Check out this video of world-renowned Congolese vocalist-bandleader Samba Mapangala and his ensemble, Virunga, playing a free performance recently at the Millennium Stage in Washington DC.
Born in Matadi, Congo, Samba Mapangala moved to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 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, Uganda. There, they formed Les Kinois, with Samba as the lead vocalist.
Learn more about Samba Mapangala at http://www.africanmusiciansprofiles.com/samba.htm
Learn more about Millennium Stage at http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/
