Rhumba stars headed for Zim?

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
DRC’s top rhumba musicians Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola could be making their way to Harare for a mega concert scheduled for the Glamis Stadium this summer. According to organisers, preparations for the mega show were on course although they were still to decide on the final line-up.
“We are hoping to put a big show featuring the Congolese rhumba giants Fally Ipupa or Ferre. We are also considering throwing at least two or three Zimbabwean performing artistes who are doing well on the charts. Tentatively the gig will be held in October,” a spokesperson said.
The Herald Entertainment was privy to the details of the concert which is partly to celebrate the peaceful environment before, during and after the harmonised elections.

Apparently, Fally and Ferre are the two most sought-after musicians from the DRC.
Ferre might not be as popular as Fally in Zimbabwe but those who follow rhumba music already know his musical exploits. He was formerly part of Werrason’s group as the deputy and composer together with the likes of Bill Kalondji , the chief animator and singer JDT Mulopwe.

These members left Werrason following the likes of key members Baby Ndombe, Serge Mabiala and Japonaise Maladi. These former members grouped together and formed a rival musical band called les Marquis de Maison Mère.

Ferre has a number of hit albums such as “Miracles”, “Sens Interdit” and “Boite Noire” as well as collaborations with Bill Clinton who took part in the Zimbabwe Tourism Night gig and Bolinga, to mention a few.

Fally is a singer-songwriter who was formerly part of Koffi Olomidé, Quartier Latin International from 1999 to 2006 before he went solo.
According to his website, his first solo album was “Droit Chemin” released in 2006 and 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.