East African Business Week (Kampala)

Kenya: Kanda Bongoman Thrills Nairobi

By Brian Coutinho, 15 November 2008

King of Kwasakwasa, Kanda Bongoman staged a live concert last Friday at the Carnivore- Simba Saloon in Nairobi. Probably you were young and in school in the 80s but if you had the chance to dance to his music, this was a concert remember the good old days. He performed along side Kenge Kenge, Suzzana Owiyo, and Gigi Gidi Maji Maji of Unbwogable fame. Kanda Bongoman became a singer for Orchestra Belle Mambo in 1973, developing a sound influenced by Tabu Ley.

His solo career only started to take off after moving to Paris in 1979 where his music started to incorporate elements of then-vibrant zouk music (originating in the French West Indies). His first solo albums, "Iyole" in 1981 and "Djessy" in 1982 were hits.

Tagged: Arts, Arts, East Africa, Kenya, Music

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Comments 1 to 3 of 3 Post a comment

  • lebomkosa
    Nov 18 2008, 17:28
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    chingo wu mamasizo uhueinto man nto Joburg

  • ramadhanfara
    Nov 18 2008, 01:17
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    lo nime kosa kanda bongoman,walai,niko Dubai,da nime mis kweli carnivor Nairobi,namis mtaa kweli,salam sana kwa watu wote wa home na africa kwa jumla,mungu atushaidie sana,

  • jallohlaw
    Nov 20 2008, 19:40
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    Kanda Bongoman: "King of kwakwasa"?

    God forbid!

    Pepe Kalle and Empire Bakuba are closer, under my aesthetic sense.

    Regards.