Nairobi — Prospects appear great for Kenya-based Congolese gospel singer Pammy Muleka, who last Saturday launched her debut album, Niongoze, in Nairobi.

Muleka, one of the back-up singers of another Congolese crooner Angela Chibalonza, says she is elated that the album will not only make her one of the leading top-up gospel musicians, but also into Chibalonza's shoes.

Just to confirm her closeness to her now dead friend, Muleka was during the launch accompanied by Tete Runiga, one of Chibalonza's sisters, and Elisha Muliri, the widower. Others who performed during the launch include Denis Wampayo and his Nova Musica group as well as Solomon Mkubwa.

They moved the audience with a blend of contemporary gospel beats. "I particularly pay tribute to my fans for their patience as it took me a while to produce the album," Muleka said.

The 10-track collection contains inspirational tunes, some of which are already being played on radio, the likes of Nishike, Neno Moja, Sifa and Faithful. Her strong Christian upbringing has contributed a lot to her being steadfast in gospel music.

Notably, her father, Pastor Winston Muleka, and mother Getren Umba had been encouraging her in Kinshasa till her arrival in Kenya in 2000. She was then only 13 years old. Before going into full-time gospel music, Muleka studied at Hope International School of Karen, Nairobi, and later at Zetech College, also in the city.

The interaction with Kenyans has made her fluent in several languages, including French which she learnt back home. Now she has added Kiswahili and English. She sings also in her native Lingala. "I am looking forward to more activities as a gospel musician, while teaming up with others of all generations, she says.

Muleka backed up Chibalonza on the track, Tabibu, off her previous album, Nimekutana na Yesu. Other than Chibalonza, she says she got inspired by listening to South African gospel artiste Rebbeca Malope. Muleka's manager, Freddy Nezzer, is optimistic of greater things ahead for her.

"Following the launch of the new album her fans should expect more activities from her," he says." Already, plans are under way for a series of performances in and outside the city to get her fans entertained by tracks from the new album.