"Siama, I've missed you for 40 years. Now I can die happy because you've visited me."

These were the words of Siama Matuzungidi's mother, Diambela, when the US-based musician visited her in 2010 after more than four decades abroad without setting foot at home.

Though based in Minneapolis, USA, since 1996, it was in Africa—specifically Nairobi—where Siama rose to prominence in the music scene, playing rhythm guitar and composing for several top bands in the 1970s and '80s.

Born in Matadi, Bas-Congo, in the 1950s, Siama made it to the big stage in the mid-1970s, performing with Orchestra Cavacha, led by Dona Mobeti and Mopero Wa Maloba. It was with this group that he composed his very first song, "Bomoto Makasi."

However, the ensemble faced leadership struggles, with Mopero and Dona locked in a tussle that led to a split, each musician taking a piece of the band. Mopero named his faction Cavacha de Mopero, while Dona retained the name Cavacha. The conflict escalated, prompting Franco, then head of the musicians’ association, to mediate a truce.

Following the split, Mopero rebranded his faction as Orchestra Shamashama. According to music researcher Alastair Johnston in his Muzikifan blog, Mopero took his new band on tour to Uganda. The band eventually disbanded in Kampala, leading to Siama’s first departure from DRC. He was invited by Coco Zigo to form a new band, Kombe Kombe, which was meant to replace Shamashama at their venue in Kampala.

The band later moved east to Nairobi, rebranding as Viva Makale after securing a performance contract at Garden Square, as Siama recounted to Alastair Johnston. However, Coco Zigo retained the name Kombe Kombe, using it to bypass contractual obligations signed under Viva Makale.

In the beginning, the group—known for the hit song "Akamba"—included Kalombo Mwanza on saxophone, Bwamy Walumona and Frantal Tabou on solo guitar, Lava Machine on drums, Kabeya Thomy on bass, and Tambwe Mandola on vocals, among others.

At the time, Nairobi’s music scene was incredibly dynamic, with an influx of Congolese superstars. Musicians frequently changed bands, making it difficult to trace each artist’s journey.

Many Nzong Nzing bands were also formed solely for studio recordings. These makeshift bands comprised musicians from well-known groups, but some of them never performed outside the studio.

Siama also played with Orchestra Shika Shika, led by saxophone maestro Jimmy Monimambo, alongside Frantal Tabou and others.

After the death of Le Kinois following a failed tour in Uganda, Polygram producer Isaya Mwinamo convinced Samba Mapangala not to return to DRC, as he had planned.

Samba recorded one album featuring Bua Mangala on rhythm guitar and Lawi Somana on solo. He then formed Orchestra Virunga, which included a star-studded lineup—Siama on rhythm guitar, Mansita on solo, Fataki Lokassa on vocals, Nsilu Wabansilu on bass, and others.

In 1996, Siama, popularly known as Mwalimu, relocated to Minneapolis, USA. He took his musical expertise beyond the continent’s borders, blending his style with other genres to appeal to a new audience.

Expanding his guitar skills beyond rumba, he taught himself calypso, reggae, and other styles. He had to adjust to performing for smaller, albeit more financially rewarding, audiences—quite different from the music-crazed clubs of Nairobi.

After a decade, he shifted his style again, embracing African beats by swapping his electric guitar for an acoustic one. He also incorporated traditional African instruments like the marimba and likembe (thumb piano) to create an authentic folk sound reminiscent of the music his parents once enjoyed around moonlit campfires in Matadi.

This reinvention won over his new audience, leading to a major breakthrough in the USA. In this style, he released the popular Rivers from Congo in Mississippi in 2016. Siama is married to a musician/manager with whom he has collaborated on several albums.

Siama’s rhythm guitar style is distinctive. The introduction of "Sister Alima" by Virunga showcases his creativity as a rhythm guitarist. During that era, other rhythm greats included Okello Jose, Bua Mangala, Lumwanga Mayombo, Rapok Kayembe, Owacha Willy, and Tuesday Oguro. A keen ear can tell that Siama stood out among them all.

Though he spent many years away from his mother and homeland, Siama became a citizen of the world, bringing joy to audiences across the oceans that separate continents.

By Jerome Ogola

Jabulani Radio

Your Home of African Tunes

Radio Player

Next Track

Track History

Other Listening Options

Smart Link

Listen Now

Default

MP3 128 Kbps

Play

Mobile

AAC 64 Kbps

Play

HD

MP3 192 Kbps

Play

M3U Link

Download

Desktop

Friendly Link

Visit

Advertisement

Advertise here: Marketing@jabulaniradio.com

"Advertise Smarter with Jabulani Radio"

Reach global and local audiences with Jabulani Radio. Using modern tech, we offer customized advertising solutions that fit your needs.

"Grow with Us"

Leverage multiple social media platforms with hundreds of thousands of followers. Brand your product with our proven technology and watch your business thrive. The world is changing—advertise smarter with Jabulani Radio.