Kasaloo Kyanga

Full name	Kasaloo Kyanga
Country	Congolese
Date of death	September 9, 2011

Kasaloo Kyanga was a towering figure in East African Rhumba, celebrated for his smooth, metallic tenor voice and his masterful ability to blend Congolese roots with Tanzanian Muziki wa Dansi. After moving from the DRC to Tanzania in 1980, he initially worked with Remmy Ongala's Orchestra Matimila before achieving legendary status with Orchestra Maquis Original, where he composed the timeless hit "Karubandika" and popular tracks like "Sofia" and "Ni Wewe Pekee." Alongside his twin brother Kyanga Songa, he later joined the Tancut Almasi Orchestra in Iringa, revitalizing the band with sophisticated hits like "Masafa Marefu" and "Jane Butinini," a tribute to his wife and former netball star. Throughout his career, Kyanga was known for his prolific compositions—including "Kashasha," "Mwanaidi," and "Nimemkaribisha Nyoka"—and his ability to bridge cultures through poetic storytelling in both Swahili and Lingala. His legacy as a composer and guitarist remains a cornerstone of the golden era of African music, with his works continuing to be performed by musicians across the continent today.