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.
The Song and Dance album was released in 2006 on Virunga Records featuring Bopol Mansiamina and other great members of Orchestra Virunga. They promoted the album and reprised many other great hits from his repertoire during a U.K. tour in March 2006. Read and hear more about it at Song and Dance on CD Baby.
Virunga toured the U.S. and Canada in the summer of 2007, and then traveled to England to perform at the prestigious WOMAD festival.
2008 brought the release of African Classics on the Sheer Sound label out of South Africa. The internationally distributed album features selections from Samba's many past hits, plus three tracks never before available outside of East Africa.
2009 will feature an East African tour to Zanzibar's Sauti ya Busari festival, Tanzania and Kenya, and summer tours of North America and Europe. Tour dates will be announced here, so please check back frequently!
Samba Mapangala & Virunga's Friend Space (Randomized)
BONJOUR Félicitations pour votre benga rumba génial Venez découvrir notre émission BLACK VOICES en musique africaine, latine et antillaise NOTRE PROGRAMME DU MOIS DE MAI UNE EMISSION DECOUVERTE AFRO MYSPACE UNE SEMAINE GUINEE UNE SEMAINE BENIN Bonne écoute et merci beaucoup Salutations musicales de la part de BLACK VOICES
Really nice sounds!! visit a new web_radio www. groovalizacion. com urban world music... non stop!! Send us your music or dj set’s!! greetings from lisbon cucurucho
BONJOUR QUINZAINE CHANTEUSES D AFRIQUE AU PROGRAMME DE BLACK VOICES émission en musique africaine, latine et antillaise sur radio bip BESANCON FRANCE DIMANCHE 18 JANVIER 10H-11H chanteuses d'Afrique LUNDI 19 JANVIER 19h30-20h30 chanteuses ivoiriennes MARDI 20 JANVIER 19h30-20h30 chanteuses sénégalaises DIMANCHE 25 JANVIER10H-11H chanteuses d'Afrique LUNDI 26 JANVIER 19h30-20h30 chanteuses congolaises MARDI 27 JANVIER 19h30-20h30 hommage à MIRIAM MAKEBA DIMANCHE 01 FEVRIER 10H-11H chanteuses maliennes
~TRIBUTE TO BAKUNDE ILO PABLO our drummer who passed away~
Hello Samba, THANK YOU for the sweet breezing through lately. We are sorry for the absence. We do hope serenity and bliss always shine your heart. Sending warm blessings With Respect & Love Z.L. L
