Orchestra Super Mazembe

Orchestra Super Mazembe was a popular band based in Kenya playing Lingala (Soukous) music. The band had roots in Super Vox, a band formed in 1967 in Zaire and led by Nashil Pichen Kazembe, Mutonkole Longwa Didos. The band moved to Nairobi in 1974 and changed its name to Orchestra Super Mazembe.

Orchestra Super Mazembe
OriginNairobi, Kenya
Years active1974 (1974)–1985 (1985)

Their biggest hit was "Shauri Yako", a cover song originally performed by Nguashi Ntimbo and Festival Du Zaire.[1] Other popular songs included "Samba", "Bwana Nipe Pesa" and "Kassongo". The group was disbanded in 1985.[1]

Super Mazembe is considered as one of the golden era of Kenyan Lingala music acts alongside Les Mangelepa, Baba Gaston and Samba Mapangala.[2]

Band members

Like many East African and Congolese groups, Super Mazembe experienced constant line-up changes.

Original lineup:[3]

  • Lovy Longomba (vocals) - Left the band in 1981 and formed groups "Super Lovy" and later "Bana Likasi". He died in 1996. Lovy is son of Vicky Longomba and brother of Awilo Longomba, both famous Congolese musicians. Lovy's sons Christian and Lovi have formed Longombas, today a popular hip hop group in Kenya.
  • Kassongo wa Kanema (vocals) -Left the band in the early 80's and joined Orchestra Virunga - died 2020.
  • Atia Jo (Frederick Mulunguluke Mwanza) (bass guitar) -Died 2006[4]
  • Bukasa wa Bukasa "Bukalos" (lead guitar) -Died 1989'
  • Rapok Kayembe Miketo (guitar) -Died 1991
  • Komba Kassongo Songoley (guitar) -Died 1990
  • Mutonkole Longwa Didos (vocals)-Died 1999
  • Fataki Lokassa -deceased
  • Lobe Mapako "pasi" -Guitar -deceased
  • Tailos -deceased
  • Dodo Doris (drums) - deceased in June 2020[5]

Some of the later members:

  • Loboko Bua Mangala (guitar)
  • Kilambe Katele Aley (vocals)
  • Mwanza wa Mwanza Mulunguluke (bass guitar)
  • Kitenge Ngoi wa Kitombole (drums)
  • Musa Olokwiso Mangala
  • Rondo Wa Kandolo -Vocals

Discography

Albums
  • Mazembe (1980)
  • 10th Anniversary (1981)
  • Double Gold (1982)
  • Kaivaska (1982) — Virgin Records
  • Wabe-Aba (1984)

Compilations
  • Their Greatest Hits (1986)
  • Maloba D' Amor (1990) — DiscAfrique
  • Hits of Mazembe vol. 4
  • Giants of East Africa (2001) — Earthworks/Stern's Music
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References
  1. De la Peña, Maxi (5 May 2005), "Un Estimulante Reencuentro con la Orchestra Super Mazembe", El Diario Montañés (in Spanish), retrieved 20 January 2011
  2. Richard Trillo: The Rough Guide to Kenya 8th Edition, Rough Guides 2006, ISBN 1-84353-651-X
  3. The Standard, August 6, 2010: Super Mazembe's last man standing
  4. Khayesi, Ajanga (2 January 2007). "East Africa Mourns the Death of Veteran Musician Atia Jo". VOA News. Voice of America. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
  5. "Another Super Mazembe star Dodo Doris dies". Daily Nation.
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