The 1970s through mid-80s was the era of Congolese expatriate bands in Nairobi: groups like Boma Liwanza of Shango Lola, Les Kinois of Samba Mapangala, Super Mazembe of Longwa Didos, and Les Mangelepa of Bwammy wa Lumwona (who had come East with Baba Gaston and Baba National). Those from North-East Congo came to Kampala, Uganda; those from Shaba in the South came to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, but sooner or later they headed to Nairobi for the recording studios there. In 1985 the Kenyan government under Daniel Arap Moi cracked down on expatriate bands and groups like Les Mangelepa were forced to leave or disband.

BABA GASTON

Baba Gaston was born on July 5, 1936 at Likasi, near Lubumbashi in Shaba Province, Eastern DR Congo. He changed his name from Ilunga Omer 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. 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 last year (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 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 (who 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 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 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 recalls: "At the beginning of Viva Makale the band was:

George Kalombo/saxophone and vocal
Buami Walumona/lead guitar
Chery Matumona/lead guitar
Siama Matuzungidi/rhythm guitar
Tabu Frantal/guitar
Thomy 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
Manitcho/bass
Silu Waba Nsilu/bass in some songs
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 called themselves Bana Moja and was led by singer Jojo Ikomo. Back in Zaire Ikomo had been a founding member of Tabu National, a band he left in 1973 to join Orchestre Veve. Other members of Bana Moja were bass player Manitcho, guitarist Roxy Tshimpaka (ex-Thu Zaina) and singer Fataki Lokassa (ex-Tabu National). 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 Modja, later redone for the LP "Maya Tu", KR 1007).
African 90984 - Azonga / Koyoka koyoka (Ed. Bana-Modja 02)
African 90985 - Okei kolakate nika / Na bangi makambo (Edi. Bana-Modja 03)
African 90986 - Mabaku Pt 1 & 2 (Ed. Bana-Modja 04)

In 1975, Bana Moja disbanded and several members, including Moreno, left for Kenya. After arriving in Narobi, 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.

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."

Note: Les Noirs had the following personnel on their self titled Pathé-Marconi LP:
Vocals: N'Dala Mobangi
Saxophone: N'Talu Nkatu
Drums, Tumba: Mukaputu Kalembi
Band manager, drums: Teka Seke Chuza Kabaselle Mbawo Mutella
Guitar/Vocal: Makwanzi Duki
Singer: Hassan Omari
Vocalist: Kuka Mwana Bitala
Saxophone: Ndongo Amani
Band Leader: Kalonzi Braink

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.

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 Wa Bansilu 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.

DISCOGRAPHY

Bana Ngenge

Boma Liwanza & Special Liwanza

LP:
Boma-liwanza and the International Orchestra: Kibush Mambo (cbs africa jslp003)

Mono 1 & 2 (Mbongo Pasi - Bercy)
Sina mambo 1 & 2 (Kikuni-Bercky-Mbongo Pasi)
Bilonela 1 & 2 (Kikuni - Mbongo Pasi)

Boma Liwanza 45s:
Baruti [Somo SM7-8001] 1973
Masua Mabe
Lisolo Ya Ndako / Mbanda Tubi - Somo SM7-8002 (1973)
Nakoka Te / Mwana Mobali - Somo SM7-8006 (1973)
Atosha Na Furaha / Tumbamado - Somo SM7-8010 (1973)
Catharine Obebisi / Omeka Tembe - Somo SM7-8011 (1973)
Mlimani - ASL 3376 (1979)
Bridgita Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 3386 (1980)

Special Liwanza 45s:
Vicky 1976 (editions ba-ba eb1)
Towumelite 1976 (editions ba-ba eb7-2)
Kanai 1977 (editions ba-ba eb8)
Ayoma 1976 (editions ba-ba eb9)
Elisa warimo 1977 (editions ba-ba eb10)
Maria chantale 1977 (editions ba-ba eb11)
Mama Fefe [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM16
Masasu [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM17
Elisa [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama MM22
Mwale (Golden Toddy)
Zumba [Monimambo Jim] editions Mwana Mama WEM5

Personnel (1972-81):
Lola Shango, leader
Tabu Frantal, guitar, founder
Christopher Eshu, founder
Nsilu wa Bansilu, bass
Monimambo Jim, vocals
Lovy Longomba, vocals
Kikuni "Mbongo Pasi" Bercky
Tabu Batchalinge Ogolla
Loboko Pasi
Boli

