Reformed convict uses 'ndombolo' to drive prison reforms

BY PHILIP MWAKIO

The young man walked majestically towards the prison gates. Dressed in a blue tracksuit, white sports shoes and carrying a bulging black suitcase, he smiled at the prison warders as his former colleagues cheered.

It was a day Congolese musician Eugene Lubanga Mposi Junior will remember for a very long time. The day he tasted freedom after spending seven years at the Shimo La Tewa Prison for murder.

Although releasing inmates from prison is no big deal because it happens almost every day, the September 17 event was unique because Lubanga – a former lead vocalist with Congolese band Amitie Musica was not an ordinary prisoner.

This explains why the prison’s officer-in-charge, Senior Superintendent Margaret Chuma suspended her other duties to bid him goodbye.

Lubanga made a name at the prison not only for his love for music and ndombolo dance but because he helped form the first choir of inmates that produced two Compact Disc (CD) for sale to the public.

While in prison, he abandoned secular music and is now a full-time preacher.

Leaving jail accomplished

“The prison has transformed my life. I am leaving jail an accomplished man and a qualified preacher,’’ he told The Standard, after his release last week.

Prison authorities say he kept the prison alive with music, drama and satire.

“He pioneered a well organized musical group-The Blessed Brothers that produced the CDs and helped inspire prison reforms,’’ Chuma said.

Chuma explained that when Eugene started serving his jail term, his talent was easily identified and prison officers helped him nurture it while still behind bars.

Lubanga gathered an initial group of 20 fellow inmates and with permission from the prisons authorities, started practising.For continuity, Lubanga helped train a successor who remained behind to take over the leadership of the choir as he walked to freedom.

One of their first clients was a congregation at the Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC) where televangelist, Bishop Dr Wilfred Lai offered support.

Lubanga has been conspicuous during prison open days due to his performances.

“He has great potential. My prayer is that he fits well in a just society out there and get to fully tap his talent rightly,’’ Chuma said.One of the wardersaid: “We will miss him. He was an asset “Lubanga says not all prisoners are wicked people as widely believed. “The perception that prisoners are dangerous people is not true,” he says.

His first assignment will be to renew his passport and the aliens’ certificate. He will then seek a re-union with his ten year-old daughter –Tiffany, who lives in Nairobi with his mother- in-law.