The Event Which No Rhumba Fan Would Want to Miss

One of the leading Rhumba bands in the country, Orchestre Libonza, are set to cement your love for the genre soon as the group takes to the stage later this month.

Mark the date of Saturday 30th June on your calendars ladies, gentlemen and all rhumba lovers because Orchestre Libonza will give an unforgettable performance on the night.

The entry fee is only Ksh. 500/- per person and the venue will be the Deep West Resort Club near T-Mall on Langata Road.
Share and invite your friends who love African music – Lingala rythms

The brains behind the formation of Orchestre Libonza (Elengi ya Mbonda) is Jeremy Kishiko, popularly known as Mitudjimpemba El Shiko who has wide experience with many well known Congolese bands in Kenya. When he ventured on his own initially the band performed as ‘Le Sirene’ when it was formed way back in 1995.
The group then changed its identity to Orchestre Libonza in 1999; full name being Orchestre Libonza Elengi ya Mbonda. Libonza means “The Gift” and Elengi ya Mbonda means “The Sweetness of Drums” literally.

A few places the Band has successfully performed at include 2002, for a stint at Little Rock in Athi River before moving to Choma Zone on Thika Road. They also performed in Naivasha and Black Africa along Jogoo Road in 2004. In 2009 they were based at The Black Parrot Restaurant in Hurlingham. They then performed at Ngong Hills Hotel in 2010 where they also launched most of their CDs and DVDs. Presently they are based at Wood Park Inn on Jogoo Road where they perform on Sundays and on other days at private functions on invitation both in and out of Nairobi.
The band majors in old Rumba music mostly in Lingala tunes but also offers modern Rhumba, Chakacha, Salsa, Twist and Country music to name but some. The group also boasts own compositions which are mainly in Lingala but can play zilizopendwa copywrites both in Swahili and English languages very well.

The Band has produced 4 audio CDs and 3 DVDs from 1999, 2003, 2010 and presently working on the latest album to be launched soon. One of the compositions in the album is done in French with Salsa beats.

They are making modern danceable Rhumba rhythms for both young and old alike.
The members, all based in Nairobi are composed of:
1.Mitudjimpemba El Shiko – Lead Vocals
2.Winji ‘The Stone’ – Bass guitar/Vocals
3.Ghaele Ndala – Solo guitar
4.Sambayi – Solo guitar
5.Emka – Solo guitar/Keyboard
6.Merle Mpiana – Rhythm guitar
7.Papi Shaka – Tumbas/Vocals
8.Claudio – Vocals
9.Mengu Mengu – Animation/Flute/Luchaka
10.Bebe Sakre – Drums/Vocals
11.Fanni – Dancer
12.Sandra – Dancer
13.Nabulunji – Dancer
14.Nati – Dancer

Have a listen to their track ‘Generique’ below…