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]

45:

Super Bwambe: Nya Siaya 1 & 2 (Linga 001) 1980
Super Bwambe: Councillor 1 & 2 (single on Editions Chris cassette)
Super Bwambe: Atikapo [Kalombo Mwanza] Editions Chris CHRIS 15

Baba Gaston

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 1006)

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]

45s:
"Ilunga Ilunga" is on ANCIENT SUCCESS VOLUME ONE (ASLP426)
Orch Baba National: Celibataire 1 & 2 (Editions Ba-Ba Kenya single IWI-5)
Nana & Baba National: "Kiolela"
Nazonga Mboka (ASL2347)
Caesar Moyibi
Guanzo (Ed Ba-Ba IWI_7) Kakolele Viva Xmas (Moreno)
Lofundu ya Pamba
Lolo Twisonge
Maria Clara
Mboka Mopaya
Ngai Mwana Zongi
Ngai Nabeleli
Wangoya
Winnie
Kai Kai

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]

Coco
Asha
Mukungukilva
Le Kinois
(Previous four tracks collected on World Record Company, WLP/3LK i.e. AIT label, 1978)

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

L'orchestre Kombe Kombe

45:
Saba Saba 1 & 2 (Koko Mike "M") VMS2
Sau-Sauda 1 & 2 (Coco Zigo Mike) AIT EIT03

Lovy Longomba

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

Nelly
Lela
2: Pital
Keba-yo

LOVY 4: Ye Ye Ye

LOVY07: Keba Yo

Lovy Longomba with Bana Likasi: "Mado Zaina part 1" on THE NAIROBI BEAT (Rounder Records 5030)

Lovy with Orchestre Super Lovy

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

Nairobi
Jose
Manicho
Mali Ya Baba
Lovy
Salima
Talaka
also 12" UK single: "Etali Yomoko" on Swahili Records 12 SWAH 001 1983
compilation EDITIONS CHRIS 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.

Les Mangelepa

CDS:
NYAKO-KONYA ASLP 2004 1986
A: Embakasi / Maindusa
B: Mimba / Nyako konya (On CD from Tamasha TAM0032)

ENDURANCE (RETROAFRIC RETRO21CD)
Embakasi [Kalenga Nzaza Vivi]
Maindusa [Inkangika Maindusa]
Mimba [Kabila ka banze Evany]
Nyako Konya [Badi Banga wa Thsilumba]
Walter [Badi Banga wa Thsilumba]
Malawi Zikama [Kabila ka banze Evany]
Kanemo [Kalenga Nzaza Vivi]

LPs:
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

MADINA ASLP 413 1985
A1. Madina
2. N'Kimba
B1. Lolo Mukena
2. Kamwala

FIRST ANNIVERSARY ASLP 913 (Reissue of NYAKO-KONYA)

ACTION ALL THE WAY ASLP 919

WALTER

LIVE ON TOUR ASLP 921

LISAPO ASLP928

SAFARI YA MANGELEPA ASLP988 ALSO ASLP 2027
A: Safari ya Mangelepa
Zoao
B: Harare
Odesia

SECOND ANNIVERSARY ASLP2016
A: Walter (Kai Kai)
Pambana (Moustang')
Halleluya (Evani)
Maboko Pamba (Macky)

Golden Hits of Mangelepa ASLP2017 1986?
A: Mangelepa Kamili (William)
Kizunguzungu (Kai Kai)
B: Trouble (Bwamy)
Sakina (Coco)

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.

45:
Aoko
Beyande
Cherie Makisa
Conseil Gratuit
Desespoir
Kijana
Kimbele Mbele
Malawi Zikomo
Mangelepa Kanini [Sakina - nganga-kimetu - ekubuku] EMI JJP 999
Mangelepa Ni Yako Tu
Manyeto ASL 2336
Masanga Olele
Mbungu
Naleli Papi
Wasai
Kasuku Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2222
Amua (ASL 2252/ AS 4670)
Ole Ole (ASL 2257N /AS4697)
Lisapo Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2270 (1980)
Kadjera Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2277 (1981)
Kanemo Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2281 (1981)
Autostop Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2282 (1981)
Suki Pembe Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2334 (1984)
Mangelepa Ni Yako Pt 1 & 2 - ASL 2353 (1986)

