M'bilia Bel show to wrap up year that saw concerts thrive

Congolese Rhumba star Mbilia Bel performs during a meet and greet with her fans on Christmas Day at Safari Park Hotel ahead of her New Year's Eve concert. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Marie-Claire Mboyo Moseka is in the city, again. Popularly known as M'bilia Bel in entertainment circles, the Queen of African Rumba is in the country ahead of her much-anticipated New Year concert that will be held at Safari Park in Nairobi.

Having outdone herself in two previous concerts hosted in the country this year, the Congolese singer will be ending what seems to have been a Kenyan year in style.

Word has it that tickets to the New Year night (December 31) show are almost sold out. It is the biggest New Year concert in Nairobi this season.

"We are getting very good feedback about the show and tickets are almost sold out. We anticipate to have a good concert and the best New Year fireworks in the country. That, we can promise," the Safari Park management told The Standard.

"I am excited to be in Kenya once again. Kenya loves me and I love Kenya. I have had wonderful concerts here all year round but I can promise you, this one will be the mother of them all. My fans should expect nothing but the best. This is going to be their New Year treat," M'bilia Bel said.

Known for her popular hits such as Nakei Nairobi, Mobali na Ngai Wana, Eswi Yo Wapi and Yamba Ngai among others, the 67-year-old Kinshasa-born melodic charmer will no doubt cap the entertainment year with a bang.

Year 2023 was a difficult year to some people but revellers would beg to differ. Amidst the economic hardships that the country went through, music concerts were not in shortage as patrons put their troubles aside to unwind.

Boy band Sauti Sol, for example, hosted a crowd of over 15,000 people at the Uhuru Gardens same as budding R&B singer Ethan Muziki who had the crowd singing his songs word for word during his sold out concert at Sarit Centre in Nairobi.

The Boyz II Men performance at Uhuru Gardens in June was one to remember for thousands of Kenyans who attended as well as fans who flew in from across Africa to experience the Motown men.

On September 30, at the Uhuru Gardens, the Walker Town Concert had music lovers at heart when the Queen of Afrobeats and showbiz icon Tiwa Savage thrilled thousands in a show that remains memorable. With the Afro music trend now almost becoming a mainstay in the entertainment space, this was the moment Kenyans seemed to have been waiting for to showcase their partying prowess.

Attendees of the concert had a lot to say since the 'Koroba' hit maker was sharing the stage with Congolese maestro Fally Ipupa. The Paris-based superstar gave his huge fan base a Rhumba experience they will lived to remember.

The Oktobafest is usually a very anticipated 'aluta', meaning a continuous concert. It takes place for three days in a row and this year, it was held in Tanzania and Uganda too.

In as much as a lot happened from October 27 to 29, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz was no doubt the showstopper. His entrance was remarkable as he landed from the neighbouring country in a private jet, something he also did during the Trace Awards in Kigali, Rwanda, around the same time.

Diamond has been a revered singer since the 'Tandale' season to the 'Waah!' moment. His fans have seen him put in hard work, hence rising to stardom.

Netizens had a lot to say about 'The Gabzy Experience' which took place on November 25. Gabzy, born Gabriel Akinyemi, is a British-Nigerian sensation and vocalist.

The 'As Friends' hit-maker gathered a huge crowd at the Carnivore grounds as he performed for the first time in Kenya. He also had another show in Kampala, Uganda, which many people would say was better than the Kenyan show.

Rhumba artistes had a lot of fun this year as yet another Lingala sensation blessed their hearts at the Lokole Festival. The renowned Congolese Rhumba star Ferre Gola also known as 'Le Padre' graced the Nairobi Polo Club on December 2.

He was joined on stage by South African singer Nomcebo Zikode, best known for the global hit 'Jerusalema'.

Celebrated Hillsong London worship team gave Kenyans an awesome worship night at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi, last month.

Zoravo, an anointed singer from Tanzania held his first ever concert in the country at the Nairobi Cinema.