QUICK FACTS
Full Name: Esther Chungu Mubanga Nyathando
Born: April 3, 1994 (Age: 31)
Birthplace: Lusaka, Zambia
Previous Stage Name: Carmine (2014-2015)
Genre: Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Worship
Occupation: Gospel Singer, Lawyer, Women’s Rights Activist
Years Active: 2014 – Present
Labels: Bittersweet Records (2014-2015), Brave Only Music (2016-Present)
Husband: Pompi (Chaka Nyathando) – married 2021
Children: 2 (son born 2023, daughter born 2024)
WHO IS ESTHER CHUNGU?
Esther Chungu is Zambia’s leading female gospel artist – a powerhouse vocalist whose journey from shy church singer to international gospel sensation represents one of the most inspiring stories in African Christian music.
Known for soul-stirring hits like “Shooting Star,” “Jehovah,” “Runaway Child,” and “Chikangabwe,” Esther has become the voice of a generation of young African believers seeking authentic worship.
Beyond music, she’s a qualified lawyer, women’s rights activist, UNICEF Zambia Friend, and devoted wife to fellow gospel superstar Pompi.
EARLY LIFE & FAMILY
Childhood in Lusaka
Parents: Evaristo Chungu Mubanga (father), Susan Abigail Nafumkwe (mother)
Siblings: Firstborn of 3 children (2 younger brothers)
Upbringing: Raised by single mother in Christian household
Education:
- Primary: Eagle’s Nest School
- Junior Secondary: St. Monica’s
- Senior Secondary: Matero Girls High School
- Higher Education: Rhema Bible Training Centre, Law Degree
Musical Awakening
Esther discovered her voice at age 8, inspired by her mother who sang on the church praise team.
Early Influences:
- CeCe Winans (gospel legend)
- Celine Dion (vocal power)
- Alicia Keys (soul & artistry)
- Adele (emotional depth)
- Emeli Sande (contemporary sound)
As a child, she performed for friends and family who encouraged her to pursue music professionally. At 18, a friend introduced her to Bittersweet Poetry, where she fell in love with the stage and ministering through song.
MUSIC CAREER JOURNEY
2014: The Breakthrough
Debut Single: “Shooting Star”
Stage Name: Carmine
Label: Bittersweet Records
“Shooting Star” made Esther a household name overnight. Her stunning vocals and stage presence captured hearts across Zambia.
First Award: Best New Female Artist – Retunes Awards (2014)
2015: The Name Change
After a year as “Carmine,” Esther made a bold decision: return to her birth name.
Her Explanation:
“There is something powerful about our names. I think it’s about time I came out, to be remembered for the work I did for God, by name and not some stage name.”
December 5, 2015: Officially signed with Brave Only Music (founded by Mag44 and Steven Mwale) as Esther Chungu.
2016: Debut Album
Album: “Mubanga” (December 2016)
Hit Singles:
- “Runaway Child”
- “Save Me From Me”
- “Number One”
Kwacha Music Awards Nominations (2016):
- Best New Artist
- Best Gospel Single (“Runaway Child”)
- Best Album of the Year (“Mubanga”)
2017-2019: Rising Star
Continued releasing powerful singles while growing as an artist and woman of God.
2019 Achievement:
- Akanazi Woman of the Year Award
2020: “April” Album
Second Album: “April” (December 2020)
Notable Track: “Chikangabwe (Undefeated One)” – Written with school group “412”
The album showcased Esther’s maturity both musically and spiritually.
2021: Global Recognition
MAJOR MILESTONE: Performed at Global Citizen Music Festival in New York, USA – first Zambian artist ever to perform at this prestigious event.
Later performed alongside Coldplay in the USA.
Personal Milestone: Married Pompi (Chaka Nyathando) on April 3, 2021 (her birthday!)
2023: “UMWALA” Album
Third Album: “UMWALA” (April 2023)
Chart Performance:
- Peaked at #6 on Apple Music Gospel Charts (Zambia)
- Multiple hit singles
Motherhood: Welcomed first child – baby boy (October 1, 2023)
2024-2025: Established Queen
October 2024: Welcomed second child – baby girl
Current Status:
- Over 270,000 Instagram followers
- Consistent releases and performances
- Women’s rights advocacy
- UNICEF Zambia Friend
- Balancing music, motherhood, and ministry
MARRIAGE TO POMPI
The Power Couple
November 29, 2020: Pompi proposed on his birthday
Engagement Announcement:
“Yesterday was my birthday but it also marked the death of ‘self’, birthing a new being called ‘us’. I love you my queen.”
April 3, 2021: Married on Esther’s 27th birthday
Anniversary Tradition: Quad biking adventures
Their Children:
- Son (born October 1, 2023)
- Daughter (born October 26, 2024)
Pompi on Esther’s Motherhood:
“Being a mother is a high calling and I honor you for setting it as a priority. Everyday with you is a gift.”
