Super Mazembe

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Orchestra Super Mazembe was a popular band based in Kenya playing Lingala (Soukous) music. The band had roots in Super Vox, a band formed in 1967 in Congo (then Zaire) and led by Mutonkole Lonwa Didos. The band moved to Nairobi in 1974 and changed its name to Orchestra Super Mazembe.

Their biggest hit was "Shauri Yako", a cover song originally performed by Nguashi Ntimbo & Festival Du Zaire. Other popular songs included "Samba", "Bwana Nipe Pesa" and "Kassongo". The group was disbanded in 1985.

[edit] Band members

Like many East African and Congolese groups, Super Mazembe experienced constant line-up changes. Some of its members were:

Mutonkole Longwa Didos (vocals)
Lovy Longomba (vocals) - Left the band in 1981 and formed groups "Super Lovy" and later "Bana Likasi". He died in 1996. Lovy is son of Vicky Longomba and brother of Awilo Longomba, both famous Congolese musicians. Lovy's sons Christian and Lovi have formed Longombas, today a a popular hip hop group in Kenya.
Kassongo Wa Kanema (vocals) -Left the band in early 80'a and joined Orchestra Virunga.
Loboko Bua Mangala (guitar)
Kilambe Katele Aley (vocals)
Bukasa wa Bukasa "Bukalos" (lead guitar) -Died 1989
Kayembe Miketo (guitar) -Died 1991
Mwanza wa Mwanza Mulunguluke (bass guitar)
Komba Kassongo Songoley (guitar) -Died 1990
Kitenge Ngoi wa Kitombole (drums)
Musa Olokwiso Mangala
Atia Jo (Frederick Mulunguluke Mwanza) (bass guitar) -Died 2006