Anjimile facts for kids

Anjimile performing at Jamaica Plain Porch Fest in 2015.

Anjimile Chithambo, known simply as Anjimile, is an American folk singer and songwriter. They are from Boston, Massachusetts. Anjimile uses both they/them and he/him pronouns.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Anjimile was born in 1993. They grew up in Dallas before moving to Boston. Anjimile started playing guitar when they were 11 years old. They also sang in choirs from fifth grade through college.

Their early music influences came from listening to their dad's Oliver Mtukudzi albums. They also enjoyed early music by Sufjan Stevens. Later, Anjimile connected with their Black Malawian roots, which also influenced their music. Anjimile identifies as queer, trans, and a "boy king."

Music Career

Early Releases and Giver Taker

Anjimile began writing songs while studying music at Northeastern University. Many of the songs for their album Giver Taker were written in 2016. In 2018, Anjimile entered NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert contest. A panel from Boston's WBUR radio station chose them as the best entry from Massachusetts.

In 2019, Anjimile received a grant from local non-profit groups. This helped them create Giver Taker. Before this album, Anjimile had already made and released several of their own albums.

Anjimile released Giver Taker in 2020 through Father/Daughter Records. This was during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, Anjimile could not go on tour. Instead, they held a virtual concert to celebrate the album's release. NPR named Giver Taker one of the best 50 albums of 2020. Rolling Stone Magazine called Anjimile an "artist you need to know." They also praised Anjimile's song "Baby No More."

Recent Projects and The King

In 2021, Anjimile signed with 4AD, a record label. They then released an EP called Reunion. This EP featured new, orchestral versions of songs from Giver Taker. Other artists like Jay Som, SASAMI, and Lomelda also appeared on the EP.

In 2022, Anjimile toured with the band Hurray for the Riff Raff. In 2023, they were featured on McKinley Dixon's album, Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?. Anjimile also signed an open letter to SXSW from the Union Of Musicians And Allied Workers. This letter asked for better pay for musicians.

In May 2023, Anjimile released a song called “The King.” Pitchfork magazine described the song as transforming acoustic guitar and Anjimile's voice into a powerful sound. This song also announced Anjimile's album, The King. The album was released on September 8, 2023. It includes music from Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and James Krivchenia.

Discography

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist