BABA GASTON

Baba Gaston was born on July 5, 1936 at Likasi, near Lubumbashi in Shaba Province, Eastern DR Congo. He changed his name to Ilunga Chenji Kamanda wa Kamanda Gaston Omer after Mobutu decreed that Zaire nationals replace their Christian names with African ones.

He picked up his early musical training from a Greek pianist, Leonides Rapitis, and had a hit with "Barua kwa Mpenzi Gaston" while he was still in school. When he was 20 he formed the Baba National Orchestre, which he took on an extended tour through Zambia, Zimbabwe and several European countries before becoming one of the first Congolese musicians to settle in East Africa in the early 70s.

Evani Kabila Kabanze, who was later to star with Les Mangelepa, sang with Orchestra Baba Nationale in Lubumbashi. The band used to travel to Kinshasa to record. According to Kabanze, sometime in 1971, because of the poor roads in the Congo, they took the Kisangani route through Kilemi which lies on the Congolese border with Tanzania. But, instead of proceeding to Kinshasa, they decided to enter East Africa, having heard of the region's superb studios.

The band settled in Dar-es-Salaam for four years. They found it cheaper there and built a strong fan base. For recording they would cross the border and travel to Nairobi. But, four years later, in 1975, Baba Gaston decided to move the band to Nairobi when they realised they had an even bigger following there.

Congolese musicians have been making waves in Kenya since the late 1950s. It was the Congolese OS Africa Band that opened Nairobi's famous Starlight Club back in 1964. But it wasn't until the mid-1970s, after the passing of the American soul craze, that music from Zaire began to dominate the city nightclubs. As a composer and band leader, Baba Gaston was prominent in the music scene in Kenya for three decades, and is considered one of the godfathers of Kenyan pop.

He sang mostly in Swahili. His tunes were hugely popular and remain evergreen. "Kakolele Viva Christmas" (lead vocals by Kasongo Wakanema who later joined Super Mazembe) earned him a golden award, selling over 60,000 for Polygram. Other memorable hits were "Ilunga Ilunga," "Kai Kai," and "Mayasa." He rarely dabbled in politics, but a praise song for Mobutu in 1983 earned him a gold disc from the president.

Baba Gaston once proudly claimed he had played with more than 700 musicians and that his band was a virtual training school. There was another side to the statistic, however, as Hanz Kinzl, manager of Phonogram, the second biggest label in Kenya, has said, "Baba is an extraordinary person. He has this fatherly image on him, and I think it's quite genuine. In Africa you're wealthy if you have a big stomach. If you can show that you're a big man then you are also regarded as a rich man and an important personality. Which means that he takes the majority of whatever income his music provides him with, to the dissatisfaction of the band members. Consequently there is hardly any band in Nairobi and Kenya which has broken up as often as Baba's".

Mounting dissatisfaction for two years came to a head in July 1976 when several members including Bwami Walumona, Kasongo Wakanema, Evani Kabila Kabanze (vocalist/composer), Kalenga Nzaazi Vivi (vocalist/composer), Lutulu Kaniki Macky, and Twikale wa Twikale split from Baba Nationale to form Orchestra Les Mangelepa. Other splits led breakaway members to Bwambe Bwambe, Pepelepe, and Viva Makale.

Names that rose to prominence with Baba Gaston include Starzo ya Esta (the force behind Festival du Zaire), BadiBanga wa Tshilumba Kaikai (vocalist/composer, later with Les Mangelepa), Mukala Kayinda Coco, Jimmy Kanyinda, Aloni Vangu, Mukala wa Mulumba Bebe, Zainabu, Pepe Mato, Yassa Bijouley (now in Mombasa, Kenya), Lisasi Ebale Mozindo, Zengele Saida, William Tambwe Lokassa, Kasongo Fundi, Kazadi Mbiya Saleh wa Bambu, Medico Bwala, Lukangika Maindusa Moustang, Lumwamga Mayombo Ambassedeur, Mukala wa Mulumba, and Tshimanga Zadios.

A female vocalist who sang with Gaston was Nana Akumu wa Kudu. She is also remembered for her singing with Pepelepe in Nairobi before joining Franco and OK Jazz in the hit song "Mamou." She still performs in Brussels, backed by her husband Djo Mali and ex-Les Noirs guitarist Dieudos.

Other alumni, who have now died, include John Ngereza (who later led Les Wanyika until his death in February 2000), Shoushou (Tchou Tchou), Lutulu Kaniki Macky (a vocalist/composer), Bosho Kayembe Nyonga (who led Festival Libaku in Nairobi before his death), Tabu Nkotela Kiombwe (who died in Mombasa, Kenya, while in police custody on a theft charge).

Baba Gaston died on March 25, 1997, while living across the border in Tanzania, where he had moved since his retirement from the music scene in 1989. He is buried at the Lang'ata cemetery in Nairobi. A prolific musician and apparently also a prolific father.

collated by Paul Johnston from:
Peter Ingolo
Odindo Ayieko
Muttu Mondiya Mama: Music and Musicians in Eastern and Central Africa
Graeme Ewens: Africa O-Ye!, Da Capo, 1991
Douglas Paterson, "Kenya: The life and times of Kenyan pop" in The Rough Guide to World Music Vol 1 (Africa, Europe and the Middle East) by Simon Broughton, Mark Ellingham, Richard Trillo (Editors), London, Rough Guides, 1999

Disclaimer: I claim no credit for any of this writing. It is a collation from the sources mentioned above. If material from other sources has crept in it is unintentional. Please let me know so that I can give credit where it is due. (PMJ/20 Nov 2006). Edited by Peter Toll, 22 March 07.

BOMA LIWANZA

Peter Toll reports:

Jim Monimambo must have come to Kenya in the mid 1970s [note: See his info in the liner notes to Special Liwanza below]. He might have arrived there in 1975 with Kalombo Mwanza's Orch. Basanga, a band that also included Tabu Batchalinge Ogolla and Loboko Pasi who joined Orch. Boma Liwanza soon after getting to Nairobi. Apparently Orch. Basanga fell apart upon arrival because this is what Loboko Pasi said in an article in The Nation (June 17, 2006):

"I had heard about Franco's tours to Kenya and how he would attract crowds in Nairobi and Kisumu. I was very excited about the tour. I had also heard that Nairobi was the London of East Africa, the land of milk and honey. If I couldn't get to London, I told myself, Nairobi would do," adds Pasi.
The tour was to take Orchestra Basanga through Uganda and Tanzania followed by a grand performance in Nairobi before returning home. So after a rather lukewarm reception in Uganda and a low-key performance in Tanzania, the band, led by Kalombo Mwanza, set out for Nairobi. However, somewhere along the way, internal rifts developed over money after the tour's sponsor took off with the little cash that had been realised.
"That was a trying time for me. I was among the band's youngest members, it was my first foreign tour and there we were, splitting. I wondered how I would find my way back home with no money," recalls Pasi.
When they got to Nairobi, the band split up and it was every man for himself. With no tools of trade, no person to turn to, Pasi wandered in the streets of Nairobi, hoping to meet a Congolese who he would share his problems with.
"I did not even have a guitar to perform on the streets to raise money for food".
For almost a month, Pasi had to beg to survive. The paradise in Nairobi was elusive.
"It was not London to me any more. There was no milk, no honey, not even bread crumbs. I was starving, I needed something to do to get food," recalls Pasi.
After knowing his way around town, Pasi joined a Congolese band by the name Boma Liwanza.
"I just introduced myself and they allowed me to perform with them although they doubted my abilities. I proved myself and they accepted me officially," he says.

In the mid 1970s Monimambo became a singer with Boma Liwanza and a popular one. In 1976 he even started to record with his own band Special Liwanza - which was probably just a studio band made up of members of Boma Liwanza. It seems Jim was still with Boma Liwanza in 1979 when he wrote one of their big hits, "Milimani".

However, around the same time he also started performing with George Kalombo Mwanza's new band Viva Makale and that's where he sang with a Zairean artist who had just returned from Tanzania, Moreno Batambo. Soon after, the two started a new band, Shika Shika, but unfortunately, Moreno wanted to be his own boss, so he moved within a year to form Moja One. I believe Orch. Shika Shika was formed in 1980, the year Moreno's "Maisha Ya Mjini" was recorded.

MONIMAMBO, LOVY & MORENO:
ORCHESTRA SHIKA SHIKA

Shika Shika released an album on the Hit Parade label in 1982 and two more in 1983, and produced a slew of singles on different labels. "Tika na lela (Leave & weep)" by Lovy is one of their greatest songs: it became their catch-phrase. They quote the lyrics often, and reprise it musically in both "Massa" and "Ma-Sofia." Among those who leave and weep in this latter version are Samba Mapangala. Their other hits included "Sisili," "Amba," & "Inyo" (according to Phil Bunce in Issue 3 of SONGA! magazine which included a cassette of "Amba").

Among the singers of Shika Shika were Monimambo Jim (born 15 Nov 1949; died circa 2002 in Dar-es-Salaam), Vicky "Lovy" Longomba (1957-96) and Moreno Batamba (1955-October 1994).

Monimambo was also known as Jimmy Monimambo Mfumu Ntoto, the honorific means "King of the Earth" in the Ki-Kongo language (Maquis du Zaire did a song called "Mtukwao" with the lyric "Monimambo ooooh!"). He has most songwriting credits. Monimambo is a surname in Angola; it is also the name of a pan-Kongo trickster spirit! Jimmy was born in Barumbu, Kinshasa of Angolan parents. Many Angolans migrated to the Congo basin in search of work. Sam Mangwana also had Angolan roots. In addition to Shika Shika, Monimambo (who started out with orchestras Los Angel and Cercul Jazz, among others) wrote and performed with Special Liwanza, Boma Liwanza, and Viva Makale of Kalombo Mwanza George. Other bandmates in Shika Shika included Bwami Walumona & Kasongo Kanema formerly of Baba Nationale, and later of Les Mangelepa, Lawi Somona, plus Sammy Mansita, guitarist Mwalimu Siama Matuzungidi, and drummer Lava Machine, who were together in Virunga. Monimambo and Longomba also recorded with studio bands Orchestra Mos Mos and Orchestra Pole Pole. Guitarist Chery Matumona left in 1981 to go to Uganda & Zambia; he now lives in Canada.

Siama Matuzungidi was guitarist with the Cavacha band in Kinshasa in the 70's (The Cavacha was a dance later popularized by Zaiko Langa Langa). Cavacha was formed by Dona Mobeti (tenor voice) and Mopero (baritone). It also featured Mambo Ley and Nanga Nella. Their 1976 hit "Luciana" can be found on the Ngoyarto CD Les plus grands succès de l'orchestre Shama Shama de Mopero. Siama's first composition for them was called "Bomoto mabasi." As Siama says, "Mopero split and formed Orchestre Cavacha de Mopero which led to a conflict. Finally Franco intervened and told Mopero to get a new name. Vicky Shama Shama was Mopero's girlfriend so he chose that as the name of the band (and it's also a song title by Cavacha de Mopero). Shama Shama was formed from Cavacha members as Mopero Wa Maloba was the Cavacha singer." Siama recalls: "Now I can see all the sin we lived with at that time, it was fun! Mopero died in west Africa in 2008, very sad. Shama Shama band got divided just before the Uganda trip; Mopero got new musicians and went to Uganda and then the band broke up again -- that's why KoKo Zigo convinced me to fly to Uganda and form Kombe Kombe in 1978 with Koko Zigo as the singer. We moved to Kenya as Kombe Kombe and we were given a contract at Garden Square in Nairobi to form a new band by the name Viva Makale, but Koko Zigo kept the name Kombe Kombe for our private recordings."
Siama recalls: "At the beginning of Viva Makale the band was:

George Kalombo Mwanza/saxophone and vocal
Buami Walumona/lead guitar
Chery Matumona/lead guitar
Siama Matuzungidi/rhythm guitar
Tabu Frantal/guitar
Thomy Kabea Lomboto/bass guitar
Coco Zigo/vocal
Moreno Batamba/vocal
Jimmy Monimambo/vocal
Tambwe Mandola/vocal
Tshamusoke/trumpet
Lava Machine/drums

Jimmy Monimambo/vocal
Siama Matuzungidi/guitar
Chery Matumona/lead guitar
Tabu Frantal/lead guitar
Lovy Longomba/vocal
Dago Mayombe/vocal
Wabansilu Manycho/bass
Lava Machine/drums

Almost the same musicians used to record in Moja One of Moreno Batamba: it depended who Moreno wanted to use because in the old days Moja One and Shika Shika were not performing just studio recording."

Peter Toll adds: the formation which arrived in Kampala in 1974 was fronted by singers Djodjo Ikomo and Fataki Lokassa, both former members of Orch. Tabou National, a band that was founded by Tony Dee Bokito in 1970. After Tony Dee moved to Mbandaka in 1972, several musicians left the band and Ikomo started working with Orch. Veve with whom he recorded his 1973 song "Maina" (Veve 159). Ikomo was also one of the founders of Orch. Bana Modja with whom he released his compostion "Mayatu" (1974).
Other members of Bana Moja were bass player Manitcho and guitarist Roxy Tshimpaka (ex-Thu Zaina). During their stay in Uganda the group produced a few records that were later released as 45 RPMs on the African label:
African 90853 - Mayatu Pt 1 & 2 (Ed. Bana Moja, later redone for the LP "Maya Tu", KR 1007).
African 90984 - Azonga / Koyoka koyoka (Ed. Bana-Moja 02)
African 90985 - Okei kolakate nika / Na bangi makambo (Ed. Bana-Moja 03)
African 90986 - Mabaku Pt 1 & 2 (Ed. Bana-Moja 04)

In 1975, Bana Moja moved to Nairobi, where a number of musicians regrouped under the name Bana Ngenge. Unfortunately, the band split the following year, with Ikomo and Moreno leaving to join Les Noirs. Meanwhile, Fataki Lokassa travelled with a remnant of Bana Ngenge to Tanzania where the band finally collapsed.

The music Bana Ngenge recorded was released in Kenya on a label called Bana Moja. So, although Bana Moja didn't exist as a band from 1975 on (that is, until Ikomo's return to Zaire in the early 1980s), the name still continued as a record label. Apparently, in the old days quite a number of musicians were selling and licensing recordings and running their own label. For example see the many 45 RPMs on Editions Ntimbo by Orch. Sentima, Top Forum & Festival du Zaire. And also Coco Zigo had his own label, Editions Zigo, that released Orch. Bangambo, Shama Shama & Bansomi Lay Lay.

In 1976 when Bana Ngenge broke up, Moreno & Jojo (or Djo Djo) joined Les Noirs and scored a hit with "Tshiku" (on AFRICAN STARS COLLECTION Vol 3). Other members of Les Noirs included Mukaputu Kalemby Kajos, William Tambwe Lokassa (bass), Mankwazi Duki Dieudos & Chuza Kabaselleh. Dieudos left Kenya and returned to Zaire in the early 80s where he played with Tiers Monde, later he moved to Belgium and hooked up with Dalienst. Kuka & Les Noirs scored a hit with "Mungu iko Helena," and Chuza and les Noirs hit with "Sikiya sauce," (composed by Dieudos Makwanzi) both on ANCIENT SUCCES (ASLP 426), dated 1973. (Jojo was later in Empire Bakuba.) Kuka was Mathieu Kuka composer of the classic "BB69" a hit for African Jazz in the 1960s. He was in Kenya with Les Noirs in the 70s but returned to Kinshasa where today he leads Afric'Ambiance.

After the split up of Bana Ngenge in 1976, Fataki Lokassa moved to Tanzania and carried on with other members of the group for a short while. In 1978 Fataki returned to Nairobi where he joined Les Kinois (later Virunga). He died on Dec 11, 2006 in Dar-Es-Salaam. Peter Toll adds: "As for Ikomo, he left Kenya in 1980 and moved back to Zaire. With a new Orch. Bana Modja he made some recordings for the Kinerama label (LP Maya Tu, KR 1007 [1982]) but by the mid 1980s, he had joined Franco's OK Jazz. He later ended up in Empire Bakuba."

"As for the name change Bana Moja / Bana Ngenge -- I think this really had to do with the person in charge. With Fataki the band was called Bana Ngenge, with Ikomo it was Bana Moja."

Tabu Frantal, Lifenya Lorri and Mandefu wa Mandefu were also band members of Shika Shika. The latter wrote their hit "Bibi moke." Tabu Frantal released "Helena" on the Hudson label with Orchestre Malekesa du Zaire. Nsilu wa Bansilu Manitcho (who was in Japan, but is now back in Kenya, doing Gospel music) of Bana Ngenge was also in the band, occasionally playing bass: he's name-checked in the song "Tina." Siama Matuzungidi was the rhythm guitarist. Born in the Congo in 1953, he grew up at a Jesuit school where he had unlimited access to the music room. Inspired by Bavon Marie Marie, he started playing guitar with Orchestre Cavacha in 1971. In 1975 he was with Orchestre Bibicha until 1978 when he quit Kinshasa for Kampala, Uganda, where he joined Kombe Kombe. He recalls: "Coco Zigo took me to Uganda and we formed Kombe Kombe band; this was in 1978. The same year Lovy Longomba joined us in Kombe Kombe; and Kanda Bongo Man came with Bella Mambo band. We played in the same club Monday to Friday. We kind of mixed the two bands together and lived in the same house -- all of us together for maybe a year. We moved to Kenya in 1979 with Coco Zigo, while others went back to Zaire. In Kenya the first band was called Viva Makale: we played at the Garden Square which was ruled by Buami Walumona and George Kalombo and then from there musical life in Nairobi began." Siama, who was given the name "Mualimu" or Teacher because of his skill on the guitar, also played with Orchestra Shika Shika until 1980 when he was a founding member of Moja One. He remembers: " I composed "Sisili" and "Rebeca" with Shika Shika band. With Moja One I contributed ideas, composed, and played rhythm guitar parts." He was also in Virunga then Ibeba System for five years (1981-85), including a three-year stint in Tokyo. After playing with Losaka in 1994 and Shangoya (1995-2004) Siama started Marimba Africa in Minneapolis, where he now lives.

Coco Zigo Mike sang with Viva Stars in Kenya and later formed Losaka la Musica. He died in a Nairobi hospital in August 1998.

Guitarist Tabu Frantal (from Kisingani, Zaire where he played with Orchestre Succès Le Peuple) formed Boma Liwanza in 1972, with former members of Orchestre Revolution. They toured East & Central Africa frequently and ended up in Nairobi, touring the Indian Ocean islands and Madagascar. In 1981 Boma Liwanza dissolved and Frantal starred with Shika Shika until their dissolution two years later. In 1984 he helped form Vundumuna (out of the break-up of Virunga), which featured his pal Nsilu Wabansilu Manysho who had gone from Boma Liwanza to Shika Shika with him. Sammy Kasule was another member of Vundumuna, as was keyboardist Botango Bedjil, a.k.a. B.B. Mo-Franck. Vundumuna was the top band in Kenya for two years. In 1987, B.B. Mo-Franck took Vundumuna to Japan for a six month contract, making them the first purely African band to play live in Tokyo. Drummer Lava Machine died in December 2005 while still living in Japan. Tabu Frantal also collaborated with vocalist Lessa Lessan (ex-African Fiesta Sukisa), who went on to form Orchestre Popolipo. Frantal has started a new Orchestra Vundumuna in Nairobi in 2006.

-- Alastair Johnston, with additions from Siama Matuzungidi, Cheeku Bidani, Ethan Bloomberg, Douglas Paterson & Peter Toll; & The World of African Music Vol 2 by Ronnie Graham.

Bana Ekanga

45s:

Nziki-Nziki 1 & 2 (CBS Linga 12) ca. 1980-81
Haraka Haina baraka [Nanu Akumu] Eds Shika-Shika SKA003
Liwa ya mama Tabu 1 & 2 (ASL 2292) 1981

Bana Moja (a.k.a. Bana Modja)

Personnel:
Jojo Ikomo, Fataki Lokassa, Moreno = vox
Roxy Tshimpaka, guitar solo
Nsilu Wabansilu Manitcho (bass)
Lawison Somana (sax), Ochudis, Mandali Otis Musa
Zengele Saida (guitar)
Beya Maduma (a.k.a. Moro Maurice), sax

The Kin-based band, known as the Belgicains because they all studied in Belgium, formed in the early 80s included:
Boutié (tenor)
Dada Akoma (bass; later with Langa Langa Stars)
Gérard (harmony singer)
Petit Mando (drums)
Elvis Kunku (2nd guitar; later with Empire Bakuba)

45s:
Bona
Maya tu 1 & 2 (Ed. Bana Moja, later redone for the LP "Maya Tu", KR 1007; reissued African 90853)
Azonga / Koyoka koyoka (Ed. Bana-Moja 02; reissued African 90984)
Okei kolakate nika / Na bangi makambo (Edi. Bana-Moja 03; reissued African 90985)
Mabaku 1 & 2 (Ed. Bana-Moja 04; reissued African 90986)
Miseminga
Londia (Kina Rama 2)
Munsi b/w Manz (EMI/Pathé PEA215)

Bana Ngenge

Line-up:
Djo-Djo Ikomo, Fataki Lokassa, Moreno - vocals
Roxy Tshimpika - lead guitar
Zengele Saida - guitar
Chery Matumona - guitar
Nsilu Wabansilu Manitcho - bass
Maurice Beya Maduma - sax
Lawison Somana - sax
Ochudis, Mandali Otis Musa
Lava Machine (?) - drums

45:

Bana ya Ngenge
Belinda
Bo moto Manytsho (Musiki du Zaire mz7-102) 1976
Cherie Flora [Ingange Ikomo Jojo] or Cherie Flower?
Cherie Peter
Clara
Etisomba [Fataki Lokassa] Bana Moja BANA 13
Kayumba [Ingange Ikomo Jojo]
Kolokota [Fataki Lokassa] Eds BABU 012
Kombe Kombe [Ingange Ikomo Jojo]
Lobe Lobe [Fataki Lokassa] Bana Moja BANA 9
Malanda [Fataki Lokassa] Bana Moja BANA 14
Msema Kweli Baba [Fataki Lokassa] Eds JACA JRP12
Mwajuma [Zengele Saida]
Nairobi
Nzela ya Mombasa Wakuze [Mandala Muissa] (Musiki du Zaire MZ100) (p)1975 Bokuku
Omanga [Fataki Lokassa] Tobina Editions TON16
Seline

Bana Ngenge Stars Popote
Dunia Imelaniwa 1 & 2 Universal Sounds USD005

Mange-Ngenge Orchestre

45s:
Sugar Mami [] Editions Ba-Ba EB12 (1977)
Aori 1 & 2 [Mukala Coco] Editions Ba-Ba EB13

Bana Nzadi

Boma Liwanza

Personnel (1972-81):
Lola Shango, leader
Tabu Frantal, guitar, founder
Roy Mosanda, guitar (also in Shika Shika?)
Christopher Eshu, founder
Nsilu Wabansilu, bass
Monimambo Jim, vocals
Lovy Longomba, vocals
Kikuni "Mbongo Pasi" Bercky
Tabu Batchalinge Ogolla
Loboko Pasi
Boli

LPs:
Boma Liwanza: Kibush Mambo (cbs africa jslp003) see image at top of page

A:
Back to Africa
Mono (Mbongo Pasi - Bercy)
Sina Mambo 1 (Kikuni-Bercky-Mbongo Pasi)
B:
Boma Liwanza Special (Instrumental)
Sina Mambo 2 (Kikuni-Bercky-Mbongo Pasi)
Bilobela (Kikuni - Mbongo Pasi)
(Note: In "Bilobela" the band yells out "Shika yele," possibly the origin of the catch phrase.)

Boma Liwanza, the International Orchestra: The Sounds of Africa (JET STAR jslp...)

A:
Mono 1 & 2 (Mbongo Pasi - Bercy)
Sina Mambo 1 & 2 (Kikuni-Bercky-Mbongo Pasi)
B:
Bilobela 1 & 2 (Kikuni - Mbongo Pasi)
Masua Mabe 1 & 2 (Kikuni - Mbongo Pasi)

There are six tracks on here, credited to Boma Liwanza, but don't get your hopes up. First of all the whole thing is less than half an hour, and secondly it was recorded, it seems to me, at the wrong speed, so all the tracks sound too fast. Plus the last one sounds like it was recorded on a cheap tape deck off the radio! I doubt that was the band's intention. The whole thing is also overmodulated, to really ruin your enjoyment of this band, but then again I am not sure it IS Boma Liwanza. The best track on here is "Cafe con Leche," the most amazing take off of OK Jazz ever achieved by another band. The guitarist goes off on one of those demonic two-fingered leads between choruses and is egged on by people yelling "Juba," one of whom sounds like Sam Mangwana. According to kentanzavinyl.com, "Café con Leche b/w Nirvana" is a single on the Pathé label (PEA 217) by Mundemba & His Underground, so two of the tracks credited to Boma Liwanza are actually by Mundemba, about whom there is no information on line. The other four tracks are almost certainly by them, having appeared on two 1973 SOMO 45s as A-side and B-side.

Special Liwanza

Personnel (1975-81):
Jimy Monimambo, vocals
Sammy Kasule*, singer/bass guitarist
Lifenya Lorry, vocals?
Tabu Saidi Ogolla
Ali? sax
& undoubtedly some of the above band, Boma Liwanza, including Tabu Frantal (guitar), & Lovy Longomba (vocals)
(*According to KenTunes, Sammy Kasule was born in Uganda. He fled to Kenya and joined Les Noirs. He also played with Vundumuna and recorded two solo albums: Kasule and Muziki. Since 1991 he has lived in Sweden and has a band named Makonde, with whom he sings & plays bass.)

LP:
Kanaitsa (AIT records, EBLP 01, 1977)
Side 1
Kanaitsa Pts 1 & 2 (Monimambo Jim)
May Pts 1 & 2 (Sammy Kasule)
Side 2
Ayoma Wa Bunyore Pts 1 & 2 (Lifenya Lorry)
Basi Ya Dumba Pts 1 & 2 (Monimambo Jim)

Produced by Daudi Kabaka
Sleevenotes (courtesy of Tim Clifford):
Ntshimba Monimambo - better known as "JIMY" was born in 1949 November, 15th at Kinshasa Zone Barumbu.

Went to St. Paul School - Barumbu for six years, left in Standard Six and proceeded to College to study mechanics for two years during which he developed a love of music - becoming a musician as a singer. He left the college in 1967 and joined Orchestra TAMPALA - in 1968 as a Vocalist. He did only one year in TAMPALA and in 1969 he joined Orchestra LOS ANGEL of Reuben Mawa.

In 1970 he left Los Angel and joined Orchestra VIPER NOIRS. In 1971 he left Viper Noirs to join Orchestra CERCUL JAZZ in Congo Brazzaville. In the same year he left Cercul Jazz after six months to join Orchestra Super Vox in Isiro Province of Zaire then lead by the famous Bijos Bikasi. In 1973 he joined Orchestra Success Mwachana in Kendu Town of Kivu Province. From there is when he joined the Boma Liwanza of Mzee Shango Lola with which he came to East Africa in 1974. As he puts it in his own words, "This is the man who really taught me real music. I mean Mzee Shango Lola. This made me realise that all that I had been doing was just not good enough".

In 1975 he left Boma Liwanza and formed his own Band Orchestra SPECIAL LIWANZA which he leads until today.

This is his first album and he hopes it is going to be worth the whole lot of trouble he took to DO-IT-UP for the sake of his good and faithful FANS.

Special Liwanza 45s:
Ayoma (Editions Ba-Ba EB9) 1976
Chris Uniponye (Editions Les: Tremor 3)
Elisa [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM22
Elisa Warimo (Editions Ba-Ba EB10) 1977
Kanai (Editions Ba-Ba EB8) 1977
Mama Fefe [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM16
Maria Chantale [Tshimba Monimambo] (Editions Ba-Ba EB11) 1977
Masasu [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM17
Mwale [Tabu Saidi "Ogalah"] Golden Toddy; also City Boom CB1
Sue Iko [Tabu Atchatchambala] Editions Chris CJ 015
Towumelite 1976 (Editions Ba-Ba EB7-2)
Vicky 1976 (Editions Ba-Ba EB1)
Zumba [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama WEM5

Liwanza Komecha

Juliana 1 & 2 (Lifenya Lorri & Liwanza Komecha) Eds BABU 006
Ayoma wa Bunyore 1 & 2 (Lifenya Lorri) Eds BABU 005
Liongela 1 & 2 () Eds BABU 0080

Bwambe Bwambe and Super Bwambe

LP:

MAMA YA LEKI (CBS LINGA LP 001 1980)
A1: Nya Siaya (Terry) [Kayembe Nyonga]
2: Fatia [Kayembe Nyonga]
B1: Mama ya leki pts 1 & 2 [Kayembe Nyonga]
B2: Maria-Fellia [Luboya wa Tshiteyai]

Liner notes: Orchestre Super Bwambe was formed in February 1977 by [singer] Kayembe Nyonga and Luboya wa Tshiteyai. Kayembe Nyonga was born on 19 January 1945 in Lubumbashi, Zaire. He has been a member of several bands such as VILE KITE JAZZ, SUPER BELLA and BABA ILUNGA WA ILUNGA. He is pleased to present his new LP which is titled "Mama ya Leki" on CBS Records. Kayembe with his group SUPER BWAMBE BWAMBE signed with CBS Records in January 1980. [Doug Paterson]

Super Bwambe 45:

Nya Siaya 1 & 2 [Kayembe Nyonga] Linga LNG 001 1980
Councillor 1 & 2 (single on Editions Chris cassette)
Atikapo [Kalombo Mwanza] Editions Chris CHRIS 15
Akinyi wa Homa Bay 1 & 2 (Eds CHRIS 24)
Salongo 1 & 2

Orchestre Fuka Fuka

45s:

Bitota [Mulembu Tshibau] ASL 7-3352 (Eds Mabele)
Babokilo {} ASL 3356N
Lomeka {} ASL 3359
Mbiya [Tshimanga Assosa] ASL 7-3367 (Eds Mabele)
Baba Isaya {} ASL 3374N

Baba Gaston

info needed

GREATEST HITS VOL 1 (POLP 901; ASLP 901)
A: Ilunga-Ilunga Pt1; Ilunga-Ilunga Pt2; Mpenzi ya Mperemen De [Pipi]; Mangelepa;
B: Mei Pt1; Mei Pt2; Ain Souci; Ngai Nayo Dialoguete

Liner notes (courtesy of Alan Wheeler): At last PHONOGRAM (KENYA) Ltd has come out with Something Special -----something which has long been awaited. This Long Play by Orchestre Baba National should have been as ordinary as any other LP released in this country, but it is not.
This LP is special for obvious reasons: the music is of high quality and in the tradition of Baba Ilunga wa Ilunga "Gaston" himself who is noted for his tremendous sense of perfection: This LP has been made more special in the sense that most of the tracks have never been released before. You will enjoy the super hits like Mbula ya basi, Mapenzi ya Peremende, Mama Bana & Magenlepa and many more.
Besides the high quality of music -- not forgetting the best quality of recording -- there are other important factors which make this LP to be even more Special.
It does also commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Orchestre Baba National and 40th Anniversary of Baba Ilunga himself. And it is also the first LP by Baba Ilunga wa Ilunga in East Africa....
He was born 5th July 1936 at Likasi -- about 100 kilometers east of Lumbumbashi, the capital of Shaba Province in the Republic of Zaire. His main interest in music was prompted by the church choir.
When he was nine years old, Baba Ilunga wa Ilunga was a member of the Roman Catholic Church Choir at Likasi and Lumbumbashi and he attributes his initial success in music to his first teacher -- Joseph Kiwele -- who composed so many religious songs in Shaba Province in the early fifties.
Baba Ilunga wa Ilunga became a professional musician between 1951 and 1952 when he joined an all-white group -- the Orchestre de la Sabene -- in Lumbumbashi.
It is while in this orchestra when he composed what was to become his famous hit -- Baba Gaston. Baba Ilunga wa Ilunga owes his success in the field of profession music to his late Greek teacher -- Leonidas Rapitis -- who was a noted composer and pianist in the Republic of Zaire.
Rama Athumani, Taifa Weekly, Nairobi, 10th January, 1976.

GREATEST HITS VOL 2 (POLP 933)

info needed

SAFARI (ASLP 1006 1985)
A: Nazonga mboka
Safari ya Tanzania
B: Nyongo mpenda watu
Que sera sera

BRUXELLES A BUTEMBO ASLP 983 (1983)
A.1. Bruxelles a Butembo
2. Okozua Nini
B.1. Lengema Big Manager
2. Vituko Vya Harusi

CONDITION BI-MSUM ASLP 971 (1983)
A.1. Ekelekele
2. Hello Hello
B.1. Rudi Nyumbani Africa
2. Condition Bi-Msum
This LP was recorded at Studio Minzoto (Zaire) with singer Stazo Ya Esta (= Starzo ya Esta, Stazo Ya Estha). I assume Baba Gaston recorded this album with Kinshasa musicians during a trip to Zaire. [Peter Toll]

Baba National

Grand Piza

45s:
Napemi 1 & 2 [Mbo] (Bana Moja BANA 17)
Bokila 1 & 2 (Bana Moja BANA 27)
Fouati 1 & 2 [Aime] (Bana Moja BANA 28)
Naleli Mama 1 & 2 (Bana Moja BANA 29)
Muana Mawa
Mandalala
Kisangani 1 & 2 (Diabim 8)
Keba na zuwa (Diabim 12)
Ombatela 1 & 2 (Diabim 13)
Yo Zairois ngai Zairoise 1 & 2 (Diabim 17)

CD:
Muana Mawa
(Melodica, Nairobi: A CD made from a cassette?)
1. Mwana mawa pt 1
2. Mwana Mawa pt 2
3. Koliya mpesa
4. Bana Moja
5. Bona
6. Mama alobi na bala
7. Mbomoko Mobayi
8. Makuela
9. Etisomba
(This last cut is by Bana Ngenge, don't know what it's doing on here.)

Les Jaca

Adija Adisi [Lovy]
Christmas 1 & 2 (Eds Tobina TON 31)
Kamulewe 1 & 2 (Edition Jaca JRP28) 1983
Papi Guicain 1 & 2 (Editions Tobina TON 7-02)
Sakii [Frantal Tabu] Tobina TON21
Shemeji (Eds Bana-Likasi BAS 5)

Les Kinois

Personnel:
Samba Mapangala - Band Leader and lead vocalist;
Pele Ondindia - Assistant Band Leader, Bass Guitarist and vocalist;
(Iliko) Madjo Maduley - Assistant Band Leader and vocalist;
Bedjo Mikombi - lead (Soloist);
Bibiley Kabakaba - Assistant Lead (Soloist);
Okelo Josse - rhythmnist;
Niki Djo - Bass and (lead-solo) Pop Music;
Faustao Temopele, the dynamic (Drummer) boy;
Kasule Mopepe, Tumba (Kongas).
"All members of Les Kinois come from Kinshasa (Zaire) besides Kasule Mopepe from Uganda and Okelo Josse from Kenya." [DP]

Achieng [Pele Ondindia] Editions les Kinois LK008
Ami Abouma (Linga 13)
Ba-Boka (Lake Victoria LAS 3046; also Super Musiki du Zaire SMZ001) 1978
Cherie Nata (Eds. Les Kinois LK009)
East Africa (Musiki du Zaire MZ21)
Fwaya (Editions Chris 16)
Furaha ya Christmas [Diabanza; Niki; Djo] (Eds. Les Kinois LK006)
Lisano (Musiki du Zaire MZ22)
Malako (Eds Les Kinois LK001)
Mother-Father (ASL 3387 1980)
Semeki-Siama (Eds. Les Kinois LK005)
Sunday 1 & 2 [Madjo; Madule] (Eds Les Kinois LK004)
Susana (Samba Mapangala SAM001)
Taabu ya Masikini (Editions les Kinois LK12)
Toweli nini (City Boom CB11)
Yena oboyi libala (Editions Chris 21)

