Zambian Hip-Hop veteran Holstar, also known as Duncan Sodala, is set to release his new album, Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale, on August 14, 2026.
The upcoming project adds another chapter to a career that has made Holstar one of the longstanding figures in Zambian Hip-Hop.
A New Album From Holstar
Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale arrives during an active period for Holstar, who has been steadily releasing new music throughout 2026.
The album campaign includes “Music Is My Life,” featuring Vincent Claudius, released in May 2026. The track was produced by J-Hunna, mixed and mastered by Paul Kruz, and officially identified as a song from Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale.
Holstar has followed with additional 2026 releases including “Nkonda Kamwale,” “Luwingu Lions” and “Bbala Ngombe,” building momentum ahead of the new album.
Duncan Sodala: The Artist Behind Holstar
Behind the Holstar name is Duncan Sodala, a recording artist, entrepreneur and longtime contributor to Zambia’s Hip-Hop industry.
His history in Zambian music stretches well beyond his own recordings. Sodala founded Slam Dunk Records and was a founding member and manager of Zone Fam, the Zambian Hip-Hop group that became one of the country’s notable rap exports.
In a 2014 interview with Lusaka Times, Sodala described himself as the owner of Slam Dunk Records, manager of Zone Fam and the artist known as The Holstar. He also explained that the Holstar name evolved from his earlier role hosting rap freestyles.
Over the years, his work has extended across recording, artist development and projects supporting Zambia’s wider music culture.
A Career Built on Zambian Hip-Hop
Holstar’s catalogue stretches across multiple albums, EPs, singles and collaborations.
His previous projects include releases such as Dreaming in High Definition, Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto, Dreams Never Die and The OG.
His 2020 album Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto demonstrated his willingness to move beyond conventional Hip-Hop, incorporating Afrofusion and Zambian Afrobeats alongside themes including social commentary, love and Pan-Africanism.
The title Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto translates to “passing the torch,” reflecting Holstar’s longstanding interest in contributing to the development of younger artists and Zambia’s music industry.
Dreams Never Die, released in 2021, continued that catalogue with a five-track project that incorporated Hip-Hop alongside other musical influences.
In December 2023, Holstar released The OG, another project reflecting on his experiences and longevity in music.
Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale
With Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale, Holstar enters another phase of a recording career that has continued to evolve across more than two decades of involvement in Zambian Hip-Hop.
The new album follows a run of releases that shows the veteran MC remains active both as a recording artist and as part of the broader culture he helped develop.
Rather than attempting to define the album before listeners have heard it in full, the music released around the project provides the first glimpse into Holstar’s latest body of work.
“Music Is My Life” is already available, with more of the 2026 material giving listeners a preview of this latest period in his career.
August 14, 2026
Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale by Holstar will be released on August 14, 2026.
The album represents the latest chapter in Duncan Sodala’s extensive journey as Holstar — from the early development of Zambia’s Hip-Hop scene and Slam Dunk Records to Zone Fam, numerous solo projects, collaborations and his continued work as an independent artist.
As August 14 approaches, more information about Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale will be shared here on DuncanSodala.com.
Album: Nthawi Zamakono Zizindikiro Zakale
Artist: Holstar (Duncan Sodala)
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Release Date: August 14, 2026