Today on our Throw Back Thursday We share the profile of A Living Legend in the Zambian Music Industry.
Runnel chikopela
Tarcissius Runnel Chikopela popularly known as Runnel is a Zambian musical artist, entertainer and businessman.
He was born in Isoka District and is the ninth born in the family of eleven. A mambwe by tribe, Runnel did his primary education at Buteko Primary School in Luanshya on the Copperbelt and later went to Mbala Secondary School for his junior secondary level before successfully completing his high school education at
Mungwi Technical High School.
He started rapping and entertaining his fellow pupils when he was in 7th grade at Buteko Primary School. It was from here that he begun to develop and excelled in the arts and entertainment and took part in several entertainment competitions such as the then famous Variety Shows .
Runnel joined Luangwa National Park where he taught English to local workers and Bemba to the South Africans.
He then moved to Lusaka and started working towards building his musical career in the late 90s. He became a member of the Cypher Studios from 2000 through to 2003 when he left the group to pursue a solo career. He then worked with artists such as Black Muntu ,
Danny , Nasty D and the Amayenge band. He was particularly close with the Amayenge leader, Chris Chali , whom he traveled with on various tours.
He released his debut album he named “Shibukombe Na Pulani” in 2002. His second album “Fu Tank” released in 2004 set Runell in the limelight with his fan-base growing exponentially. He performed at important events to a variety of audience, including presidents. He made a number of trips both locally and internationally. In 2004 he set up his record label called ‘ Showdown Entertainments ‘ where he produced for notable artists such as Tommy D, Bryan, Exile (‘ 7 days ‘ album) and K’millian (‘ Escape ‘ album).
In 2006 after performing at the Trade Fair on the Copperbelt, Runnel survived a car accident along the
Kitwe-Ndola Dual Carriageway . The accident later became inspiration for his fourth album, ‘ Walishuka ‘ ( Bemba expression meaning You are lucky).
Some of his hit songs include ‘ Panado ‘, ‘ Isonjebe ‘, ‘ Chankwila ‘ and ‘ Nsanje’.
Most of his songs are in Bemba and his music centers around positivity and building relationships.
Business career
Runnel is a real estates businessman who builds and rents out property in Lusaka.
Other involvements
He donated books and other school materials to his former school, Mbala Secondary School.
In 2004 he married married Mutinta Musokotwane and together they have 3 sons; Kunukuya, Utazimya and Mumena.
