Congolese Rumba star's big date with Kenyans

Congolese musician Noel Ngima Makanda aka Werrason (right) arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday evening. [PHOTO: ELVIS OGINA/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Congolese Rumba maestro Noel Ngiama Makanda aka Werrason is in the country.

The music star, who has won multiple awards, jetted into the country on Sunday evening accompanied by his 25-member band, Wenge Maison Mere.

Werrason, who is visiting Kenya for the second time after 14 years, is scheduled for shows at Nairobi's Carnivore Grounds today evening and at Kisumu Simba Club on Saturday.

Dubbed 'Tribute to Papa Wemba 40 days after his death', the much-anticipated event courtesy of locally based Congolese promoter Jules Nsana of Nsaana promotions will see fans get entertained by some of Werrason's  best songs that range from original Rumba, Soukous, Lingala and World music that will bring back nostalgic memories of original Wenge Musica 4x4, which he lead back in the early 1980s.

Fondly referred to as Roi De La Forest  (King of the Forest), Werrason, who last performed in Kenya in 2002, promised an electric six hours non-stop show, which he described as bigger, better and bolder. "Mine is a different version of music that explores original Rumba and new sounds in a contemporary context, making it easier for fans to sit back and enjoy," he said, adding his fans would have the chance to 'eat' from the palm of his hands as they get to enjoy music he describes as unique.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, an excited Werrason could not hide his love for Kenya, which he described as one of his favorite destinations in Africa.

"I could not wait to set my eyes on the beautiful sights and sounds of Kenya. It is the one thing I can't always seem to get enough of," he said.

Asked why it had taken too long to come back to Kenya, he had this to say: "Despite the fact that some years back Congolese musicians flocked the country often for performances, that has since changed because we are invited to other countries as well by our music lovers."

He added: But Kenyans have kept Lingala music in their hearts, thus their demand that I come back with my best."

Fondly referred to as Igwe of the jungle or Ambassadeur dé Paix among his fans in Central Africa and Europe, the 51-year-old developed interest in music at the tender age of eight.

"I was an active participant at a local church choir and with time managed to carve a niche for myself as one of the best," he said.

In 1981, he teamed up with some of his university friends to form the innovative Wenge Musica 4x4 band that split in 1997.

Forced to start from scratch, he created Wenge Musica Maison Mère. His song 'Chantal Switzerland' from his debut album 'Force d'Intervention Rapide' released in 1998 was voted Song of the Year, while his animator Bill 'Clinton' Kalondji was voted the best.

His second album, 'Solola Bien', took the African music scene by storm and he was rewarded with the Golden Record in France. The same year, his band was voted the Best Congolese Group, with Werrason as the artist of the Year.