Tanzanian singer Saidi Kanda to perform during African night in England

UK-based Tanzanian musician Saidi Tumba Kanda will next Friday host a special online show from Brighton City, England. The show is dedicated to his East Africans fans and other lovers of African music globally.

The “African Night Fever show’ is a follow up to a similar one that was held last month. The event will begin at 8pm (UK time).

Speaking to Saturday Nation earlier this week, Saidi said he was elated with the relaxation of the Covid-19 related lockdown conditions in parts of UK. 

“Like most artistes globally, our livelihood had this year been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are trying to gradually using online shows to interact with our fans,” he said.

Saidi’s fans from Kenya will recall when he accompanied the legendary Congolese guitarist Mose Fan Fan of “Papa Lolo” fame during a Kenyan tour in March 2016.

Others on that “Papa Lolo” tour included guitarists Fiston Lusambo, Douglas Kib Misapi and former Lipua Lipua singer Nzaya Nzayadio.

Saidi, an accomplished percussionist, will be backed during the show by his Mvula Mandondo Tolekaa group which features former Wenge Musica band solo guitarist Bukina Faso (Mboka Liya), drummer Kabamba and bass guitarist Billy Mwangula.

The group’s beat is traditional folklore blended with contemporary African dance beats.

For Saidi who has lived in England for over 35 years, said that popularising African music there has been a long journey.

Prior to going solo, he was formerly with the legendary Tanzanian Orch Super Matimila band as a kongas (tumba) player under the leadership of the legendary Dr Remmy Ongala “Sura Mbaya.”

Back home in Tanzania, he met his debut in music with the Biashara Jazz Band in 1979. This was known for songs like “Halima” and “Kipindi Cha Dhahabu”.

Saidi also had a stint with the Dar-based legendary Maquis Du Zaire where he performed alongside Nguza Viking, Mbanza Mchafu, Kasolo Kyanga among others.

Saidi rejoined Super Matimila where he featured on popular songs like Kifo, Mariam wangu and “Muziki asili yake wapi.”

 Meanwhile, music fans in Kisii and its environs are today set for a double music extravaganza at the Kamel Park Hotel, Kisii where the Sungusia Kwasa Kwasa dot com band will be launching their latest album titled “Chebiose”.

The group featuring Joseph Nyakweba (Kwasa) has lined up various popular beats for the fans.

Band Manager Willy Manyisa said the show will also stream live from 12.30pm to 8.30pm on TV channels like Mwamogusii TV, Getembe TV and FB Live. Other members of the group who are expected in action today include Job Mayenga (rhythm guitar), John Omwega Makambo (solo guitar), Orecho Misati (bass guitar), Nicholas Nyakundi (singer), drummers Enock Bosire and Kennedy Amisi "Man Rocky".

The group has also performed in Nakuru and Eldoret among other towns.

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