Samba Mapangala travels to Paris for East African promo tune

American-based Congolese musician Samba Mapangala is set to travel to Paris on Wednesday to finalise the production of his new album, which is specifically meant to promote East African tourism.

Mapangala, a composer, vocalist and band leader who lived in Kenya from the early 1970s right into the 1990s, is best known for his ‘Vunja Mifupa’ hit song, released at the pinnacle of a prolific career that earned him fame as one of the best Congolese exports to East Africa.

In Paris, he will put final touches to his Kilimanjaro album, which has been sponsored by a Tanzanian tour and music promoter.

MUSICAL CAREER

Speaking to the Sunday Nation by telephone from the US, Mapangala said he was enthusiastic about teaming up with others to work on the project, which is aimed at boosting tourism in East Africa, as a way of giving back for the hospitality he enjoyed early in his musical career.

“Kenya has always been my second home in music, as Nairobi is where I developed my career before moving and settling in the US,” he said.

Tanzanian promoter Eddie Frank, who is the brains behind the project, will be accompanying Mapangala to Paris for the finishing touches on the new album.

On December 14, the musician will be among several other artistes scheduled to perform during a Jamhuri Day festival in Minnesota, USA.

The show, dedicated to Kenyans and other lovers of African music, has been organised by George Ndenge of Kilimanjaro Promotions.

Kenyan rhumba musician Igwe Prezda Bandason is also expected to perform during the show.

Mapangala said Mr Ndenge's son, Fanaka, a  budding artiste has done a cover version of his "Vunja Mifupa' song.

OTHER TRACKS

Besides "Kilimanjaro",  the new album will feature tracks including "Amri Kumi",  "Walimu",  "Fuata  Sheria" and "Dereva".

Like most of his previous compositions, Mapangala chose to have the lyrics in Kiswahili, so he could reach more of his  fans in East Africa.

It took him over year to compose some of the tracks that will feature in the new album, a follow-up to his last one, "Maisha ni Matamu".

Mapangala's fans can recall "Dunia Tunipita', which  has been enjoying airplay on most of the radio and TV stations in East and Central Africa.

COLLABORATIONS

Mapangala has also been working  closely with his American manager, Ms CC Smith.

On the new album, he has worked with some of his fellow Congolese musicians, who are based in the US and Paris.

In America, he has worked with guitarists Ngouma  Lokito, John Bashengezi and others in rehearsing for the songs in the new album.

In Paris, Mapangala is planning to work with ace solo guitarist Cayen Madoka, who has also lately worked closely with songbird Faya Tess in production of albums including her renditions of the classical Congolese songs in Lingala.

Mapangala, a multi-talented singer and composer who settled in  Maryland, US, in 1996, has been occasionally travelling back to Kenya for performances.