MALAKO DISCO ORIGINAL (CD from Melodica in Nairobi, which has applause grafted on):
Malako
Mwana Mboko
Blanche Christmas
Sunday
Sigana Maronyango

Coco Zigo on the mike, courtesy of Siama Matuzungidi

L'orchestre Kombe Kombe

45:

Mimi 1 & 2 [Koko] Eds Matunda ANA 003
Nyako-Nzanzi 1 & 2 (Koko Mike "M") VMS-1
Saba Saba 1 & 2 (Koko Mike "M") VMS-2
Sau-Sauda 1 & 2 (Coco Zigo Mike) AIT EIT-03
Souzy Body 1 & 2 (Eds Sapato/CBS CCE-1)

Lifenya Lorri & Liwanza Komecha
See under Special Liwanza

Lovy Longomba

LOVY 2 (LVLP411):
Mete (Lovy)
Lomama (Lovy)
B: Annie
Eli

(In "Lomama," sung in Lingala, we hear a namecheck for Felix [Jacomo, the producer of Super Lovy and Super Mazembe], then Boka, Massamba Maquis & Dialu Kila (who were the consular staff and Ambassador of Zaire at the time), Misele, Monimambo, Pierrot, Eddy, Lava Machine, & Lovy. They also quote the songs "Mado Zaina" & "Tika na lela." Sammy & Manitcho get a shout-out in "Annie.") Other band members were Chery Matumona (lead guitar), Bibiley (guitar), Siama (guitar), Lawi Somana (sax), Manitcho (bass guitar), Jackino or Jacky (singer) and Shabani on drums.

Nelly
Lela
2: Pital
Keba-yo

Liner notes: Produced by Felix Jacomo (G.A.)
LOVY MOKOLO LONGOMBA
Since the early days with Super Mazembe, LOVY has always been a fantastic and prolific composer -- remember "Lovy," "Yo mabe," "Ndeko," "Nanga," Mokano" and "Elena."
The Lovy voice too is something special and has an unmistakeable sound that just cannot be copied by any other Lingala artist, no matter how hard they may try. This has given LOVY a special fan club, and for those fans, here are more of the HOT AND HIGH SOUNDS OF LOVY.

Bana Likasi

Lovy with Orchestre Super Lovy

45s:
(From Muttu Mondiya Mama on Julian Thorpe's page; and big thanks to Rufus, Doug, Tim, and the gang)

Aya 1 & 2 (eds LOVY 06)
Bilangwela (Eds Suplov 5)
Elee 1 & 2 (eds LOVY 01)
Eli (Eds LOVY 05)
Etali Yomoko (12" UK single on Swahili Records 12 SWAH 001 1983)
Fatuma 1 & 2 (Lovy Longomba Mokolo) Eds Suplov SUPLOV010
Jose
Keba-yo 1 & 2 (eds LOVY 07)
Lovy Manicho
Mali Ya Baba
Mokili 1 & 2 (Eds LOVY 02)
Nairobi
Obaye Ngai / Emeda (ASL 3259 1971)
Salima
Talaka
Umasikini sio kilema 1 & 2 (eds LOVY 03)
Ye Ye Ye (eds LOVY 04)

EDITIONS CHRIS compilation VOL 3
A compilation album from the Chris Music Store in Nairobi with five complete 7' singles:
Orchestra Virunga: Mayopa 1 & 2
Super Bwambe: Councillor 1 & 2
Super Mazembe: Rossy Marrie 1 & 2
Super Lovy: Mwana Kisumu 1 & 2
Massima la Musica: Viva Christmas 1 & 2

Early recordings of Lovy & Dindo Yogo with L'Orchestre Macchi and Etumba na Ngwaka are heard on SUCCES DES ANNEES 70 vol 1 (NgoYarto EPP19)
"Yoka toli" and "Mokano" on JEUNES VEDETTES DES ANNEES 70 (Sonodisc CDS36546)
"Lola Mwana" on l'AFRIQUE DANSE (Sono 360 061)

Orchestra Makassy

Orchestra Makassy was formed in Uganda by Mzee Makassy and a number of Ugandan and Zairian musicians. In 1975 they were left Uganda for Tanzania and took up residency at the New Africa Hotel in Dar-es-Salaam. In Dar Es Salaam during the 1970s the most popular bands were formed by Zairean musicians who sang originally in Lingala, and later modified the music to fit the inflexion of the Kiswahili language. Orginally perfoming as a solo artiste at the New Africa Hotel, Mose Se Fan Fan went on to join Orchestre Makassy, with whom the first four tracks were recorded. The song "Chama Cha Mapinduzi," in praise of the Tanzanian independence party, had lyrics based on the words of the country's first president, Julius Nyrere.

The next four songs on the first session were issued as singles in East Africa and collected on the Greatest Hits LP. Most of these were updated in the studio and re-recorded for the Agwaya sessions done in Nairobi. The combination of their musicianship and the minimalistic production of Norman Mighell, who recorded them in 1982, produced what many regard one of the finest moments of East African rumba. [--Matt Temple]

Peter toll adds: As for Orch. Makassy, they were not based in Kenya but in Tanzania. When Makassy left for Nairobi to record "Agwaya" (1982), the band was already falling apart. Remmy Ongala stayed behind in Tanzania where he joined Super Matimila while Fan Fan Mosese quit Makassy in Kenya to start another Somo Somo band. The Makassy that produced AGWAYA had really only been playing together for three years or so.

The Radio Tanzanian Sessions (Dar es Salaam ca.1980)
Ciska (Makassy single EMK 07)
Molema (Makassy single EMK 05)
Bakokabolakate (Makassy single EMK 08)
Chama Cha Mapinduzi, a.k.a. "Muungano"
Mosese (Makassy single EMK 02)
Siku Ya Kufa
Athumani (Makassy single EMK 03)
Mume Wangu (Makassy single EMK 04)

[NB: the last 4 tracks are drawn from the Editions Makassy cassette "Makassy" (ZEMK/C1) --Peter Toll]

Another 45 on the Makassy label: Maggy 1 & 2 (Makassy single EMK 011)

The Nairobi AGWAYA Sessions (Recorded at CBS Nairobi & remixed in London 1982 for Virgin records release Virgin OVED84; reissued on CD on 2005: Legends of East Africa - Orchestra Makassy (ARC Music EUCD1909), with three bonus tracks, "Ubaya wa nini" from the same Nairobi session, and "Muungano" & "Mume Wangu" -- tracks previously recorded in Tanzania.)
Mambo Bado
Zimbabwe
Kulifilisika Sio Kilema
Nakolela Cherie
Mosese
Athumani
Mke Wangu
Molema
Ubaya Wa Nini

The Greatest Hits Of Makassy (AIT LP: EMKLP 01)
A.1. Molema
A.2. Athumani
B.1. Cisca
B.2. Mosese

Mose Se "Fan Fan" rose to stardom as lead guitarist with Franco & OK Jazz before heading East for a solo career. He also played with Lovy du Zaire, Orchestre Mi, Orchestre Makassy (in the late 70s), Orchestre Matimila and Maquis, as well as his own band Somo Somo. Other versions of "Ciska," "Molema," "Venus," and "Chama cha mapinduzi," recorded in Dar Es Salaam 1979, can be heard on BELLE EPOQUE (RetroAfric RETRO 7CD). After the death of Franco he formed Bana OK.

Orchestra Makassy 45:
Mambo Bado 1 & 2 (Eds Makassy EMK09)

Les Mangelepa

Personnel:
Bwamy Walumona (Simon) "Le capitaine" - lead guitar, chief of the orchestra
Kabila Kabanze "Evani" - lead vocal
Kelenga Nzaazi "ViVi" - vocal
Babibanga Wa Tshilumba "Kai Kai" - vocal, trumpet, trombone
Lutulu Kaniki "Macky" - vocal
Kasongo Fundi "Petit Jean" - drums, bass
Lukangika Maindusa "Moustang" - lead guitar, rhythm
Mwepe Mutshi "Cavalou" - trumpet
Lumwanga Mayombo "Ambassadeur" - rhythm, bass
Mukala Wa Mulumba "Bebe" - drums*
Tabu Ngongo Ildephonse "Supersax" - saxophone
Tshimanga Zadios - saxophone
Twikala Wa Twikale "Petit Pierre" - organ, lead guitar
Kabe Kimambe "Elombe" - organ, lead guitar
Kabebe Mukangwa "Picolo" - bass

additional personnel:
Tambwe Lokasa (William) bass
*i.e. Mukala Kanyinda (CoCo) tumba
Paddi (Ma Wau-Wau) saxophone

For a biography of the group see the liner notes to the ENDURANCE CD.

