Virunga

Born in Matadi, Congo, Samba Mapangala moved to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo in the early 1970s to pursue his secondary education. Inspired by legendary Congolese vocalists Tabu Ley Rochereau and Soki Dianzenza, it was there that Samba began his singing career.Samba’s early years included stints in the groups Bariza, Super Bella Bella and, Super Tukina. It was while touring in Eastern Congo in 1975 that Samba and other musicians separated from Bikassy Bijos’ Orchestra Saka Saka. Recruited by a Ugandan promoter, Samba and his comrades set up camp in Kampala, Uganda.