What Kenyans should expect from Koffi Olomide's visit

The 60-year-old ‘Rhumba-Lingala’ kingpin whose real name is Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba is set to entertain Kenyans during the 11th session of the by- monthly Koroga Music Festival slated for Sunday at the Arboretum, Nairobi, starting 12 noon.

This is not his first time in Kenya. Koffi whose latest and probably his last album Selfie is currently a force to reckon with has visited Kenya two times.

His first in the mid-nineties as the leader of Olomides Quartier Latin band and early 2000 during which he led his group in staging various shows across the country including  City Cabanas.

The musician who will be visiting the country for the third time after more than a decade is expected to give his best re-igniting the lost memories of original Rumba in the minds of many local fans.

For a man who has made a career out of attracting admiration and controversy in equal measure besides having the highest aliases (35 stage names), Koffi is looking forward to attract fans from all walks of life owing to his popularity and exhilarating stage performances. 

Indeed, those who have watched him perform live on stage will attest to the fact that the undisputable King of Rumba is known to rock the crowd with his powerful vocals, swag and scintillating dance styles. All this alongside his Quartier Latin International Orchestra – with the main attraction being the female dancers who wear exciting and sexy outfits.

His style of music weaves an intoxicating blend of the Congolese Rumba, soukous beat, Afro-Cuban rumba and pulsating percussions. Koffi’s  melodious voice and grandiose style blends the music of his heritage with the electrifying sounds that have been appreciated  across various parts of the world.

According to a close source Koffi is slated for another grand concert a week after Koroga, before he leaves for his home in Paris.

RIDING HIGH

The flamboyant musician, singer dancer, producer as well as composer is currently riding high on his latest release, “Selfie”. The song garnered a record of two million views within two weeks of its release on YouTube the highest ever in the history of Democratic Republic of Congo.

The song’s video has been widely circulated on social media among the lovers of Congolese and African music.

This was a resounding achievement for the music star, who is never short of controversies, including highly publicised ego clashes with some of his rivals and the humiliation of his rebellious band members.

FETED

Last December, Koffi, who was born and bred in Kinshasa, was among prominent Congolese musicians feted by Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila for their sterling achievements and solid contributions to the development of Lingala music.

The other recipients included former TP OK jazz greats, singer Josky Kiambukuta, and veteran band leader and composer Lutumba Simaro Masiya, Brussels-based singers Dizzy Mandjeku, Nyboma Mwandido, Papa Noel, Lita Bembo, Pepe Manuaku, Kiamuangana Mateta Verkys and Reddy Amisi.

Also honoured were songbirds Mbilia Bel, and Tshala Muana, veteran singer Bombenga Jeannot, and rival Wenge Musica clan band leaders Werrason (Ngiama Makanda) and JB Mpiana.

Koffi grew up in a middle class family without any musical background. During his youth, the aspiring artist would improvise by singing popular songs with his own lyrics and altered rhythms until a neighbor taught him how to play guitar.

Some of his popular albums include Monde Arab, Tcha Tcho , V 12, Pas De Faux Pas, Balboa, Abracadabra, Ultimutum, Effrakata, Force De Frappe, Droit De Veto, Haute De Gamme, Live a Bercy, Miko , Ngounda, Papa Lus, Wake Up and  Affaire Silyvie.

Koffi’s visit comes shortly after the well-attended performance by one of the new breed of Lingala, musical bigwig Ferre Gola, late last year.

Soon after his departure, another Congolese music maestro Werrason Ngiama Makiadi is expected in the country in August during which he too will hold a number of concerts.

Indeed this is a clear indication that the local music scenario is witnessing a re-birth of long lost Rumba and Lingala melodies from various Congolese music big wigs.