Personnel:
Bwamy Walumona (Simon) "Le capitaine" - lead guitar, chief of the orchestra
Kabila Ka Banze "Evani" - lead vocal
Kelenga Nzaazi "ViVi" - vocal
Badibanga Wa Tshilumba "Kai Kai" - vocal, trumpet, trombone
Lutulu Kaniki "Macky" - vocal
Kasongo Foundi "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

Orchestra Mos Mos

Walter Jaramogi Part 1 & 2 (Editions Sapato EDI 2)
Mokili [Longomba Lovo] (Editions Sapato, Kenya EDI-5)
Vumilia Wazazi [Longomba Lovi] (Bolingo DD 11)

Les Noirs

Zozo & Les Noirs: Lolanga Ngunda / Ngai Wivinne - ATA 1
Michel & Les Noirs: Oboya Ngai Tina / Brazza Impfondo (Ata Ndele ATA 2)

Pepelepe

Orchestra Pole Pole

Shika Shika

Monimambo Jim & Shika Shika
MALONGA LP (SER 120; AIT release, 1984):
A 1. Malonga - 9:14
2. Kahindi - 9:06
B 1. Maze - 9:03 (also released as 45RPM)
2. Mopaya Zomba - 7:56
(All tracks composed by Mfumu Ntoto Monimambo)

45s:
Ndaya - 4:54
Ma Ngenge - 8:45
Matinda [] Editions Musique Bénie EMB8111
Nyako Ber []Bolingo Records DD01
Diabanza [Monimambo Jim] Bolingo Records DD03
Diana {} Hit Parade HP001 (1975)
Jane [Jimmy Moni Mambo] HP003
Shika Shika [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP005 "Shika Yeye"
Fifi [Siama] Hit Parade HP007 "Shika Yeye" (1975)
Mangenge [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP008 (1975)
Massa [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP009
Cherie lala [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP014
Tina [Marie] Hit Parade HP015
Monica achoch [Lifenya lorri] Hit Parade HP017
Tika na lela [Lovy] Hit Parade HP018
Mayatu [Jimmy Moni Mambo] Hit Parade HP019 (1975)
Liwa [] Hit Parade HP021
Maisha ya mjini [Moreno] Makossa MEA716 1980
Ngombele [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Edition JACA JRP6
Nakobela [Mandefu] Edition Jaca JRP9
Obongoli ngai [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Eds. Jaca JRP10
Zainabu [Moni Mambu Jim] Edition JACA JRP22 (1983)
Ma-Sofia [Monimambo Jim] City Boom CB23
Makopa [Monimambo Jim] CBS LINGA (S) 2
Amba [Jimmy Moni Mambo]
Bella [Mandefu wa Mandefu] Safari SAF3 (JACA Production)
Matinda {} Editions Musique Bénie EMB8111 (1976)
Sala {} Musiciana MUSA 05 [by Special Liwanza & Shika Shika ??] 1977
Nayaka Ber [Moni Mambo Jim] Bolingo DD 01
Daina Akinyi ()
Inyo ()
Kanindo [Oluoch Kanindo was the producer of Bolingo records] Bolingo DD02?
Maze [] AIT
Olivia ()
Rebecca [Siama] ()
Bulula 1 & 2 [Lovi Mokolo & Moni Mambo] Umoja Mwana Shambe UMS4 45 by Moni Mambo:
Getride [Moni Mambo] 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 Mazembe

LPs:
Orch. Super Mazembe / Editions Mazembe (EMA LPs):
Mazembe EMALP 0520 (1980)
A1. Loboko (Loboko)
2. Mado Zaina (Lovy)
B1. Ouma (Lovy)
2 Na bimaka te (Katele)
Liner notes mention another Mazembe album, Mwana Mazembe KLP 0514.