Tour of Zambia (ZMPL EPA 001, original pressing from Zambia)
A: Djala 1 & 2
Tshibola 1 & 2
Mankwanzi 1 & 2
Tour of Zambia 1 & 2
Instrumental

"The Riot Continues . . . a year later"

Embakasi 1 & 2 [Kalenga Nzaadi "Vivi"]
Maindusa 1 & 2 [Lukangika Maindusa "Petit Mustang"]
Mimba 1 & 2 [Kabila Kabanze "Evani"]
Nyako-Konya [Babibanga wa Tshilumba "Kai-Kai"]

Personnel:
Bass, guitar = Twikale wa Twikale
Drums = Mukala wa Mulumba
Rhythm guitar, bass = Lumwanga Mayombo
Lead vocal = Kabila Kabanze
Band leader, guitar, manager = Bwamy Walumona
Percussion = Lukangika Maindus
Saxophone = Tabu Ngongo
Tenor trumpet = Mwepu Mutshi
Trumpet, vocals = Babibanga Tshilumba
Vocals = Kalenga Nzaazi
Vocals, Drums, bass = Kasongo Fundi
Recorded and mastered at Phonogram Ltd, Nairobi, in collaboration with JoJo Productions

Walter 1 & 2
Halleluya 1 & 2
Maboko Pamba 1 & 2
Pambana Pambana 1 & 2

LIVE ON TOUR ASLP 921

no info

LISAPO ASLP928 1980 ?

no info

Cassette:

THE AFRICAN STARS COLLECTION VOL 5 (Jumbo Jet JJLP005) ca. 1990, see Natari website:

A.1. Ole Ole
A.2. Amua
B.1. Detchu
B.2. Dracular
(A reissue of old singles, also released on cassette as "Les Mangelepa with Hits like Amua, Dracular" - CASLP 2023 (1990); All songs composed by Koko Mukala Kanyinda), drummer and vocalist who paid his dues alongside Nico, Mangwana and Papa Noel in bands like Vox Africa & Cercul Jazz before joining Les Mangelepa in Nairobi in 1977.

Orchestra Monama

Mariamu (Jean Monimambo) Editions Chris CJ019
Nabokola Mwana nkoi (Jean Monimambo) Editions Chris CJ020

Orchestra Mos Mos

45:

Walter Jaramogi Part 1 & 2 (Editions Sapato EDI 2)
Mokili [Longomba Lovo] (Editions Sapato, Kenya EDI-5)
Vumilia Wazazi [Longomba Lovi] (Bolingo DD 11)
Mama ya Mwana (Editions Sapato, Kenya EDI-6)
This last single was a test pressing (& could be attributed to Shika Shika as it is unlabelled). Siama recalls, "Mama ya muana: Yes Lovy was praising Mado Zaina and also Safi Mati, who was Jimy Monimambo's wife. They were all best friend living in the same place but different apartments at that time. It could be CBS because some recordings of CBS never came out; I remember doing 4 songs for Monimambo with CBS. I can hear the voice of Monimambo, Fataki too, Nsilu waba Nsilu bass, Shabani drums, I don't know what Elvis -- Lawi Somana -- was playing, could be sax or guitar, he was a good guitarist too."

Les Noirs

On compilation LPs:
"Mungu iko Helena" by Kuka & Les Noirs on ANCIENT SUCCES VOL 1 (ASLP 426)
"Sikiya sauce" by Chuza et les Noirs on ANCIENT SUCCES VOL 1 (ASLP 426)
"Mosasa Ndembo" by Ndala Mobangui Roger on HIT PARADE AFRICAIN vol 3 Pathé Marconi 2C 054-15240
"Sikiya sauce" by Chuza et les Noirs & "Amin no 1" on HIT PARADE AFRICAIN vol 4 Pathé Marconi 2C 054-15733

LP: The African Stars Collection vol 3 (JJLP003):
A: Tshiku
Londele
B: Mokili
Nasambwa

Mr Chuza Kabaselleh Masters, founder leader, and owner of Orchestre Les Noirs City Five, was born in Kasai, Zaire and brought up in Uganda and Kenya.
Chuza has had a long spell in the colonial army during the last world war, posted on service to various countries abroad. It was during this period in India that he started an Army Entertainment Band Unit with George Zaake, Daniel Gatuku, Charles Renkatuka, Fundi and many others.
After the war Chuza led an ex-Servicemen's band performing so popularly all over East Africa: the very popular A.B.S. Band. So popular was this group that even the Colonial Government allowed them to entertain the Mau Mau internees all over the country.
The colonial government ensured the break-up of this group towards the end of the emergency but Chuza very much determined and popular throughout East Africa continued forming band after band. His popularity earned him success in 1970 when the Uganda government trusted him with his band to perform at the various Hotels in Uganda.
In 1972 his recording career started in Kenya. For his success he thanks all his musicians and fans, and hopes this LP will be a must in every household.

Possibly later than the following album, and apparently with different personnel.

While it is classic Congolese rhumba, sung in Lingala, the album opens in English with a salute to Kenyan fans and a "Viva Mobutu" and "Viva Kenyatta." This would make them one of the first Congolese bands to hit Kenya, probably in the mid-70s.

1. Sikiya Sauce pt 1
2. Sikiya Sauce pt 2
3. Mosa se Ndembo
4. Mungu iko Helena
5. Mabuidi
6. Marie Jeanne
7. Banange tugede mengo (?)
8. Bangaye
9. Shida

Zozo & Les Noirs: Lolanga Ngunda b/w Ngai Wivinne - ATA 1
Michel & Les Noirs: Oboya Ngai Tina b/w Brazza Impfondo (Ata Ndele ATA 2)
(Thanks to Alan Wheeler for images in this section)

Pepelepe

45s:
Mulambo
Baleki Nzela - ASL 3380
Kwa nini? (Nana & Orch Pepelepe) ASL 2255 November 1979
Mawazo - ASL 3383
Savana - Tobina TON23
Bilanda-Landa Mabe - Safari SAF9
Ouma mobali ya tembe (Bijoux) APR-01

Orchestra Pole Pole

Orchestre Popolipo

45s:

Massamba
Margaret Maggie 1 & 2
Mwana wa mberi

Shika Shika

LPs:

HIT PARADE LP 004
Meka Meka [Ekombo]
Kabola Mikola [Jimmy Moni Mambo]
Kende Nayo [Ekombo]
Mwana Koi [Jimmy Moni Mambo]
Massa [Shika Shika]

45s:
Amba* [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Daraja DJ005
Balingi ngai nakufa [] Lake Victoria Special VC06
Balula 1 & 2 [Lovi Mokolo & Moni Mambo] Umoja Mwana Shambe UMS4/KBS411
Bella [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Safari SAF3 (JACA Production)
Bibi Moke [Mandefu wa Mandefu] ()
Cherie Lala [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP014
Diabanza [Monimambo Jim] Bolingo Records DD03
Diana [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP001 (1975)
Daina Akinyi (?)
Family [Jim Moni Mambo] Bolingo DD-15
Fifi [Siama] Hit Parade HP007 "Shika Yeye" (1975)
Fumata [Moni Mambo] Hudson HUDP102
Habari Yako [Moni Mambo] Umoja Mwana Shambe UMS02
Hadija Mama Samba 1 & 2 [] Audio Productions APL008
Inyo [Moni Mambo?] ()
Jane [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP003
Kanindo [by Etchou Ndjadi Mitchoum; Oluoch Kanindo was the producer of Bolingo records] Bolingo DD02?; also Makossa MZ30573, B side of "Bakenda Bokila" by Kalombo and Orch. Bakoka
Lima [?]
Liwa [] Hit Parade HP021
Ma Ngenge [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP008 (P) 1975 8:45
Ma-Sofia [Monimambo Jim] City Boom CB23
Maisha ya mjini [Moreno] Makossa MEA716 1980
Makopa [Monimambo Jim] CBS LINGA (S) 2
Mary [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Soni Sounds SONYA 02
Mary Kalando [Roy Mosanda] Eds Tobina TON19 (A Jaca Production)
Massa [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP009
Matinda [Moni Mambo] Editions Musique Bénie EMB8111 (p) 1976
Maya
Mayatu [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP019 (1975)
Maze [] AIT subsidiary Editions Franc-Afrique EFA026
Mboka Mosika [Lovy Longomba?] Eds Jaca ELJ 051
Milando [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP020
Misere 1 & 2 [] LINGA (s)4
Monica Achoch [Lifenya Lorri] Hit Parade HP017
Motema Ekobeta [Moni Mambo] CBS Linga (S) 3
Nakobela [Mandefu] Edition Jaca JRP9
Ndaya - 4:54
Ngombele [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Edition Jaca JRP6
Nayako Ber [Moni Mambo Jim] Bolingo DD 01
Nzumba [Monimambo] Superphonics BOY03
Obongoli ngai [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Editions Jaca JRP10
Ole Mama [] Eds Mau-Mau Afrique CEGE 03
Olivia []
Patrick []
Rebecca [Siama] ()
Sala {} Musiciana MUSA 05 [by Special Liwanza & Shika Shika ??] 1977
Shika Shika [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP005 "Shika Yeye"
Sisili [Siama] ()
Tabu ni tabu tu [] HP025
Tika na lela [Lovy] Hit Parade HP018
Tina [Marie] Hit Parade HP015
Zainabu [Moni Mambu Jim] Edition Jaca JRP22 (1983)
45 by Moni Mambo:
Getride [Moni Mambo] S-CBS (K) 004 (P) 1979

*SONGA! magazine volume 3 (a brilliant, loving, hilarious, detailed and rather insane fanzine put out by Phil Bunce in Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK, 1991) included SONGA! MBELE cassette "Kenyan Classics vol 2" including "Amba" by Shika Shika licensed from Daraja Recordings. Copies available from the Natari website.

