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Ujumbe by Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga
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fave it World Traditions | African
9 tracks | 49 minutes
Released Dec 2006
on Virunga Records
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- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:06 Siri (Secret) lyrics BUY MP3 05:06 Siri (Secret) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:06 Siri (Secret)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:19 Dunia Tuna Pita (We Are Merely Passing Through This World) lyrics BUY MP3 05:19 Dunia Tuna Pita (We Are Merely Passing Through This World) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:19 Dunia Tuna Pita (We Are Merely Passing Through This World)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 04:30 Muniache (Leave me alone) lyrics BUY MP3 04:30 Muniache (Leave me alone) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 04:30 Muniache (Leave me alone)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 04:47 Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength) lyrics BUY MP3 04:47 Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 04:47 Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:33 Vijana (The Youth) lyrics BUY MP3 05:33 Vijana (The Youth) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:33 Vijana (The Youth)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:15 Ko Seka Te (Don't Laugh) lyrics BUY MP3 05:15 Ko Seka Te (Don't Laugh) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:15 Ko Seka Te (Don't Laugh)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 06:05 Mbona Mimi? (Why Me?) lyrics BUY MP3 06:05 Mbona Mimi? (Why Me?) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 06:05 Mbona Mimi? (Why Me?)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:16 Ufunguwo (The Key) lyrics BUY MP3 05:16 Ufunguwo (The Key) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:16 Ufunguwo (The Key)
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 07:32 Dunia Tuna Pita (Extended Version) lyrics BUY MP3 07:32 Dunia Tuna Pita (Extended Version) lyrics "GIFT MP3" 07:32 Dunia Tuna Pita (Extended Version)
In this sparkling 2001 release, Samba delivers songs that are uplifting on the dance floor, and thoughtful in their lyrical messages.
Editorial review
Samba Mapangala formed the legendary Orchestra Virunga in 1981 and the volcano is still erupting every few years with exceptionally vivid music. The group takes its name from volcanoes in the Congo. The personnel configuration here has changed a little from the previous Karibu Kenya, but the musicianship is first rate. Karibu Kenya is somewhat more experimental and has a special energy that this album lacks. This is not to say that this album is inferior in any way. It has a different energy and feel than Karibu Kenya, but the tight instrumental arrangements provide ample power and drive. Mapangala's voice is better than ever. He also writes the music and lyrics to just about all the material. Ujumbe does not cave in to the ndombolo craze current at the time on African music dancefloors. It retains its own ground on African soil without becoming repetitive and stale sounding. For this reason alone, the album is worth the price. The others include honey-laced vocals, deft guitar playing that glides and turns like a graceful multi-colored bird, deceptively simple and catchy melodies, and percussion that percolates throughout. Recommended. ~ Mark Romano, All Music Guide
Bio / Background
More than three decades into his storied career, Samba Mapangala’s soaring voice and uplifting melodies still bring joy to fans the world over. Those hearing Samba’s music for the first time frequently join the ranks of the enthusiasts whose collections are well stocked with Orchestra Virunga albums.
Samba began singing professionally in Kinshasa, in the early 1970’s. In 1975, he moved with other musicians to Kampala, where they formed the group Les Kinois. From 1977 to 1997, he was based in Nairobi, first with Les Kinois, then with his Orchestra Virunga, which he founded in 1981.
In UJUMBE (The Message), his sparkling 2001 release, Samba keeps the Orchestra Virunga spirit alive, delivering songs that are uplifting on the dance floor, and thoughtful in their lyrical messages. The highlight for many has been “Dunia Tuna Pita”, which took by storm the airwaves of East Africa and beyond.
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