By Caroline Nyanga

Most Kenyans are still skeptical whether Congolese star Fally Ipupa's much hyped show set for next weekend will take place. This is as a result of failing to travel to Kenya for a performance in Nairobi and Mombasa last month that disappointed many fans.

Colonel Khadula, a rumba lover was an upset man. “We are tired of being duped by promoters. I hope this time around Fally will keep his promise.”

He is not alone. Millicent Auma from Kisumu joined thousands of fans at the Carnivore hoping to watch Fally’s performance.

“I could not believe it when word went round that Fally had not yet arrived in the country. I opened Facebook and saw people updating and commenting about Fally Ipupa’s absence,” she says.

The organisers said the show was cancelled because of a technical hitch in his travelling arrangements.

Coming out to clear the air this week, Fally, currently staging shows in Zambia, apologised to his fans saying: “I am sorry to all my fans in Kenya, I promise this will never happen again. I am working day and night to ensure I come and give them the show of a lifetime at my forthcoming shows at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi and Mamba Village, Mombasa,” he told this writer on phone.

Smoothest tenors

Over the last one month, Fally has been busy staging shows in Paris and US. In Paris, he performed alongside Congolese maestro Werrason – popularly referred to as Roi de la Forest (King of the Forest) – at the African Music Festival that featured many other top artistes. Fally was expected to return to Kinshasa before jetting into Kenya next Thursday, July 14, accompanied by his band of 20 musicians.

Fally Ipupa [PHOTOS: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

He will stage major shows on July 15, at Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya and Mamba Village Club, Mombasa on July 16. The events are organised by Jules Nsana Promotions and Flame Entertainment.

Known for his fashionable dressing, energetic stage performances and bewitching vocals, Fally, or simply Dicaprio, says he will thrill fans with some of his latest songs Sexy Dance, Naufra-Ketch Suite, Droit Chemin, Mioleseke, Une Minute, L’ Intégral des Clips, Kidiamfuka, Dicap Cadena, Arsenal and De Belles Melodies, just to name a few.

“Ours is a unique and different version of music which makes it easy for fans to sit back and enjoy,” he says.

Besides, he will also use the opportunity to capture the imagination of the nation with his hip-shaking Fallynisation style during the shows.  “I want my fans to know that I have lots of surprises in store for them. I want them not to be only entertained, but to also have a chance to catch up with my latest dancing styles, which I will be introducing.

An excited Fally could not hide his love for Kenya, which he refers to as one of his favourite destinations.

He mentions that although this is his fourth visit to Kenya his trips have been brief denying him the chance to sample the country as a whole.  Undoubtedly considered one of the smoothest tenors among Congolese musicians, Fally belongs to the fifth generation of Congolese musicians alongside Ferre Gola.

He says his mission is to bring back the rumba rhythm in a different style, which he refers to as Rhumba Seben Fallynisation.

“My style of music can only be compared to a SIM card capable of working in any phone.

This is the kind of music that anyone can listen to and enjoy putting them into the party mood.”

The singer, guitarist and composer says he supports efforts by the younger generation of Congolese musicians to be innovative, but he believes some lack creativity. “It may be stage fright or lack of creativity,” he says.

But despite his immense success, some critics feel that Fally has not done well on his own preferring to thrive on collaborations with renowned foreign international musicians, while others view fellow musician Ferre Gola as the rumba star of the current generation.

And that is not all: critics feel that he is one of the Congolese artistes who have contributed in diluting rumba music hence losing its originality.

New wine

“Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Truth is, I never rode on anyone’s back. I have composed and released five albums on my own. They include Droit Chemin 2006, Dicap Cadena 2007, Arsenal De Belles Melodies 2009, L’intergral Des Clips, and Zenith De Paris 2010.

“I am currently on the verge of releasing my new single French Kiss recorded at Ndiae Studio Kinshasa, which is unique and different from what other Congolese artistes have done in the recent past.

Fally says it is time people realise that music is evolving with time and rumba is no exception. “Like I said, mine is simply a new style of rumba known as Fallynisation appreciated by people across the world.”

The musician says his flexibility has enabled many artistes worldwide to approach him to work with them. He says he is not about to stop doing so.

“This does not, however, mean that I do not work with Congolese artistes. On the contrary, I have worked with many of them and most of our collaborative efforts have been well appreciated,” he says, adding that besides winning international awards he has also won several awards in Congo.

   An ardent supporter of Spanish football club Real Madrid and England’s Chelsea, he says he has compiled an album comprising his best songs.

Inspired by women and nature, Fally cites international football player De Bayo as one of his close friends. “I also play football within Congo during my free time. I have always had a passion for the game since I was a boy.”

Fally, who believes he is the best artiste in Congo, attributes his success to the fact that unlike his fellow musicians, he is musically versatile.

Role model

It ha often been rumoured that Congolese maestro Koffi Olomide is one arrogant person who doesn’t honour deals with artistes. What does he have to say about this, having worked with him for more than a decade?

Fally is quick to dismiss the charge. “As far as I am concerned, Koffi is a gentleman who does his work professionally. Given a chance, I would work with him or any other Congolese who is willing to do so.”

But then why did he quit Quartier Latin at a time when he was at his peak?

“Let’s just say that there comes a time when a man has to move on and establish himself professionally. After all, I am sure Koffi is proud of my achievements at the moment having mentored me for a long time. To me, he remains my role model as far as music goes and a father figure in regard to music.”