Super Kumba Kumba

Possibly a nzonzing band with Mose Se Fan Fan at the helm; Tim Clifford lists one single by them on the Diploma label, sung in Lingala, and released in Nairobi:

Selestine Okanisaka 1 & 2 (Diploma DCC001)

Super Mazembe

Formed out of Super Vox, a Congolese band started by Mutonkole Didos Longwa in 1967, some of whom moved to Nairobi in 1974. VOICE OF AMERICA published an obituary of Atia Jo (born Mulunguke Mwanza) on 2 January 2007: "Super Mazembe was comprised of the band leader Didos Mutonkole Longwa, Bukalos Bukassa (lead guitarist), Rapok Kayembe (rythmist), Atia Jo (bass guitarist), Katele Aley (lead composer and vocalist), Dodo Doris (drums), Kassongo Songoley (rythmist) and Charles Kagamba (vocalist)." Formed in Lubumbashi, the band moved to Zambia where Nashil Pitchen, producer of the Nairobi Eagles Band heard them and invited them to Kenya. In Nairobi their ranks were strengthened by other Congolese musicians, including Kassongo Wa Kanema, Lovy Longomba, Fataki Lokassa, Rondo Kandolo, Charles Atei, Lobe Namapako, and Loboko Pasi. But the band went into decline in 1986 when a businessman took their instruments away. Atia joined Virunga and later Tchakatumba. In the early 90s surviving members regrouped, but Katele died soon after leaving only Atia and Kanema.

Trevor Herman, in his liner notes to the GIANTS OF EAST AFRICA CD singles out guitarist Bukasa wa Bukasa, who died in 1989, and also mentions bandmates Loboko Bua Mangala (guitar), Mwanza wa Mwanza Mulunguluke (bass), Kitenge Ngoi Wa Kitombole (drums) & Musa Olokwiso Mangala. A lot of the songs on this compilation are stories about individual band members. Their biggest hits were "Kasongo," "Shauri Yako," and "Samba."

Doug Paterson mentions that only their Kaivaska LP (for Virgin) was conceived as an album, all the other six LPs released in Kenya were after-the-fact compilations of 45s.

LPs:

A1. Loboko (Loboko)
2. Mado Zaina (Lovy)
B1. Ouma (Lovy)
2 Na bimaka te (Katele)

A1. Mbanda Ya Mobanga (Longwa)
2. Mukala Musi (Lobe)
B1. Gina (Lovy)
2. Atia-Jo (Atia-Jo)

Mbanda ya mobange
Kasongo
Ji-ji
Nanga [Lovy]
Side 2:
Bamama
Samba
Maloba d'amour
Mokano (Lovy)
Mwana-nyiau
Side 3:
Zita
Pepe
Side 4:
Belina
Shauri Yako

1. Yo
2. Zulfa
3. Lukhasi
4. Rosy
5. Eyah
6. Sauda

A.1. Kasongo (Katele)
2. Shauri Yako (Nguashi Ntimbo)
3. Kayembe (K. Rapok)
B.1 Nabimakate (Katele)
2 Salima (Kandolo Rondo)
3. Atia-Jo (Atia-Jo)

A.1. Mbanda Ya Mobange (Longwa)
2. Kasongo (Katele)
3. Jiji (Tabu Ley)
4. Nanga (Lovy)
B.1. Bamama (Kasongo wa Kanema)
2. Samba (Katele)
3. Maloba D' Amour (Buddy Holly/Kasongo wa Kanema)
4. Mokano (Lovy)
5. Mwana Nyau (Lobe)

A.1. Kassongo 1 & 2 (Katele) [also on Giants of East Africa]
2. Shida 1 & 2 (Katele)
3. Samba 1 & 2 (Katele) [also on Giants of East Africa]
4. Mwana Mazembe 1 & 2 (Katele) [also on Mazembe @45]

MALOBA D' AMOR (AFRILP 007 1990)
UK compilation released on the DiscAfrique label
A.1. Kasongo (Katele)
2 Nabimakate (Katele)
3. Shauri Yako (Nguashi Ntimbo)
4. Maloba D' Amor (Buddy Holly/Kasongo wa Kanema)
B.1. Salima Pt 1 & 2 (Kandolo Rondo)
2. Samba Pt 1 & 2 (Katele)
3. Mwana Nyau Pt 1 & 2 (Lobe)

Very Best of Super Mazembe (ZEMAC6)
Mwana Nyiau
Okava
Sauda
Auma
South View
Atia-Jo

Hits of Mazembe vol. 4 (ZEMAC4)

Abibah Makambo 1 & 2, by the Great Super Mazembe Band (ALP 023)
Alesia 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 11)
Amina 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 10)
Biwela (Christmas) Pt 1 & 2 - EMA 29
Bwana nipe pesa b/w Zamani Sana (Super Matatu MTU1)
Ilena Pt 1 & 2 - EMA 33
Kasongo 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 7-6) 1977
Kayembe Pt 1 & 2 - EMA 24
Lokeke 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 34)
Mokano 1 & 2 [Lovy] (Eds Mazembe EMA 32)
Mwana Mazembe 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 13)
Mwana Nyiau (Eds Mazembe EMA 36)
Na Bimaka (Editions Mazembe EM7-16)
Nakokite b/w Libala Pasi (ASL 3322)
Naleki na ba zone 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 9)
Ndeko [Lovy] Editions Mazembe EMA 30
Okova (Oyieyo Ringo OYS 949)
Pepepe [Dack Star] Editions Mazembe EMA 38
Rosy Pt 1 & 2 [Lovy] EMA 42
Salima [Kandolo] Editions Mazembe EMA 35
Samba 1 & 2 (Eds Mazembe EMA 7-8) 1977
Wabuza b/w Nazangi mwana (Luapula PKZ 8)
Yo-Mabe [Lovy] (Editions Mazembe EMA 28)

See Tim Clifford's discography for a more complete list of Eds Mazembe singles.

Nashil Pichen & Super Mazembe: Merci Imbwembwe Yandi b/w Revien a moi (PKZ 17) Made in Zambia
N.P. Kazembe and his Super Mazembe Band "Naleli libota" (Luapula PKZ 75)
Dr. N.P. Kazembe And His Super Mazembe Band "Nde Lwala Love" (Luapula PKZ 79)
Rossy Marrie (Best of Editions CHRIS vol 3 Cassette)
Shida
(See Julian Thorpe's page for more Super Mazembe singles)

Super Mazembe / Kasongo / Ouma (A.I.T. Mazembe vol 1)

Side A: Kasongo
Nanga
Ouma
Rosy
Side B: Pepeye
Preketo
Ilena
Shauri Yako

GIANTS OF EAST AFRICA CD (Sterns/Earthworks CD45)

Kassongo [Katele Aley]
Samba [Katele Aley]
Jiji [Tabu Ley]
Gina [Lovy Longomba]
Mukala Musi [Lobe Mapakjo Roddy]
Mbanda ya Mobange [Mutonkole Longwa Didos]
Shauri Yako [Nguashi Ntimbo]
Lukasi [Lovy Longomba]
Loboko [Loboko Bua Mangala]
Bamama [Kassonga wa Kanema / Majo]
Longwa [Mutonkole Longwa Didos]

1. Kingo Mwambe [Katele] orig: EMA19
2. Izabela [Katele] orig: EMA17
3. Amina [Pauni] orig: EMA10
4. Mwana Mazembe [Katele] orig: EMA13
5. Na Bimaka Te [Katele] orig: EMA16
6. South View [Katele] orig: EMA20
7. Okova [Katele] orig: EMA22
8. Naleli Libota [Katele] orig: EMA21
9. Naleki Na Ba Zone [Tshishi] orig: EMA09

1. Ndona [] orig: EMA18
2. Yo-mabe [Lovy Longomba] orig: EMA28
3. Presto [] orig: EMA39
4. Nganyiemu [] orig: EMA37
5. Mwana nyiau [] orig: EMA36
6. Aleisia [] orig: EMA11
7. Prekete [] orig: EMA40
8. Sala Keba [] orig: EMA15
9. Mungu Mkubwa [] orig: unknown

Orchestre Teke Teke

Samba Mapangala and Virunga

See also Les Kinois

A1. Malako
2. Mwana Mboka
3. Christmas
B1. Sunday
2. Mpenzi Rudi
3. Safari

1990 English compilation, released as VIRUNGA VOLCANO (Earthworks, also on CD CDEWV16), produced by Trevor Herman. The breakthrough album that launched Virunga to international stardom.

tracks:
Malako [Samba Mapangala] also on SLCD149
Ahmed Sabit [Samba Mapangala]
Virunga [Samba Mapangala]
Yembele [Samba Mapangala] also on SLCD149
Neliya [Bansilu wa Bansilu Maniju; aka Wabansilu Manysho]
Mansita [Sammy Mansita]

CDs:
KARIBU KENYA (Sun Records 912956 1995)
Tonga Zala
Karibu Kenya
To Coopere
Ikolo kolo
Wajuku
Weso Sina
Aicha
Africa Yetu
Personnel:
Samba Mapangala - vocals
Abby Surya / Wuta Mayi / Bibi Den's - backing vocals
Mavoungou - percussion
Syran Mbenza - lead guitar and production
Caien Madoka - lead, rhythm, bass guitar
Diblo Dibala -lead guitar
Miguel Yamba - bass
Komba Bellow - drums
Pablo Lubadika - bass on "Ikolo kolo"
Thierry Galion - keyboards, programmation
Alain Hato - sax
Philippe Slominsky - trumpet
Jacques Bolognesi - trombone
Boncana Maiga - horn arrangement
All songs composed by Samba.

