Kenya's Orchestra Les Mangelepa to release album ahead of WOMEX

The album Last Band Standing will be released by Canadian Strut Records – a record label that specialises in compilations and new recordings by classic artists.

Bandleader Kabila Kabanze Evany told Music In Africa that the album comprised 10 songs, four of which were new compositions while six were remakes of the band’s old songs.

“We gave our latest CD the title Last Band Standing because we have made history in African music,” Evany said.

“Our band was formed 41 years ago by nine musicians and has remained intact since. Currently, the band has three original members. Excluding myself they are Lutulu Kanicky Macky and Kalenga Nzaazi Vivi. The guitars and drums are played by musicians we are currently mentoring.”

Orchestra Les Mangelepa will be at WOMEX 2017 from 25 to 29 October. WOMEX is one of the world’s biggest international music industry meetings featuring trade fairs, talks, film screenings and showcases.

“We will be in Berlin, Germany, from 24 October for a series of shows before heading to Poland for WOMEX,” Evany said.

“We are happy to be have been selected to represent East Africa at this event. We look forward to meeting fellow musicians, music producers and agents from all over the world. We also plan to use the opportunity to promote our latest CD.”

Other African acts to be featured at this year’s WOMEX are Bitori ft Chando Graciosa from Cape Verde, Gato Preto from Mozambique, Ibaaku from Senegal, King Ayisoba from Ghana, Orlando Julius from Nigeria, Qwanqwa from Ethiopia, Oumou Sangare from Mali and Waldemar Bastos from Angola.

Qwanqwa have made their latest album, titled Volume Three, available for pre-order to help the band get to WOMEX. Pre-order the album here.   

To pre-order Last Band Standing on iTunes, click here.