A super Congolese musical coincidence in city this weekend

The much-awaited ‘Super Rhumba’ weekend is finally here  for Kenyan lovers of Congolese Lingala music. Two top artistes from the capital of African music, Kinshasa, will perform at two separate venues in Nairobi.

Ferre Gola and his mentor, Werrason, are both in Nairobi.

Crooner Ferre Gola, who was due to perform last night at the Carnivore Restaurant, is set for his second show today at the Deep West Resort Club also in Nairobi.

Besides Ferre Gola’s show, the  revellers  will also be entertained by Kenyan rhumba musician Igwe Bandason of the Stella Rachel fame.

Ferre Gola’s show is organised by the Federation of Congolese Abroad (FCA) based in Nairobi. Tickets for the Congolese Cultural Night cost Sh1,000 and can be bought via SMS 229*60#.

Ferre’s former boss, Wenge Musica Maison Mere band leader  Werrason (whose real name is Ngiama Makanda) will be the highlight during the Koroga Festival to be held tomorrow at the Rivers Mall.

Both musicians are known to respect each other, particularly Ferre, who worked under Werrason from 1997, and briefly with Koffi Olomide’s Quartier Latin International until he went solo in 2004.  During his stint with  Wenge, he released the ever-popular Vita Imana praise song. This he followed up with the ever popular ballad Kamasutra.

Ferre was a singer with the Wenge Musica band that toured  Kenya before it split in  late 1997. Werrason’s rival, JB Mpiana, now leads Wenge Musica BCBG.

Werrason last performed in  Kenya in June 2016, when he had shows in Nairobi and Kisumu. Top of Werrason’s hit songs include Kalayi Boeing and  Solala Bien.

At the  Koroga Festival, besides Werrason there will be performances by South African Mi Casa and Kenyan Tetu Shani. Entrance will be Sh2,500.

There will also be a Papa Wemba show memorial show to be held tonight at the Kiza Restaurant and Lounge in Nairobi. The show will be a belated second anniversary for  Congolese crooner Papa Wemba, which will feature performances by Nairobi-based crooner General Defao and other musicians.

The show will start at 8pm and end at dawn.

Lined up also at the Carnivore Restaurant tonight is a Coast night featuring veteran bongo legend Mzee Joseph Ngala. Lovers of the coastal bango and ballads will have their day.

In Paris, another big show is lined up in honour of former TP OK Jazz singer Josky Kiambukuta Londa. The show, organised by Jimmy Mukelenge, will feature fellow stars like Shakembo, Malage Du Lugendo, Endo, Nyboma Mwandido, Lokombe, Dizzy Mandjeku and Flavian Makabi.

For the last one month most of those expected to perform during the Josky show have been engaged in practice sessions. Josky has been keeping a low profile due to illness, having suffered a mild stroke several months ago.

Josky’s is remembered for his stints with  legendary guitarist Dr Nico Kassanda’s African Feista Sukisa, Continental Band, Franco’s TP OK Jazz and Bana OK under Lutumba Simaro.