Marriage Philosophy: Both prioritize God, family, then ministry – rare in celebrity gospel circles.
COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY
ALBUMS:
1. Mubanga (2016)
- Runaway Child
- Save Me From Me
- Number One
- Shooting Star (re-release)
- Multiple worship tracks
2. April (2020)
- Chikangabwe (Undefeated One)
- Jehovah
- Various worship songs
3. UMWALA (2023)
- Latest collection
- Contemporary gospel sound
- African rhythms fused with worship
HIT SINGLES:
- Shooting Star (2014) – Career launcher
- Runaway Child – Award nominee
- Jehovah – Worship anthem
- Number One – Love song to God
- Save Me From Me – Vulnerability
- Chikangabwe (Undefeated One) – Declaration
- Sangalala – Recent hit
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
✅ Best New Female Artist – Retunes Awards (2014)
✅ Akanazi Woman of the Year (2019)
✅ 3 Kwacha Music Awards Nominations (2016)
✅ First Zambian at Global Citizen Festival (2021)
✅ Performed with Coldplay (USA, 2021)
✅ 270,000+ Instagram Followers
✅ 3 Studio Albums
✅ UNICEF Zambia Friend (Advocacy role)
BEYOND MUSIC
Legal Career
Esther is a qualified lawyer, having studied law alongside her music career – proving brains AND talent.
Women’s Rights Activism
Passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and rights in Zambia.
UNICEF Zambia Friend
Works with UNICEF on children’s welfare and sustainable development goals.
Faith & Ministry
“I grew up in a Christian home and I got saved really young. I use my music to spread the word of God and I hope it brings people closer to God.”
MUSICAL STYLE
Genre Fusion:
- Contemporary gospel
- African worship
- R&B influences
- Soul elements
Vocal Ability:
- Wide range
- Emotional delivery
- Control and power
- Worship anointing
Lyrical Themes:
- God’s love and faithfulness
- Personal testimony
- Empowerment
- Hope and redemption
CURRENT LIFE (2025)
Balancing Act:
- Recording artist
- Wife to Pompi
- Mother of two
- Women’s advocate
- Legal professional
- Ministry leader
Social Media: Instagram: @itsestherchungu (270K+ followers)
Documenting: Christian life, motherhood, music, marriage
Recent Activity:
- February 2025: Traveled to Ethiopia
- April 2025: 4-year anniversary celebration with Pompi
- Ongoing releases and ministry
WHY SHE’S THE QUEEN
Leadership:
- Pioneered female gospel excellence in Zambia
- Opened doors for young female artists
- Maintained integrity in fame
Consistency:
- 11 years in music (2014-2025)
- 3 albums, multiple singles
- Never compromised message
Impact:
- Changed lives through worship
- Represented Zambia globally
- Balanced career, marriage, motherhood
Legacy: Setting example that women can be:
- Successful artists
- Devoted wives
- Loving mothers
- Professional career women
- Faithful believers
DOWNLOAD ESTHER CHUNGU SONGS
🎵 Latest Album:
- [UMWALA (2023) – Full Album Download]
🎵 Popular Albums:
- [Mubanga (2016) – Album Download]
- [April (2020) – Album Download]
🎵 Hit Singles:
- [Shooting Star Mp3 Download]
- [Jehovah Mp3 Download]
- [Runaway Child Mp3 Download]
- [Chikangabwe Mp3 Download]
- [Sangalala Mp3 Download]
STREAMING PLATFORMS
- Spotify: Esther Chungu Official
- Apple Music: Full discography
- YouTube: Official videos & live performances
- Boomplay: African streaming
- Deezer: International reach
FAQS
Q: How old is Esther Chungu?
A: Born April 3, 1994 – she’s 31 years old (as of 2025).
Q: Is Esther Chungu married?
A: Yes, married to fellow gospel artist Pompi since April 3, 2021.
Q: Does Esther Chungu have children?
A: Yes, two children – a son (born 2023) and daughter (born 2024).
Q: Why did she change from Carmine to Esther Chungu?
A: Wanted to be remembered by her authentic God-given name, not a stage name.
Q: What’s Esther Chungu’s biggest achievement?
A: First Zambian artist to perform at Global Citizen Music Festival (2021).
Q: Is Esther Chungu Abel Chungu‘s sister?
A: No, despite sharing the surname Chungu, they’re not siblings.
Q: What does Esther Chungu do besides music?
A: She’s a qualified lawyer and women’s rights activist.
CONCLUSION
Esther Chungu Nyathando is more than Zambia’s female gospel queen – she’s a trailblazer who proves that African women can excel in ministry, marriage, motherhood, and professional careers simultaneously.
From shy church singer to Global Citizen performer, from Carmine to confident Esther, from single artist to Pompi’s queen and mother of two – her journey inspires millions.
Her message remains clear: God’s love transforms lives, worship changes atmospheres, and women can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens them.
Long live the Queen. 👑
