Will Bandasson run two bands?

Almost a year after releasing his album, Stella Rachel, Benga singer Igwe Prezda Bandason is back with 20 songs triple album, Tsunami 1 to 3. Could this be Prezda Bandasson’s most exciting moment of his career? CAROLINE NYANGA finds out

Listening to Prezda Bandason serenade a woman is almost enchanting. His vocal prowess is matched with good instrumentation making many fans throng the dance floor – dancing vigorously.

Prezda hits the high notes with unbelievable ease. The precision and flamboyance with which this group works with their guitars to deliver good music is always evolving and hard to predict.

Over the past years his compositions have earned him recognition in the local showbiz.

“I am glad that Kenyans love and appreciate my music. This is a clear indication that I am headed in the right direction,” says Bandason, adding that his fans should brace themselves for more surprises in the near future.

The singer recently released a triple album, Tsunami, which comprises 20 songs.

“The three Tsunami albums are done in Benga and Rumba beats although sang predominantly in Dholuo with doses of Kiswahili and Ling’ala. It is a unique album that can only be compared to a sim card, which fits in all phones,” he explains.

Bandason’s previous album, Stella Rachel – a dedication to his wife – still remains a favourite.   “The fact that Stella Rachel took three years to produce including the good packaging makes it a must listen,” he adds.

Bandason says his aim is to change the way Benga and local Rumba music has been viewed over the past years.

“It is no secret that a large section of Kenyans shun it saying it is ‘old fashioned’ and ‘boring’ at the expense of other genres of music.”

More albums

Bandasson further reveals that he is working on two other albums, Rapar Ruoth Musa Juma, a dedication to the late Rumba maestro Musa Juma. Juma died recently. There is also a praise album for Gor Mahia,  Gor K’Ogalo. The albums will have six tracks each.

Although Bandason is taking his music seriously by releasing more songs, critics hold a different view. They argue that Bandason is releasing ‘substandard’ music and videos.

But the musician is quick to dismiss their claims as a storm in a teacup.

“I believe music is a process that enables one to take time and come up with the right product,” he avers.

Bandason believes he is still the best Rumba cum Benga artiste after Musa Juma.

True to his words, in many occasions, he has declared himself as the new King of Rumba during his various media interviews, including in clubs where he performs. This has not gone down well with his colleagues who have accused him of riding on Musa Juma’s fame.

Indeed, observers agree that of late he has been singing Musa Juma’s songs during his performances as opposed to his music. 

Claim to fame

Less bothered, Bandason maintains he is the new King of Rumba.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion because you cannot please everyone. As far as I am concerned, I lead while others follow,” he says.

 “Although initially I didn’t agree with them, with time I realised that it was my destiny,” he adds. As for staging Musa Juma’s songs, he explains that it was Musa’s last request to him that he continues to keep his legacy alive.

“He told me to keep entertaining his fans with his music and not to let his legacy die as has been the case with many musicians whose music disappear as soon as they are gone,” he explains.

Keeping watch

Bandasson sees nothing wrong in singing Musa Juma’s songs. We sang together and nobody raised an eyebrow. Why now when he is gone?” he wonders adding that many musicians are known to sing compositions by popular artistes dead or alive. He cites the late Congolese Rumba maestro Luambo Makiadi aka Franco whose songs are being used by various musical groups to entertain revelers in clubs.

He mentions his CD’s including those of Musa Juma are available in various local music outlets.

But rumour has it that Bandason is planning to take over the band. Without denying or confirming the allegation, Bandason who is working closely with Musa Juma’s wife Winnie, says she is in charge of the band and has been managing it well.

“It is up to her to decide who takes over as the bandleader. I will not sit back and watch Limpopo International disappear in thin air as long as I live,” he said.

Away from music, controversy never seems to fade from his him. Critics argue he apes the Congolese from fashion, language, walking style and mannerisms.  It is alleged that at some point he was almost arrested in a swoop for illegal aliens at a popular nightspot and only decided to identify himself as a Kenyan when he realised things were getting out of hand.

 “Let’s just say that due to the nature of people around me, mostly Congolese, I am left with no choice but to do so. Most of them can hardly communicate in fluent Swahili or English.

Early life

The second born son of Charles and Clementina Amimo Bandasson comes from Alego Boro, Siaya District.

He dropped out of school in Form Three to pursue music. He attended Kaloleni and Jamhuri High School. He began his music career by singing for Africa Jambo for five years before moving to Tchiakatumba Band for 10 years.

 He made his big break when Congolese music star Samba Mapangala called him to sing in his track hit Malako Disco.  He later formed Patron Musica, which he still leads.