Samba seeks new conquest

Congolese star Samba Mapangala is in the country. The musician cum lead vocalist is set to leave for Zanzibar and Tanzania this Sunday to shoot videos for his latest album Maisha Matamu, writes CAROLINE NYANGA.US based Congolese musician Samba Mapangala comes across as down to earth. Fondly referred to as Mzee wa Kazi by his fans, the musician displays little sign of the hubris associated with superstars. Looking relaxed, the 56-year-old with over 13 albums has not lost his flamboyant sense of fashion. When he walked into the Standard Group offices, Mapangala’s smile disarmed the people around. The musician showed just why he remains among the top Congolese fashion aficionados. He was in black designer jeans, khaki leather shoes and a unique African batik top capped with a Russian hat. Samba MapangalaBecause of his soft voice, it is difficult to associate him with the powerful hits such as Virunga, Vunja Mifupa, Malako Disco, Safari Sio Kifo, Nyama Choma, Ahmed Sabit, Dunia Tunapita and Mabiala that he has crooned over the years. New album"Fashion is part of me," he says when asked about his obsession with classy designs. However, to the disappointment of Kenyan fans, the Orchestra Virunga founder cum bandleader is headed to Zanzibar and Tanzania to shoot videos for his thirteenth album, Maisha Matamu. The album is meant to celebrate his 36 years in music and venture into infotainment. But some of his fans were lucky to get a taste of Maisha Matamu song and other evergreen hits last Friday during a special edition of Rumba Nite organised by Radio Maisha at The Carnivore. Samba surprised fans when he showed up accompanied by his manager CC Smith, an American, and Kenyan agent John Nyambu.But why has Samba kept a low profile, are his fortunes dwindling? "I have not quit music. My fans should brace themselves for more surprises. My musical career is a very long journey," says the musician who has been singing for over 30 years.He has completed his seven-track album recorded at Ketebul Records, Kenya, ART Music Studio in Virginia, US, and a studio in Paris. He says the album is unique and different because it comprises modern acoustics, Virunga, Rumba and Benga styles. "It is in Swahili, French and Lingala. Besides entertaining people with melodies, the messages are educative focusing on everyday life challenges and solutions," he explains.He points out the song Tupendane was inspired by the 2007 post-election violence after a fan from Meru informed him of the happenings. "I’m currently busy with the video shoots," says Mapangala, adding that one can download it from CDBaby, iTunes, Napster, eMusic, Qhapsody and Amazon. This aside, he has a few promotional copies he is distributing before the final launch in May or June this year. Mapangala performing. His most popular songs include Virunga and Vunja Mifupa. [PHOTOS: MARTIN MUKANGU and FILE/STANDARD]Musical renewalDespite spending most of his time in US, Samba has been staging concerts in Europe. Although he has made great achievements, some critics think Samba maybe going downhill, having failed to produce creative hits to overshadow Virunga, Vunja Mifupa or Dunia Tunapita which propelled him to fame. So, is he partly responsible for diluting the original Congolese rumba by experimenting with different styles?"Rumba will always remain rumba. What I do is to be versatile by occasionally fusing it with other styles to fit current trends. Music is always evolving," he says. Samba, has never been shy of trying new styles. In the 1970s he was part of Orchestra Virunga, a band that was among the "new wave" of youthful musicians who came up with a slightly faster version of Rumba known as Rumba Benga to challenge well-established rumba giants like Franco Luambo Makiadi, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Grand Kale Kabasele."I have toured the world and many of my songs have been received well," he says.And what does he think about crooked Kenyan promoters who have given raw deals to Congolese international musicians who have toured the country? "It is important for a musician to evaluate the contract properly before accepting to perform," he says, sympathising with Congolese musicians like Mbuta Likasu who was stranded and ended up living in Dandora for almost a year. Other victims were General Defao, Werrason, Koffi Olomide and Kanda Bongo Man. So, when does he plan on staging a concert in Kenya?"Well its up to Kenyans to invite me to entertain," he says.

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