Bango maestro steals show

The serenading sounds of heady bango, brass rhythms and taarab songs reigned supreme.

On the cards were perfomances by numerous groups such as Msenangu Brass Band, Nairobi Melody, Them Mushrooms, Freshley Mwamburi and the Everest Kings Band.

But undoubtedly the show belonged to veteran artiste Joseph Kaingu Ngala. The skilful saxophonist who fronts Bango Sounds band and arguably one of Kenya’s least celebrated yet accomplished musical icons.

Great composer

The saxphone player is credited with over 500 wedding songs, tailor-made for specific couples. Mzee Ngala straddles the coastal regional live music concerts circuit like a collosus.

With a musical career stretching back to the late 1950s, Mzee Ngala has been consistent, curving a niche as a prolific composer of popular Kiswahili ballads.

His genre is a fusion of traditional Giriama rhythms, slow-tempo rhumba beats with subtle contemporary afro-jazz influences.

Ngala’s advancing age appears not to have quite caught up with visibly vibrant and energetic saxophonist. Incidentally, his musical career started during the late 1950s, when he was introduced to the flute.

Almost single handedly, he has earned popularity across the coastal strip as a consummate composer.

"Owing to unchecked levels of piracy, I have only been composing special songs for engagement occasions and weddings," he explains.

Some of his classics, penned in the past four decades include the golden evergreen tunes Mama Emmy and Utanichoka. These were regular fixtures among top of the charts hits, ruling then sole Voice of Kenya radio late 1970s to mid 80s playlists.

Others include Bado Siku Mbili Tatu, Nisikize Mwanangu, Utajua Mwenyewe, Bado Tu and Moyo Tulia which still resonate among connoisseurs of golden oldies with a taste of freshness.

Equally invigorating are his renditions of all-time favourite melodies Malaika, Jambo Bwana, Teusi, Pekeshe and Mangale. The multi-lingual song Musinzili is equally familiar to the older generation.

Ever since he penned the lyrics for a close relative’s wedding in 1958, Mzee Ngala is quick to concede having lost count of special matrimonial songs composed so far.

But some of his non-wedding songs like Shauri Moyo, Mashaka, Mambo Yako ni Payapaya, Nitachonga Sanamu, Debe Tu and Pepeta Bango — have earned the artiste popularity beyond coastal audience.

Profilic musician

Watching the saxophonist woo audiences with relative ease, it was obvious most of his timeless songs appeal to many with an ear for refined, indigeonus songs.

The fact Mzee Ngala remains largely unknown more so amongst younger generation — is unlikely to stunt growth of an illustrious career. His creative prowess has been rising in stature through years of hard work and persistence.

Born over seven decades ago this month in the sprawling Frere town, in Kisauni, Mombasa — Mzee Ngala’s passion for music gained firm footing soon after he completed formal studies at Shimo La Tewa High School.

Mzee Ngala gets immsersed momentarily in nostalgia, recounting how as a sapling youth he on occasions tried to craft a makeshift flute making use of polythene and dried paw paw reeds.

But since last year, he has been working on numerous new songs, which he hopes to record and release in a market he admits is ridden by well conected piracy cartels.

But in the meantime, Mzee Ngala intends to continue playing the sax . "I can muster energy to blow the instrument," remarks Ngala.

He has previously performed with Bahari Boys band .