Benga fans have blast in the city
Samba Mapangala performs in a recent concert. Mr Mapangala led Virunga band that performed at the popular Starlight nightclub in Nairobi in the 1970s.Photo/STEPHEN MUDIARI
Thousands of revellers flocked to the Coca-Cola Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday for Benga Blast, the first outdoor music concert in Kenya this year.
Kenyan benga bands Phonotex Express, Bana Sungusia and Everest Kings set the mood.
Gospel singer Esther Wahome charmed the crowd with her songs Minyororo and the popular Kuna Dawa which she was forced to sing twice at the request of the crowd.
Veteran radio presenter Fred Obachi Machoka who was the master of ceremonies.
But it was Ken wa Maria of Yatta International who got everyone on their feet with popular songs Syindu Sya Mutongoi and We Nzamithya Mwelu. His last song in which he professes his love for athlete Pamela Jelimo sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The organisers must have underestimated Osogo Winyo’s popularity with fans. Dressed in a black shirt and shorts , the Kisumu-based ohangla artiste electrified the crowd with his song Wan ji Ariyo.
Then Congolese rhumba star Samba Mapangala and his band took to the stage and sang Kenya, Nyama Choma, Dunia and Vunja Mifupa.
“It was a fantastic show, we need more of this,” said music producer Tabu Osusa who attended the event.
