YE BABOYAKA YE-TP OK JAZZ/CHERIE MAKWANZA-JULIOS LUKAU/BOWAYO,LUBAMBA-SAM MANGWANA +254722642518

Sam Mangwana is a legendary Congolese singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Kinshasa in 1945 to Angolan and Zimbabwean parents. His career, which began in the 1960s, is marked by his work with prominent bands like Tabu Ley Rochereau's African Fiesta and Franco's TPOK Jazz, his nickname "pigeon voyageur" for his frequent travels, and his ability to blend different musical styles.
This video tells the story of Sam Mangwana's career over five decades:
Early life and career: Born in Kinshasa (then Leopoldville) on February 21, 1945, his mixed heritage gave him a unique multicultural perspective that influenced his music. He made his professional debut in 1963 with Tabu Ley Rochereau's African Fiesta.
Bands and collaborations: Mangwana was a member of several seminal bands, including TPOK Jazz and Tabu Ley's African Fiesta. He also led his own bands, like the Festival des Maquisards, and later formed his own label, SAM, in the late 1970s.
Musical style: Known as the "pigeon voyageur" due to his travels, his music is a fusion of Congolese rumba and styles from the Portuguese-speaking world. He is also known for his lyrical, "preaching style" in songs, which earned him the nickname "the moralist".
Later career: In 2004, he was able to return to Angola and was welcomed as a musical hero. He continues to perform and collaborate with various artists, with a career that spans over five decades.