Vocals
The Occidental Brothers Dance Band International may come from Chicago, but the band's musical inspiration stems from the dance music of Central and West Africa. The group blends soukous, highlife and African jazz into a buoyant groove of irresistible beat and bright guitar. Congolese singer Samba Mapangala, track from the band's 2009 album features Ghanian vocalist Kofi Cromwell. Cromwell sings in a soft, honeyed coo while energetic guitar, cheerful horns and infectious percussion round out the tune.
Guitar
Orchestra Virunga photo from Nov/Dec 1982. From left: Tabu Osusa (manager), Dago Mayombe (singer) Fataki Lokassa (singer) Diana Kodila (trumpet) Marie Gabby (dancer) Bejos Dibuba Mikobi (guitar) Erica (dancer) Coco Zigo Mafwala (singer) Zorro Mapangala (Samba's brother). In front, Kasongo Wa Kanema (singer) Tabu Ngongo (sax). On top: Samba Mapangala (lead vocalist/bandleader)
Drumist
Drummer Komba Bellow was born in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1957. His music career began in the local church as both singer and percussionist, but soon progressed to performing and recording with such Congolese luminaries Kanda Bongo Man, Abeti Masikini, M'Pongo Love, Loketo, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Soki Vangu, Samba Mapangala, Papa Wemba, Quatre Etoiles, Pépé Kallé, Felix Wazekwa, Koffi Olomide and Kékélé.
Fromleft: Jamarach Mulumbu (rhythm guitar), Jojo Monga (lead guitar), Ngouma Lokito (bass), Oscar Debe (drums), Eto'o Tsana La Patrona Mabina Danseuses, Samba Mapangala (singer/bandleader), Joseck Asikoye (congas), Freddy Nyembwe (vocals, animation). At Salisbury, MD NCTA Folk Festival. 9/9/19
SOUND ENGINEER
Vincent important role includes entails been able to produce a recording or a live performance, balancing and adjusting sound sources using equalization, dynamics processing and audio effects, mixing, reproduction, and reinforcement of sound
Virunga Mgmt Orchestra Virunga in Detroit for Concert of Colors, 2013. From left, Oscar Debe, drums, Ngouma Lokito, bass, Gbemigaa Olapo, sax, Samba Mapangala, lead vocals/bandleader, Freddy Nyembwe, vocals, Jamarach Mulumbu, rhythm guitar, Jaja Bashengezi, lead guitar. Viva Virunga!
Guitarist
Born in 1950, began music career in 1968 on local band La Banita . In the eighties he moved to France where he worked with prominent African musicians . His reputation was well built by then he was in high demand as a studio recording musicians for household musicians from Africa. Syrians guitar play feature on albums of artists including samba mapangala, Fode Baro , Ricardo Lemvo to mention but a few.
Drums
The breathtaking Asickoye when it comes to drums he is a member of the famous east African group "JABALI AFRIKA"
BAND
East African Tour Manager
Manzenza is well known Virunga Band coordinator and tour management in East and Central Africa. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo he hails from 'Matadi' he has been with Virunga since the mid 90s, played a big role in tour perfomances in East Africa for the band.
Sax phone
Rama was sax player who played for bora bora band a Tanzanian band in the 90s and later joined Virunga. He is Tanzanian very brilliant sax phone player currently resides in the UK.
Teddy Suka is a well known Legendary musician who has played with various famous bands in the past ,such as Big stars band with the late Defao, Eden Musica, Bilenge Musica, also playing along with Virunga on the Zanzibar tour of "Sauti ya Busara"
Bass Guitarist
Ngouma plays bass for the band - setting the rhythm and creating melodic lines.
Singer
PEPE (Hibrahim Matokeo) is a singer--talented, creative and inspiring.
Drums
JP Lola is son to the legendary "TP OK JAZZ " member Checain Lola. He is been able to perform with Virunga on certain occasions touring Zanzibar performances with his remarkable drumming skills.
Lead Guitarist
Lead guitarist Jaja Bashengezi brings energy & soul to every show.
