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style rumba / soukous / muziki wa dansi festivals Sauti za Busara 2009 website
recordings Virunga Volcano (1982), Evasion (1983), Feet on Fire (1991), Karibu Kenya (1995), Vunja Mifupa (1997), Ujumbe (2001), Virunga Roots Volume 1 (2005), Song and Dance (2006), African Classics (2008), Obama Ubarikiwe (2008) Feb 2009 Sun 15, 11:15pm Old Fort - Mambo Club | ||
Samba Mapangala was born in Matadi, in the region known as Bas-Congo. In the early 1970s he moved to Kinshasha for secondary education. His vocal talents were recognized early and he worked in various Kinshasa bands like Bariza, Super Tukina, Super Bella Bella, and Saka Saka. Samba travelled east with other musicians in 1975. In Kampala, Uganda in 1976, they made their mark as Les Kinois (The Kinshasans). With Samba as lead singer, Les Kinois relocated to Nairobi in 1977 and took the music scene by storm. Samba formed his own band, the legendary Orchestra Virunga, in 1981. Virunga, named after a volcanic mountain range in central Africa, proved to be one of East Africa's most popular groups, Their music is an innovative mix of the best rumba and soukous from Congo, with the earthier Kenyan style. Samba composes and sings in both Lingala and Kiswahili. His astounding voice has been described as melting in the ears. His band Orchestra Virunga also receives high praise: "The telepathy that runs between the bass, drums and rhythmic guitar players of this outfit is jaw-dropping” (Ian Anderson, fROOTS). Orchestra Virunga played 23 concerts around UK in 1991, causing a terrific buzz. More recently Samba Mapangala has settled with his family in Washington DC, in USA. In 2000 Samba's presence at the Kenyan Jamhuri celebrations in London was one of the major highlights. His last time to perform in Tanzania was during May 2004 so the people of East Africa look forwards to February 2009 with great anticipation and excitement. Samba Mapangala’s music is timeless, sounding as fresh after the 100th hearing it as it did the first. His lyrics usually containing advice or social commentary are poignant, the melodies delightful, energetic and exuberant. In short, Samba Mapangala is one of East Africa’s best-loved musicians, with a series of hits over the past 25 years, including Virunga, Ahmed Sabit, Vunja Mifupa, Sungura, Vidonge, Dunia Tuna Pita, Nyama Choma and many more.  |
I've been planning out a trip to Mali and Senegal for a few months and I'm getting ready to leave soon. I failed in persuading Amato to come along-- although I have a feeling if it was Maui instead of Mali, it might have worked. Meanwhile these two west African countries have incredibly rich musical traditions that have had immense impact on popular American music. I've been lucky to have introductions to musicians in both countries. I didn't know much about Bassekou Kouyate-- aside from the fact that he's a cool ngoni player, did some work with Dee Dee Bridgewater and Taj Mahal and that he is at the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight and has a killer My Space page and a wonderful EPK. I'll write back from Bamako after I see him play live in a few weeks. For now, I hope you enjoy his music as much as I do.
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