What really happened to Roga Roga?

Popular Congolese rhumba guitarist Roga Roga is recovering in Brazzaville after he reportedly collapsed after an intense studio production session last weekend.

Roga Roga (real name Ibambi Okombi Rogatien), the band leader and co-founder of the Extra Musica Band was reportedly rushed last Sunday night to the University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo capital, where he was later discharged. Initial plans to have him flown to Parism France for specialized treatment failed. Though his condition has since stabilized. Raymond Nty, the Secretary-General of Extra Musica, appealed for calm following anxiety amongst his fans after the condition. He confirmed in a press statement that the musician was in stable condition. Likewise, he pointed out that he suffered fatigue after taking part in the filming of a lengthy musical video of one of the group’s latest compositions. He also dispelled the death rumours that had been shared on social media.

Extra Musica, which was formed in Congo Brazzaville, was in the 1990s renowned for hit songs such as Ëtat Major,” Trop c'est trop, Freddy Nelson and Laissez passer.

Others who have teamed up with Roga Roga in the band include Ramatoulaye Oxygène (Mbon Sylvain), Doudou (Elenga Laka Bienvenu Dominique), Abilisi

(Samba Brice) and Herman and Kila Mbongo (Mazikou Ghislain). Like most popular groups, Extra Musica wasn’t spared splits, especially after the departure of Guy Guy Fall in 1996, with subsequent offshoots such as Extra Musica International and Z International. Some of the other founder members have sinceleft the band. Roga Roga remained steadfast with the Extra Musica band. They have performed at various spots in and outside Africa. Notably, they competed in popularity with the Wenge Musica bands (Wenge Musica Maison Mere and Wenge BCBG ) based in neighbouring Kinshasa, DR Congo.

Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Paris-based fellow musician Gode Lofombo confirmed having heard of Roga Roga's illness. ‘We are wishing him speedy recovery, “ he said.

Similarly, according to veteran Congolese guitarist Maika Munan, Roga Roga was stable. “He is now out of danger as per the latest information from those who visited him,” he said.

Elsewhere, on Thursdays the Bilenge Musica International group led by Lesasa Jocker is on stage at the Pitstop Bar and Grill, Madaraka on Langata Road, Nairobi.

For comedy fans Nyaga Muikamba has a stand-up comedy show set for on November 7 at the Gravity Amusement Park, Eastern Bypass. Entrance is Shs1,500 (regular) and Sh3,000 (VIP).

In another development the Nairobi Serena Hotel will today host a Better Life Gala Dinner. The event is organized by Better Life for Women and Children on Rural Africa.

In Mombasa the Amitie Musica Band led by Crispen Tambwe performs every Wednesday at The Ball Lounge and Grill Makupa Shows start at 6pm until late.

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