Congolese maestros Koffi Olomide and Nyoka Longo coming for Kisumu fete
Congolese musicians Koffi Olomide (left) and Nyoka Longo.
Kisumu City is set to host a major music extravaganza featuring some top Congolese stars.
Dubbed, Mzuqa Fest- Dala Edition’, the event will be held next Saturday at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mambo Leo. For the music-crazy revellers, the show's highlight is expected to be special appearances by Koffi Olomide and veteran band leader Nyoka Longo of the Zaiko Langa Langa band fame. It will be the first time for the two leading musicians to jointly perform in Kenya.
The show, which has been sponsored by Radio 47 and TV47, will also feature local artistes Prince Indah, Madanji Perimeter and Apesi.
The excitement over Koffi has been building up since a video clip went viral on social media. On the recording, he assures his Kenyan fans, especially those in Kisumu of his impending return to stage a concert in the town after a long break.
The assurance by Koffi has rekindled enthusiasm after his previous tours were marred by controversies. Last year, he performed in Nairobi, his first return ever since 2016.
As veteran promoter DS Njoroge pointed out, having Koffi and Nyoka Longo jointly perform in Kisumu would rekindle fond memories of the mid 1980s when the legendary Franco Luambo Makiadi staged a remarkable concert in the town. Koffi has lately been on a charm offensive to give his Kenyan fans his best this month from his rich discography. The superstar has nearly 30 albums under his belt, with a string of hit songs, including Papa Plus, Andrada, and Fouta Djalon.
Selfie and Micko. He was the founder and leader of the mercurial Quartier Latin International band that rocked Kinshasa and gained fame in the other capitals of East, Central and Southern Africa, including Nairobi. He has also done notable duets with some East African artistes. They include the song Waah! ‘with Tanzanian Bongo star Diamond Platnumz.
For Nyoka Longo, of the legendary Zaiko Langa Langa, it will be yet another opportunity to wow his Kenyan fans and win over many more. Famed for his stage shows and compositions, Nyoka Longo is also revered for leading one of DR Congo’s top bands formed in 1969.
This is the Zaiko band that also featured great names such as Papa Wemba, Bimi Ombale, Dindo Yogo, Bozi Boziana, Evoloko Joker, Manuaku Waku and Meri Djo. Some of the group’s most popular songs include Sentiment Awa, Muvaro, Dede Sur Mesure, Boh! And Ambiance Eyanga. Kenyan Ohangla star Prince Indah is expected to be in the frontline with some of his hit songs like Ösiepe and Mummy Chulo.
While Madanji has luo Rhumba ballads like Nyakisumo” and Elector Nyakano. The pre-festive season show will be hosted by comedians Dr Ofweneke, Alex Mwakideu and Mwashumbe. Entrance is Sh1,000 ( regular), Sh4,000 ( VIP) and Sh10,000 ( VVIP).
