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Station Japan Fiesta band to mark 15th anniversary

Evala Mbuta Msawureji

Congolese band Station Japan Feista leader Evala Mbuta Msawureji.

Photo credit: Pool

By  Amos Ngaira

Nation Media Group

Members of the Nairobi-based Congolese band Station Japan Feista are gearing up for a great occasion. Led by Evala Mbuta Msawureji, the popular band will stage a musical extravaganza on March 31 to mark 15 years since its formation. The mega show will be held at Kifaru Place (Opposite Nextgen Mall) on Mombasa Road.

Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Evala invited fellow musicians and fans to the event in appreciation of their solid support.

He especially paid glowing tribute to Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Kokole Guillaume Amule for their inspiration and guidance.

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“It's been a long musical journey, which I am looking forward to celebrating with all who have helped me in any way," he said.

The event will also double as the Idd-Fitr celebrations for the Muslim fans of the band. Evala is no newcomer to Nairobi's lively entertainment scene. Since his arrival in Kenya way back in 2007, he has made his musical presence felt. Before the formation of the Station Japan Fiesta in 2010, he had performed with several Nairobi rhumba groups. The Station Japan Fiesta is an off-shoot of the Station Japan Band that was led by stage show wizard Radja Kula Mbuta. This was the resident band at the then-popular Makuti Park Club at Nairobi South 'B'. The current Rumba Japan was also an offshoot of the original Station Japan.

While with Station Japan Fiesta, Evala initially performed at some then popular rhumba night spots in Nairobi, including Simmers Bar and Restaurant, Dream Village, Egesa Club and Deep West Resort Club. Since the band's formation in 2010, Evala has been attached to Cotu-Kenya, where he and his fellow musicians have been entertaining workers during various functions.

In recent years, they have backed Paris-based Congolese crooner Nyboma Mwandido, songbird Faya Tess, singer Wuta Mayi and ace solo guitarist Cayen Madoka for invitational shows in Kenya. ”It has always been an honour backing the Paris-based Congolese music stars as its given us international exposure during their visits to Kenya, “ Evala said.

 The Station Japan Fiesta band is known for some of their popular songs such as Bosolo na Ndule, Peace and Love, Mofalove, Je t'en Supplie and My Hero.

 In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evala was among the artistes who released a song to create awareness of the pandemic. It was in rhumba beats, incorporating a soulful melody, which depicted the extent of the ruin.

Fans of Evala can link up for more on the group’s performance schedules and songs through the Facebook page, Evala Mbuta Officiel, YouTube channel Evala Mbuta Officiel and Instagram Evala Mbuta.

angaira@ke.nationmedia.com