UJUMBE (Sterns/Earthworks STEW43CD 2001)
Siri (also on SLCD149)
Dunia Tuna Pita (also on SLCD149)
Muniache (also on SLCD149)
Umoka ni nguvu
Vijana
Ko seka te
Mbona mimi?
Ufunguwo
Dunia tuna pita (extended mix)
Personnel:
Samba Mapangala - vocals
Nyboma Mwan'dido - backing vocals
Mavoungou - percussion
Caien Madoka - lead guitar
Bopol Mansiamina- rhythm guitar
Boss Matuta - bass
Komba Bellow Mafwala - drums
Yuma Kasongo - sax
All songs composed by Samba. Produced by Samba and Bopol.

VIRUNGA ROOTS VOL 1 (VS001 1988-9 recordings)
Africa Dance*
Vunja Mipfupa
Ntumba*
Tolinga Virunga
L'Argent*
Belle femme
Losako*
Marina
Personnel:
{*Nairobi 1988} Vocals: Samba Mapangala, Fataki Lokassa, Dago Mayombe, Coco Zigo, Kasongo wa Kanema, Moreno Batamba, Ibrahim Pepe, Kwempa Risa Risa
Guitars: Beya Mikobi Dibuba, Nkulu Mwilambwe alias Django, Bavon Masudi, Siama Matuzungidi, Jhonny wa Lengo, Sammy Drums: Lava Machine, Willy Chomba, Caillou, Abdalla Kodi, Jean-Claude Mulamba
Sax: Ntalu Nkatu Talos, Twahir Mohammed, Rama Matungunja
all other songs recorded in Paris, 1989, with Samba, Passi Jo, Wuta Mayi, vocals
Syran - lead guitar
Bopol - rhythm
Miguel Yamba - bass
Komba Bellow, Ti Paul, Rudolph - Drums
All songs composed by Samba, except "Ntumba" composed and sung by Django.

MABIALA (Tamasha Budget Beater CD)
Mabiala
Betty
Kimotho
Rama
*1983 recordings; only the title cut had appeared on CD previously

Moreno & Moja One

Moreno and l'Orch First Moja-One (AIT Records EFALP020) Sister Pili
A1. Adidja
2. Kaka Punguza wivu
B1. Aoko (Danger girl)
2. Sister Pili

Personnel:
Guitar-solo: Mokili
Rhythm: Siama & Bibiley
Bass: Lomboto (Toms)
Saxaphone: Kayumba (Frankai)
Drums: Lava & Kaster & Hasani
Vocals: Coco-Zigo & Dewolo
Solo vocals: Moreno
Music arranger: Moreno
Produced by: Felix Jacomo (G.A.)
Recording engineer: Steve Ndesandjo
Recorded at: CBS Studios (Nairobi/Kenya)
[Note: There is some irony in adding the epithet "First" to the band name as "Moja" also means "One"!]

N.B. Reissued in 2012 by Stern's as Sister Pili + 2, right.

Reissue of Sister Pili plus 2 from Sterns 2012. The two additional tracks, 'Rehema-Piri' (POPE16) & 'Teresia' (POPE17), were singles recorded a couple of years before "Sister Pili" with a group called Bana Nzadi.

Moreno & Blue Stars LP (CBS /ACP 1201) BS1 1990

Note: A pretty awful album, with two bright women, Margaret & Sheila, singing harmony that doesn't fit with Moreno's growl, a terrible synthesizer and some weird musical ideas, especially on "Losele" and "African Woman." Good "Diblo-esque" soukous-style guitar, but not enough to recommended it.

Moreno cassette "Nipe Mapenzi" (MB 002)

Moreno cassette "Greatest Hits" (MOR/C 001)

Moreno cassette "Vidonge Sitaki" (MOR/C 002)

Moreno cassette "Everlasting Memories" (MOR/C 003)

*Also on LP "It's My Discothek Vol 2" [POLP 547] as "Mabibi Za Watu" - 9:56 (also released as a 45 rpm single)

* "Jua lako" on KWEYA compilation (POLP551)

Moreno & Blue Stars 45s:

Mapenzi ni mazoea 1 & 2 by Moreno Blue Stars CBS-ACP703
Shufa 1 & 2 by Blue Stars CBS/ACP1201

Orch. Viva Makale (Alimasi)

45s:
(Info from Paul Johnston, Tim Clifford, Peter Toll and Juan Carlos)
Akamba [Kalombo Mwanza] ASL 2256 / AS 4692
Kampete [] ASL 2317 / AS4968-69
Tshanti [Coco Zigo]
Bikumba-kumba
Mwana Manyema [George Kalombo Mwanza]
Mama Naa
Masaku
Mbongo ni pesa 1 & 2 (Swahili) ASL2239
Safari
O Pallo
Celebration

Kalombo Mwanza George & Orch. Viva Makale:

Sugar Mummy 1 & 2 () Hit Parade HP013
Mama Nala
Prince Koko Zigo Mike & Orch. Viva Makale:

Bibi Mdogo
Kulo Koko
Mopepe ya Mbula
(Info from Muttu Mondiya Mama on Julian Thorpe's page)

Viva Stars

A later version of Viva Makale. Perhaps also connected to Les Jaca.

45s:

Prince Coco Zigo Mike & L'orchestre Viva Stars "Horoscope" (Lingala) (editions Jaca Production JRP 35)
Thomy Lomboto & L'Orchestre Viva Stars "Mama Mapacha" (Lingala) (editions Jaca Production JRP 39)

Vundumuna

Vundumuna was formed by guitarist Tabu Frantal in 1984. He had started in Kisingani with Orch. Succès le Peuple, then came East with Boma Liwanza and joined Shika Shika then Virunga, before starting Vundumuna with his partner Wabansilu Manysho, the bassist. Ugandan Sammy Kasule (from Special Liwanza) and Lava Machine were also members. They also teamed up with Lessa Lassan, who had sung with African Fiesta, at one point.

LPs [from Peter Toll]:

Vundumuna: Happenin' POLP 556 1986
A.1. Petite Nzele (Botango)
A.2. Gudi Gudi (Manytcho)
A.3. Benda Bika (Frantal)
B.1. Survival (Frantal)
B.2. Money Pesa "Argent" (Frantal)
B.3. Wivu Sina (Kelly Kanku)

Vundumuna: The Original Vundumuna CBS(N) 025
A.1. Mariamu (Tabu Ngongo)
A.2. Usinitese (Frantal)
A.3. Unshe (Vundumuna)
B.1. Mwinji (Botango/Kelly Kanku)
B.2. Mwami (Kelly Kanku)
B.3. Kagutema (Vundumuna)

Frantal Tabu & The Vundumuna - ELE IVALP 043
A.1. Oluka Makambo
A.2. Tuta - Tuta
B.1. Bibi
B.2. Ele
(All songs composed by Frantal)

Vundumuna Band (Andrew Crawford INTA 18) 1991
Recorded in Japan, released in Kenya in 1991 [Doug Paterson]

45:
Ndoto [] Bolingo
Vundumuna 1 & 2 [] CBS (K) 7008

Prod.: Vundumuna & H. Nagasawa; Vundumuna personnel:
B. B. Mo-Frank (keyboards, vocal, percussion)
Tabu Frantal (guitar, vocals, percussion)
Tabu Ngongo (alto sax, vocals, percussion)
Kelly Kanku (trumpet, flute, vocal, percussion)
Wabansilu David Manytsho (bass, vocal, percussion)
Kabakaba (guitar, vocal, percussion)
Kapela (drums, vocal, percussion)
Micky Jagajaga (drums)

Last update 2 May 2013

All writing on this site is copyright 2005-2013 by Alastair Johnston. Please seek permission before lifting text and/or images.
You can reach me at contact[at-sign]muzikifan[dot]com

muzikifan by alastair m. johnston is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.muzikifan.com.

More info on Kenyan 45s can be found on Tim Clifford's database.

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