By Caroline Nyanga
Congolese musician Roi-Babel is in town. The former Madilu Magic System lead singer and composer will perform alongside pioneer rumba musician Laurent Nyboma on October 2.
Roi-Babel jetted into the country with his Palian Royal band members Parisdakar, Manzaka, Neck and Michigan.
He was behind Madilu’s Magic System band’s success, just like Didier Masela was with Wenge BC BG 4 by 4. When The Standard on Saturday met him, he was busy rehearsing at NairobiÌs Club Afrique in preparation for the concert.
Speaking on phone from Paris, Nyboma confirmed he would arrive next Tuesday for a concert organised by Jules Nsana Promotions.
"I will be staying for two weeks before returning to Paris," he said.
Roi-Babel says he will make countrywide tours soon after the concert. H says Palian Royal will be performing as a resident band at Club Afrique for two years.
"We will also use the opportunity to complete our album aimed at restoring rumbaÌs lost glory in Kenya," he says.
When asked why he chose to perform in Kenya, given that fellow Congolese musicians in the country survive on handouts, he said he has a "big surprise for Kenyans."
Roi Babel with dancers [PHOTOS: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD] |
The 44-yearÒold musician, who featured prominently in albums such as Frere Eduaro, Pouvoir, Bonheur, Tenat Du Titre, Bon Humeur, says he considers Kenya his second home.
Best known for songs such as Maria-Moses, Djafar, Shamita, Sans Effet, Fanta, Musee Ya Diamant, Okongo-Marcel and Bruno Dika, he says his fans should be ready for a taste of his latest dance moves.
"Ours is a slower version, making it easier for fans to sit back and enjoy," he says.
Despite his achievements, some music critics think Roi-Babel is going downhill, having failed to produce hits of Djafar, Fanta and Sans Effet calibre.
"I have not quit music, I am still very much in the game. For me, music is a long journey that needs patience, determination and hard work for one to succeed."
The musician, who took an almost two-year break from recording, says things were not easy after the death of Madilu.
"Jean Pierre Sir, who worked as MadiluÌs Magic System manager-cum-promoter, left for WerrasonÌs band, leaving the band unstable. It took us a while to get back on our feet," he says.
Name change
He says he was forced to change the name of the band after MadiluÌs death.
So, how was it like working with Madilu, who some believe was difficult to work with?
"His motto was simple: no serious work, no pay. But we got along well considering he was a good leader," he remarks.
Roi-Babel says although he spends most of his time in Kinshasa, where he lives with his four children, he has been staging concerts in various parts of Africa and Europe. "I perform in Kinshasa, Angola and Congo Brazzaville, among other countries, when called upon," he says.
While Congolese musicians have been accused of diluting the original Congolese rumba by experimenting with different styles, he says he has stuck to the original one.
"Rumba will always remain rumba and nobody can ever change it. I intend to bring back our old sound, which has changed over the years," he remarks.
