Samba Mapangala

"Pure balm, he makes you wonder again why African music still awaits its Marley moment of global breakthrough." -- Nick Hasted, The Independent (UK)

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&nbsp Born in Matadi, Congo, Samba Mapangala moved to Kinshasa in the early 1970s, to pursue his secondary education. Inspired by legendary Congolese vocalists Tabu Ley Rochereau and Soki Dianzenza, it was there that Samba began his singing career.

Samba’s early years included stints in the groups Bariza, Super Bella Bella and Super Tukina. It was while touring in Eastern Congo in 1975 that Samba and other musicians separated from Bikassy Bijos’ Orchestra Saka Saka. Recruited by a Ugandan promoter, Samba and his comrades set up camp in Kampala. There, they formed Les Kinois, with Samba as lead vocalist.

In 1977, Les Kinois shifted their base to Nairobi, where they made their first recordings on 7” vinyl with Melodica Records. Hits like the original Malako, Sunday, Christmas and Sigana Mar Anyango rang out over the airwaves.

Les Kinois gave way to Orchestra Virunga in 1981, with Samba as bandleader and lead vocalist. 1982 saw the release of the “Disco Time” LP, which included Malako Disco, Virunga and other hits. Released internationally as “Virunga Volcano”, this album has been recognized in “World Music: 100 Essential CDs” by Simon Broughton.

Samba Mapangala and Virunga churned out the hits throughout the 80s, with such memorable numbers as Mabiala, Kimotho, Sister Ali, and, towards the end of the decade, the mega-hit Vunja Mifupa.

The 90s saw Samba recording and performing with various manifestations of Virunga. Album releases included the critically-acclaimed “Feet on Fire” in 1991, “Karibu Kenya” in 1995 and “Vunja Mifupa” (released in Kenya as “Confusion”) in 1997.

In 1997, Samba toured the United States, backed by an all-star lineup of veteran musicians from Virunga, and other Nairobi-based bands. The late John Ngereza of Les Wanyika was part of the tour. Joining the group in Boston for a unique and memorable performance was the late Fadhili William, a/k/a “Mr. Malaika”.

Following the 1997 tour, Samba set up residence in Maryland, where he currently lives with his family. Though far in distance from his fan base, Samba remains close at heart. His album “Ujumbe”, released in 2001, was intended as a special message to his fans. This album contained the hit Dunia Tunapita, which was the impetus for Samba’s 2004 tour of Tanzania.

In 2006, Samba returned with his latest album, “Song and Dance”. Read and hear more about it at Song and Dance on CD Baby . Please visit our website for concert photos from Samba's 2006 events.

2007 will feature summer tours of North America and Europe. Tour dates will be announced here, so please check back frequently!