Mukala Koko Kanyinda to be buried in London next week

The late Congolese musician Mukala Koko Kanyinda, who died in October, will be buried on Wednesday in London.

Speaking to Saturday Nation, London-based Congolese musician Fiston Lusambo said it was Kanyinda’s widow who requested a delay of the burial to enable some family members travel and attend it.

“Some of his children live in East Africa while other family members reside in London. The family agreed to delay the burial to give ample time for travel arrangements,” Lusambo.

Kanyinda, a founding member of the legendary Nairobi-based Orch Les Mangelepa band, was a versatile kongas player and composer.

He is reputed to have composed the band’s debut singles Mbungu and Kijana in 1976. His other popular compositions are Aoko and Sakina.

Other founding members of Les Mangelepa, which was formed in July 1976, include Nairobi-based Kabila Kabanze ‘Evani’, Kalenga Nzazi 'Vivi', Lutulu Kanicky 'Macky', Kasongo Fundi, who now lives in Canada, and Mukala wa Mulumba 'Bebe'.

Having lived in England for almost four decades, Kanyinda was also involved music productions with various other musicians.

As Lusambo said some of the musicians expected to attend burial ceremony include Nickens Nkoso, Saidi Tumba Saidi Kanda, Safro Mazangi, Ramadhani Kayimanda, Jean Mulamba, Kawele, Douglas Kib Misapi and Makuta.

Meanwhile, in Kinshasa music fans are mourning the death of Yolanda Masikini, daughter of the legendary Congolese diva Abeti Maskini, who died last weekend. Her counterpart Sandra Mpongo, the daughter of Mpongo Love, eulogised Yolanda as an inspiring musician.

At the same time, the Eldoret Festival will be held today at the Poa Place Resort. The show will feature performances by BenSoul, Chris Kaiga, Nviiiri the Story Teller, Sweetstar and Sasha DMB. It will be hosted by DJ Thew, MC Nickthtrend, DJ Nosh, Mista C and Felix Kayrakkie.

At Club Citizen Vibro in Langata, Vundumuna band will be serving the best of Rhumba every Wednesday.