Amos Ngaira
3 June 2006
Nairobi — Although he keeps a low profile, singer and composer Nyboma Mwan'dido, now a member of Kekele Band, remains one of the established Congolese musicians abroad.
He is among those at the forefront of reviving the rhumba, which for a number of years faced a serious threat from the soukous beat. The Paris-based Kekele, whose other members include Syran Mbenza, ex-TP Jazz guitarist Papa Noel, Wuta Mayi, Bumba Massa and Loko Massengo is currently doing well with its latest album titled Kinavana (a combination of Kinshasa and Havana) a tribute to Cuban songwriter, singer and guitarist Guillermo Portabales.
Nyboma's contribution to the new album in terms of vocals and arrangements is notable.
Formed in 2000, Kekele was an offshoot of the 4 Stars band, and its founder members were Nyboma, Wuta Mayi, Syran Mbenza and Bopol Mansiamina.
Prior to teaming up to form the 4 Stars band, Nyboma had released popular solo recordings like Double Double and Pepe .
Solo artiste
While in Paris in the late 1980 and '90s, he did back-up for his compatriots like Koffi Olomide on Papa Bonheur , the late Pepe Kalle on Moyibi.
As a solo artiste, Nyboma also did a self-titled album featuring Anicet and a remix of Abissinia.
Prior to shifting base to Paris, Nyboma was among the key players in Orchestre Les Kamale, known for hits like Ayi Djo, Ngali and Asana Mwana Mawa. Other members of the group were Mulembu Tshibau and solo guitarist Kinzunga Ricos.
And in the late 1960s he teamed up with the Pepe Kalle in Bella Bella before moving to Orch Lipua Lipua. It was during his stint with Kalle that they sang Kamale, a name later adopted by the group with which he did very well.
He also had a stint with Orch Lipua Lipua, one of the greatest bands in DRC featuring stars like Vata Mombasa and Nzaya Nzayadio.
Nyboma has also worked closely for many years with ace solo guitarist Dally Kimoko and bassist Ngouma Lokito, now based in the US.
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