Kasaloo Kyanga (May 20, 1957 – September 9, 2011) was a Congolese musician, guitarist, and composer. Kyanga's compositions, including the hit song "Masafa Marefu", composed with Tancut Almasi Orchestra, continue to be performed by musicians.[1] His other hit songs include "Nimemkaribisha Nyoka", "Butinini",[2] "Kashasha",[3][4][5] and "Kambwembwe".[6]

Kasaloo Kyanga
BornMay 20, 1957
Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
DiedSeptember 9, 2011 (aged 54)
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
CitizenshipTanzania
Occupation(s)Musician, guitarist, composer
Years active1980–2011
Notable workKarubandika, Masafa Marefu
StyleMuziki wa dansi, Soukous
SpouseJane Butinini
Children4
RelativesKyanga Songa
Websitehttps://www.instagram.com/kasalookyanga/

Family

edit

He and his twin brother, Kyanga Songa, were born on May 20, 1957.[7]

Career

edit

Kyanga and Songa performed with the Tangut band. Attendees witnessed the Fimbo Lugoda and Kinyekinye Kisonzo Tisa Kumi Mangala styles. Kyanga, known for his metallic voice, arrived in Tanzania from the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire)[8] in 1980. Kyanga began working with the Orchestra Matimila Band, led by Remmy Ongala. Some of his best-known works include, "Almasi", "Bishada", "Natoa Onyo", and "Usia". Kyanga also collaborated with Congolese musician Skassy Kasambula.

Kyanga, Kasambula, and Semhando went to Tomatoma, and Kyanga composed "Mwanaidi". He later joined his brother Songa as a vocalist in Orchestra Marquis Original.[9] Kyanga and Songa became more popular with compositions such as "Karubandika",[10] "Sofia", "Clara", "Hasira Hasara", "Ni Wewe Pekee", and many others that won accolades globally. Kyanga and Songa later left Orchestra Marquis and worked with the Tancut Almasi Orchestra in Iringa.[11] Additional hits including, "Masafa Marefu", "Pili Wangu", "Tutasele", "Kiwele", and "Jane Butinini" (Kyanga's wife), further increased their popularity.

Butinini, who used to be a netball star, happened to be the sister of Duncan Butini, a former member of the Railways Football team from Morogoro.[12]

Death

edit

Kyanga's death was announced in the early morning of September 9, 2011. He died from a pleural effusion.[13] Veteran musician Kikumbi Mwanza Mpango Mwema, popularly known as King Kiki, confirmed Kyanga's death.

Discography

edit
  • Mchezo Umekwisha
  • Karubandika[14][15]
  • Masafa Marefu

References

edit
  1. ^ "Masafa Marefu". wahapahapa.com. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  2. ^ "WIMBO BUTININI:MAHABA YA DHATI YA KASALOO KWA MKEWE". WIMBO BUTININI. August 2, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  3. ^ Blog, Michuzi. "Tancut Almasi Orchestra na Kashasha enzi hizoo". MICHUZI BLOG. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  4. ^ "Vidokezo · TUIMBE WOTE NYIMBO KASHASHA YA TANCUT ALMASI ORCHESTRA". Vidokezo. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  5. ^ Michuzi, Othman. "Tancut Almasi Orchestra na Kashasha". MTAA KWA MTAA BLOG. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  6. ^ "Tukumbushane: Nyimbo bora zenye majina ya kiume...II". JamiiForums. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  7. ^ Mbwana, Kambi (September 9, 2013). "HANDENI KWETU: Miaka miwili kifo cha Kasaloo Kyanga, sauti yake itabaki kuwa lulu". HANDENI KWETU. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  8. ^ "congo in tanzania". muzikifan.com. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  9. ^ "ZiKi – The African Music Project: Artist: Orchestra Maquis Original". ZiKi – The African Music Project. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  10. ^ "Download Audio: Orchestra Maquis Original – Karubandika Mp3". Bongovibe. February 17, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  11. ^ Hansom (September 20, 2011). "MAMBOBADO: PICHA YA LEO; UNAIKUMBUKA ENZI YA TANCUT ALMASI BENDI YA IRINGA". MAMBOBADO. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  12. ^ "Kasaloo Kyanga is no more". JamiiForums. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  13. ^ Blog, Mtinge. "GWIJI LA MUZIKI ALIYETOWEKA GAFLA; KASALOO KYANGA". Mtinge. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  14. ^ "End of an era as composer of 'Karubandika' exits the stage – Daily Nation". Daily Nation. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  15. ^ "ZiKi – The African Music Project: Lyrics: Karubandika – Orchestra Maquis Original". ZiKi – The African Music Project. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
edit