10th Anniversary EMALP 0530 (1981)
A1. Mbanda Ya Mobanga (Longwa)
2. Mukala Musi (Lobe)
B1. Gina (Lovy)
2. Atia-Jo (Atia-Jo)

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

Wabe-Aba EMALP 0550 (1984)

1. Yo
2. Zulfa
3. Lukhasi
4. Rosy
5. Eyah
6. Sauda
7. Pepepe
8. Shauri Yako

Their Greatest Hits EMKLP 01 also EMALP 0560 (1986)
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)

Kaivaska Virgin UK V2263 (1982)
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)

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)

GIANTS OF EAST AFRICA (Sterns Earthworks CD STEW45CD)
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]

Samba Mapangala and Virunga

reissued as:

VIRUNGA VOLCANO (Earthworks, also on CD CDEWV16 1990)
Malako [Samba Mapangala] also on SLCD149
Ahmed Sabit [Samba Mapangala]
Virunga [Samba Mapangala]
Yembele [Samba Mapangala] also on SLCD149
Neliya [Bansilu wa Bansilu Maniju]
Mansita [Sammy Mansita]
Produced by Trevor Herman. The breakthrough album that launched Virunga to international stardom.

FEET ON FIRE (Sterns 1036 1991)
Sungura (also on SLCD149)
Vidonge (also on SLCD149)
Toweli nini
Unisamehe
Jaffar
M'Safari
Safari
All songs composed by Samba. Produced by Charlie Hart
Personnel:
Samba Mapangala - vocals
Rissa-Rissa - Conga & backing vocal
Mokili Sesti - Lead guitar
Bavon Masudi - rhythm guitar
Juma Kachenchy - bass
Abdallah Kodi - drums
Rama Athumani - horn arrangements

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 Macine, 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.

SONG & DANCE (VR002)
Adija
Kaa Chonjo
Tafuta kazi
Kwa nin
Nyama Choma
Pangeni uzazi
Siku ya mwisho
Personnel:
Vocals: Samba Mapangala, Dodo Munoko, Nyboma, Komba Bellow
Guitars: Caien Madoka, with Syran on 3, Dally Kimoko on 5 & 6
Bopol - rhythm
Fiston - bass
Komba Bellow - drums
Deba Sungu - conga
Jimmy Mvondo - sax
All songs composed by Samba.

AFRICAN CLASSICS (Sheer SLCD149 2008)
Sungura (also on Sterns 1036)
Malako (also on CDEVW16)
Fonseka (first time on CD)
Muniache (also on STEW43CD)
Yembele (also on CDEVW16)
Sister Ali (first time on CD)
Siri (also on STEW43CD)
Mabiala (first time on CD)
Vidonge (also on sterns 1036LP)
Dunia tuna pita (also on STEW43CD)
"Sister Ali" written by Mandala Muisa, all others composed by Samba.

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

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)

45s:
Dunia Si Yako [Moreno] (CBS ACP702)
Mapenzi Iko Wapi Pt 1 & 2 (Moreno) {MMM Panther Sounds PANTHER 004}
(Additional titles from Peter Toll, and Muttu Mondiya Mama via Julian Thorpe's page)
Mapenzi Ya Kisasa
Wakati Umefika
Manimba 1 & 2 (Moreno) [Sound of Music Sound009]
Elizabetta
Riziki
Ngalula
Aterere
Sister She
Utani choka (AUG16) 1982
Sikutaki Tena (Andrew Crawford Productions)
Shufaa (Andrew Crawford Productions)
Aminata (Andrew Crawford Productions, also title of LP)
Sister Pili (Editions FrancAfrique)

Orch. Viva Makale (Alimasi)

Kalombo Mwanza George & Orch. Viva Makale:

Sugar Mummy
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

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

Vunduma: 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)

Frantal: The return Of Lessa Lassan AMG 005
A.1. Sala Molende
A.2. Inaka Losele
B.1. Nakoka
B.2. Nzawe
(All songs composed by Frantal)

Vunduma: 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]

CD: HOT MISTAKE (MERCURY/PPD-1051 1989)
Tracks: "Sesse", "Kagutema", "Nzawe", "Iyoliyo", "Tongo Etana", "Mee Kakpa".
Prod.: Vundumuna & H. Nagasawa; Vundumuna personnel:
Mo-Frank (keyboards, vocal, percussion)
Frantal (guitar, vocal, percussion)
Tabu (alto sax, vocal, percussion)
Kelly (trumpet, flute, vocal, percussion)
Manytsho (bass, vocal, percussion)
Kabakaba (guitar, vocal, percussion)
Kapela (drums, vocal, percussion)

Sammy Kasule also played bass with them at one point

All writing on this site is copyright 2005-8 by Alastair Johnston. Please seek permission before lifting text and/or images.
Last update: July 2008. further info on Kenyan 45s can be found on Tim Clifford's database.

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