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Congolese songbird Mbilia Bel to release Raila tribute song
Congolese singer Mbilia Bel entertains Azimio la Umoja supporters during a campaign rally by the coalition's presidential candidate Raila Odinga (centre) and his running mate Martha Karua at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on July 9, 2022.
What you need to know:
- The Congolese songstress plan is to have the tribute song out within 40 days after Odinga’s death.
- In 2022, Mbilia Bel was invited to perform during Azimio la Umoja coalition’s presidential campaigns.
Congolese songstress Mbilia Bel is putting the final touches to a tribute song in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The former ODM party leader died in India on October 15 and was buried at his Bondo home in Siaya County last Sunday.
According to Mbilia Bel’s manager, Jules Nsana, the plan is to have the song released within 40 days after Odinga’s death.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, like many other African countries, it is common to hold a special ceremony, that includes musical entertainment, 40 days after one's burial.
Nsana said they will reach out to Mama Ida Odinga to confirm the memorial date for Mbilia Bel to possibly join the family and launch the tribute song.
“For Mbilia Bel Kenya is like her second musical home, having performed here several times and sang in praise of Kenya in her Nakei Nairobi hit song,” Nsana said.
Congolese musician Mbilia Bel at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on July 11, 2022 during an interview where she said that she will be in Kenya for some days to campaign for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Mbilia Bel sang many popular songs with Tabu Ley's Afrisa International Band, including Nadina, Eswi Yo Wapi and Beyanga.
Mbilia Bel’s closeness to Odinga was evident during the 2022 General Election when she was invited to perform during Azimio la Umoja coalition’s presidential campaigns.
During that period, Mbilia Bel accompanied Odinga, who was Azimio’s presidential flag bearer, to campaign rallies in Nyeri and other towns.
Last week, Mbila shared a condolence video clip with fans following Odinga’s death. London-based fellow countryman, Kanda Bongo Man, also recorded a condolence clip.
Like Mbilia, Bongo Man released many of songs that are still loved by his Kenyan fans. They include Ïnde Monie’, Muchana and Isambe.
At the same time, another Raila tribute clip attributed to Congolese Rhumba maestro Fally Ipupa has also gone viral. However, there have been doubts about the song's authenticity, particularly the singing. It contains photos taken during Odinga's funeral service in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, all arrangements are now in place for Mbilia Bel’s live concert in Belgium. The concert aborted last month after the singer was involved in a road accident in Kinshasa as she was heading to the airport.
Mbilia Bel will travel to Brussels later next week for the live performance scheduled for November 7.
Fellow Congolese singer Koffi Olomide (Grand Mopao Mokonzi) performed in the Belgian capital on September 6, two weeks before Mbilia Bel’s abortive show.
Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Nsana, said Mbilia Bel and her back-up group have held several rehearsal sessions ahead of the show.
“She's determined to ensure that her fans get the best of her during the show,” Nsana said.
