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Orchestra Virunga
Afro-beat / Roots Music / Tropical

"Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga"


Kenya

Profile Views:  24053




Last Login:  9/6/2008
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   Contacting Orchestra Virunga

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/sambamapangala  

   Orchestra Virunga: General Info
Member Since10/8/2006
Band Websitephotoshow.comcast.net/NgomaYetu
Band MembersU.S. BOOKING AGENCY: www.mondomundo.biz

U.K. & EUROPE BOOKING AGENCY: www.sasamusic.com

Concert Photos here!

InfluencesSoki Dianzenza, Tabu Ley Rochereau

Sounds LikeOrchestra Virunga performing at Stewart Park Half Shell, Roseburg, OR, 7/17/07

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Record LabelVirunga Records
Type of LabelIndie





   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Sep 13 2008 10:00P
Blue Nile Minneapolis
Sep 14 2008 5:00P
Global Union World Music Festival Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sep 20 2008 5:00P
Chicago World Music Festival Chicago, Illinois
Sep 21 2008 7:30P
Chicago World Music Festival Chicago, Illinois

Orchestra Virunga's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

MIDWEST MINI-TOUR starts 9/13/08 in Minneapolis  (view more)

AFRICAN CLASSICS! NEW ALBUM RELEASED JUNE 24  (view more)

World Music Central.org entry on Samba Mapangala  (view more)

Link to VIRUNGA concert recording Toronto Afrofest July 8, 2007  (view more)

Virunga Volcano now available for download  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About Orchestra Virunga
Minneapolis Blue Nile Club, 9/13/08 10 pm.

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

Click here:

Samba Mapangala at CD Baby

CDs available here:

Samba Mapangala at CD Baby

Samba Mapangala at Amazon

MP3 downloads:

Samba Mapangala at iTunes

The "Nyama Choma" Video is Here!


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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 Tuna Pita, 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.

2008 will feature summer tours of North America and Europe. Tour dates will be announced here, so please check back frequently!

Check our blog for news and links!


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Orchestra Virunga's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 162 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Alli





Aug 30 2008 5:20 PM

Samba thank you for your email and good wishes. I am now well on the road to recovery!! I am waiting to hear when you will be playing at my end of the world.
Alicia.....x
えんこチョップ (encochop)





Aug 16 2008 1:30 PM

Hello!
Thank you for approval
I like your music!
It is * thanking you in advance from now on

encochop
Jim Spector





Aug 15 2008 10:21 AM

Thanks for joining my circle of friends and for sharing your fantastic music with the world.....keep up the good work!

Have a great day,
Jim Spector
Ziga Koritnik - Photographer !





Aug 14 2008 10:16 PM

Thanx for the add! Greetings from Ljubljana.
Ziga
Alli





Aug 9 2008 5:48 PM

Samba I was in hospital for the past many days. I had your new CD playing during my stay and so many people asked about your music. I have given them the heads up and I am sure many new fans.. Take care hope to hear from you soon.... Alicia.x
Cynthia


Is Online


Aug 9 2008 5:26 PM

Passing through to wish you a wonderful weekend...Cynthia..xoxo
Eddie’s Cool Town Tunes





Jul 30 2008 12:55 AM

Hey man,
Really digging your tunes!!!
Thank you for the friendship.

Peace and Blessings your way,

Eddie
Cynthia


Is Online


Jul 26 2008 5:18 PM

hope all is well on your side. Have an awesome weekend my friend....
Miss KenyaSwiss Photogallery





Jul 9 2008 12:32 AM

Much love!
Alli





Jul 8 2008 10:11 AM

Hongera kwa album yako mpya.
Natarajia utarudi hapa Canada hivi karibuni.
Nakutakia kila la heri......
~Alicia....
Cynthia


Is Online


Jul 7 2008 3:05 PM

thanks very much for your friendship..I adore your music, even introduce it to a friend from Israel...good continuation and have a blessed week..hugs, Cynthia..
Monesque & Novakade





Jul 2 2008 4:28 PM

Hi
Thanks
Good music!
Kind regards
Monique
OK STAR ORCHESTRA





Jul 1 2008 9:14 AM

HEY HEY HEY HEY
GREAT MUSIC GREAT GUITARS
THANKS FOR THE ADD

HERE´S SOME SUNSHINE FROM STOCKHOLM
ALL THE BEST

ALL THE BEST
Chilli Fried