Rhumba icon Samba Mapangala confirms Kenya comeback after two-year absence

After years of staging special performances in the United States, Congolese rhumba star Samba Mapangala is preparing to reconnect with his East African fans.

The Maryland-based musician is expected in Nairobi this September for a series of performances, following persistent requests from fans across Kenya and the wider East and Central African region.

"I'm trying to finalise a few touches here and there and consulting my sponsors before announcing the exact dates. I'll let the fans know more details in due course," he told Sunday Magazine.

Mapangala, best known for the classic hit Vunja Mifupa Kama Bado Meno Iko, said he has finally given in to the wishes of his East African audience.

"Yes, I have missed them. It has been a long time since I was in Nairobi, but this time I'm coming for a series of shows in Kenya. All we ask for are your prayers," he said.

The veteran singer confirmed he is set to perform at the In the City of the Sun festival at the end of September and promised to make time for his fans despite his busy schedule.

"When it comes to such shows, time is always of the essence, but be assured I'll have time for my fans. They are the ones who propelled me to where I am today and can never be forgotten," he said.

Mapangala acknowledged that he has been away from Kenya for nearly two years but said he remains grateful for the unwavering support he continues to receive. His last visit was between December 20 and 30, 2024, when he staged a series of sold-out performances in Nairobi.

"Nakuja kwa festival fulani lakini bado tunafanya negotiations. Ikifanikiwa ni sawa lakini isipofanikiwa, nitakuja kutembelea mafans wangu (I'm coming for a certain festival, but we are still negotiating. If it goes through, well and good. If not, I'll still come to entertain my fans)," he said.

The 71-year-old, who leads Orchestra Virunga, said he no longer has permanent band members in the United States and instead hires musicians for individual performances, a model he plans to use during his Kenya tour.

"Whenever I have musical shows here in the US, I hire different musicians for that particular day. That's exactly how I'll do it in Kenya," he explained.

"All the hired musicians come with their own instruments and, once the performance is over, everyone goes their separate way."

A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mapangala relocated from Kinshasa to Nairobi in 1977 after travelling through Uganda with his band, Les Kinois. He later founded Orchestra Virunga, which became one of East Africa's most influential rhumba bands and produced several timeless hits.

Asked to name his greatest song, Mapangala said it was difficult to single out one favourite.

"All my hits are good. They have different melodies that appeal to different people. My fans are the ones better placed to say which song took me to the top," he said.

However, he noted that his breakthrough hit was Malako, which he composed and recorded with Les Kinois in 1977.

"After Malako, many more hits followed. That's how we operate in the world of music," he said.

Mapangala began his formal musical journey in 1968 under the mentorship of Mzee Tinapa. After two years of training, he formed his own band in Kinshasa in 1969.

Over the years, Orchestra Virunga featured a blend of celebrated Kenyan and Congolese musicians, including vocalists Fataki Lokassa, Dago Mayombe, Kasongo Wa Kanema, Coco Zigo Mafwala and Sammy Mansita, alongside instrumentalists Diana Kodila on trumpet, Tabu Ngongo on saxophone and Bibiley Kabakaba on guitar.

Among Mapangala's most enduring classics are Vunja Mifupa, widely regarded as one of East Africa's greatest dance songs, and Nyama Choma, a festive favourite celebrating the region's love for roasted meat.

At 71, the rhumba legend shows little sign of slowing down, with another East African tour set to bring him back to the fans who helped shape his remarkable career.