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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, Kenya 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. Virunga as
a whole also get high praise; "The telepathy that runs between
the bass, drums and rhythmic guitar players of this outfit is
jaw-dropping…" (Ian Anderson, Folk Roots).
Virunga's first recording was the LP It's
Disco Time with Samba Mapangala (1982). Samba Mapangala
and Virunga went to UK in April 1991 and played 23 concerts,
not surprisingly causing a terrific
buzz. After celebrated journeys
through Africa, Europe and North America,
Virunga
last toured in 1997.
Samba then settled
with his family in Washington
D.C. Samba Mapangala made a triumphant return with
his CD Ujumbe
(The Message).
Samba's
albums to date include Virunga
Volcano
(1990), Evasion |
photo:
© Julius
Nyette
(1983),
Feet on Fire (1991), Karibu
Kenya
(1995)
recorded in Paris with Les
Quatres Etoiles and other veteran musicians,
Vunja Mifupa (1997) released on cassette in East Africa
as Confusion and in 2001, Ujumbe. Virunga
Roots Volume 1, featuring songs from the Orchestra Virunga
archive, was released in 2005. In
2000 Samba's presence at the Kenyan Jamhuri celebrations in
London was one of the major highlights. His music is timeless,
sounding as fresh after the 100th hearing it as it did the 1st.
The lyrics, often containing advice or social commentary, are
charming and interesting, the melodies delightful, energetic
and exuberant.
In May 2004 Samba went on a 2-week concert tour in Tanzania
after a 7-year absence. He performed with an all-star lineup
of musicians based in Kenya and Tanzania.
Samba's latest album is Song and Dance (2006) on virungarecords
featuring Bopol and other great members
of Orchestra Virunga. They promoted the album and other great
hits during a UK tour in March 2006. To get an impression of
the energy of the band on stage, click on the link to view the
Photoshow. Samba
was in Kenya for a major event, Ecofest, on 4th June 2006 alongside
other well-known Kenyan musicians (see photo above). To hear
an 4-minute interview with Samba click here:  |
Samba
Mapangala