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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
It is now confirmed, Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa is heading to Harare for a charity benefit concert at Glamis Arena on November 1.
Popularly known for his sexy dances, the rhumba maestro is expected to share the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah.
“We have already signed contracts with Sulu, Jah Prayzah, Tuku and Fally. The deal is as good as signed because we are travelling to DRC to meet him as well as attend some of his concerts in the DRC. The mega charity show is also part of Tuku’s birthday celebrations,” a spokesperson said.
Sam Mataure, Tuku’s manager, confirmed the mega gig.
“Yes, we are going to perform alongside Fally,” he said.
Suluman’s manager, Trevor Jakachira, also confirmed the gig saying the Orchestra Dendera Kings will feature at the charity show.
“We are going to be performing at the Glamis Arena on November 1,” he said.
This would be Fally’s first visit to Zimbabwe as a solo performer and already expectations are high from the award-winning rhumba giant who will be backed by a 22- member band.
Fally first made a musical impact with hits like “Eternellement” and “Ko Ko Ko Ko” alongside veteran Koffi Olomide. He released his debut solo album “Droit Chemin” in 2006, which went on to sell over 100 000 units.
He is also a noted guitar player, connecting with audiences stateside with “Chaise Electrique,” a bilingual love song featuring former G-Unit singer Olivia. In 2010, he won two MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Video (“Sexy Dance” featuring Krys) and Best Francophone Artiste.
According to his website, his second album “Arsenal de Belles Melodies (A2BM)” was released in 2009.
“In 2007, Fally won the Kora Awards or Best Artiste or Group from Central Africa. In 2010, Fally Ipupa won the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Video (for “Sexy Dance”) and Best Francophone. He is married to Juliet Sawanga.”
The Kinshasa-born singer was rocked by music from an early age. Having a Catholic education, he began by singing in the choir of the church.
“However, Fally soon attracted attention with his voice and eventually built the small groups in his neighbourhood including the ‘New City’ or ‘New Covenant’.
But it was not until the early 90s, the young artiste included a group of renowned national ‘latent talents’ with whom he recorded a first album.
“Fally became a budding musician, not just for his talent but also his will to succeed and versatility: singer, guitarist and dancer. In the late 90s, he joined the Latin Quarter of Koffi Olomide. Fally found his place immediately and became one of the pillars before becoming the conductor.
It has been three years since the release of “Straight Path”, Fally continues to conquer the world through projects and collaborations.
“He set himself high standards when he collaborated with the famous Olivia Longott American singer (former member of the G-Unit 50 Cent) on the song “Electric Chair”.
In October 2010 he participated in a pan-African project called ONE8 featuring R Kelly as well as eight African artistes: 2Face (Nigeria), 4×4 (Ghana), ALKIBA (Tanzania), Amani (Kenya), JK (Zambia), Movaizhaleine (Gabon) and Navio.
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