Budding Nairobi-based rhumba musician Papa Lando has joined the ranks of those recording in the footsteps of leading Congolese music stars.
His recent Swahili cover version of Congolese crooner Fally Ipupa’s new song “Message” is an indication of his prowess of popularising his “KiswaNgala” music style. .
Speaking to Saturday Nation earlier this week, Lando (Ephantus Lando) said he was moved by the artistic trap version of the hit song “Non”, originally done by TPOK jazz ( duet of Franco and Madilu System) which he has used on the song.
“Old is gold and it has been my ambition of keeping the classics alive by reproducing them blending them with our Swahili lyrics and Kenyan beats,” he says.
Similarly, Lando says he has written five new songs during this Covid -19 pandemic period which he looks forward to releasing in the near future.
Some of his earlier released tracks include “Legeza” and “Ajali Jogoo Road ” which are also available online.
“Though having been kept off live performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, I kept up my tempo with rhumba music rehearsals alongside my colleagues to produce new songs,” he said.
Other tracks he has done include “Mbogi Ya Rhumba” featuring artists like Gabu (P-Unit) Barna from Tanzania, Darzee Kalend and Barcelone (Bilenge Musica Du Congo). Also “Pesa ni Maua” Lando an inspiration from the legendary Simba Wanyika hit song “Shilingi yaua tena ni maua.”
Lando also owes his inspiration in music to his father who kept a large musical collection of the best of Franco Makiadi, Tabu Ley, Dr Nico, Grand Kalle and other top Congolese music stars.
To bolster his musical career, Lando has not only studied music but by being inspired by some of the new generation Rhumba stars like Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola.
Dennis Mugo (MC OJ).
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, The Treasure Gardens (Opposite Kilimani Primary School) in Nairobi will today host the Koroga in the Garden show. It will feature MC OJ (Dennis Mugo) of the ‘Tahidi High” TV show fame in conjunction with the Weavers Band, Cool Entertainment and Alpha Crew,
There will be plenty of drinks among them JW Black Label, food and other items.
For revellers, it will be an opportunity to sample the special buffet alongside the live band experience during the show to run from 7am to 7pm.
Elsewhere, its Saturday Soul Train show today at the Kitisiru Manor Hotel in Kitisuru estate, Nairobi. The show will be hosted by veteran DJ Addams. It will be the best of soul music from the 1980s to date. There will be plenty of food and drinks.
