Anjimile facts for kids

Anjimile performing at Jamaica Plain Porch Fest in 2015.

Anjimile Chithambo, known as Anjimile (pronounced ann-JIM-uh-lee), is an American folk musician from Boston, Massachusetts. They are known for their unique sound and heartfelt songs.

About Anjimile

Anjimile was born in 1993 and grew up in Dallas, Texas, before moving to Boston. They started playing guitar at age 11 and sang in choirs from fifth grade through college. One of their early songs, "Apocolypse Now," was inspired by a challenging time in high school and their excitement to move to Boston.

Anjimile's early music influences came from listening to their dad's Oliver Mtukudzi albums and early Sufjan Stevens. Later, connecting with their Black Malawian heritage also became a big influence on their music. Anjimile identifies as transgender and uses both they/them and he/him pronouns.

Music Career

Early Career and Giver Taker (2016–2020)

Anjimile began writing songs while studying music at Northeastern University. Many of the songs for their album Giver Taker were written during a period of personal growth in 2016. In 2018, Anjimile entered NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert contest. A panel from Boston radio station WBUR chose them as the best entry from Massachusetts. The next year, a grant from local non-profit groups helped Anjimile create Giver Taker. Before this, Anjimile had already produced and released several of their own albums.

Anjimile released Giver Taker in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though international music agencies were interested in booking them, Anjimile could not tour because of the pandemic. Instead, they held a virtual concert to celebrate the album's release. NPR named Giver Taker one of the best 50 albums of 2020. The album was released by Father/Daughter Records. Rolling Stone Magazine called Anjimile an "artist you need to know" and their song "Baby No More" a "Song You Need To Know." Consequence of Sound also named Anjimile their "Artist of the Month."

Recent Projects (2021–Present)

In 2021, Anjimile signed with 4AD, a well-known record label. They then released an EP called Reunion. This EP featured new, orchestral versions of songs from their Giver Taker album, with guest artists like Jay Som, SASAMI, and Lomelda. In 2022, Anjimile went on tour with Hurray for the Riff Raff. In 2023, they were featured on McKinley Dixon's album, Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, and supported musicians asking for fair pay at the SXSW festival.

In May 2023, Anjimile released a new song called “The King.” Pitchfork described the song as transforming "acoustic guitar and his own voice into a whiplashing storm." The release of "The King" also announced Anjimile's new album, also titled The King, which came out on September 8, 2023. This album includes contributions from other talented artists like Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and James Krivchenia.

Discography

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist

See Also

• Folk music
• Transgender people