This event which is expected to be an annual event, is expected to support orphaned girls at the two orphanages achieve their dreams.

Jordan Katembula, commonly known as JK by his many local fans, has already arrived in Atlanta ahead of Danny. He told me earlier that he is in the country only briefly as he has other engangements. Jk, who is as 'trend' as America's P Diddy, was the first Zambian musician among the new blood to hit stardom when his first album outsold all other musicians of his time. Jk also provided vocals on Danny's song 'Masiku Onse' which introduced Danny to the Zambian music industry. The combination of the two is an explosion that may just leave their audience as entertainment casualties.

Loverboy 'Danny' is expected in the country any time. Danny is one of the stars in Bad Timing in which he both acted as well as composing sound tracks. Watching Danny on stage will just give you a feel of what you will expect in the film 'Bad Timing' as well as the documentary 'Voice of an African Nation'.

As for the Arizona Independence Party, it will be held on Saturday 28th October 2006. It is being organised by Fred Mwale, Kwame Musonda, Samuel Sakala and Prisca Okafor. 42 Years Zambia, Land of Peace and Joy.