Orchestre Les Mangelepa

Orchestre Les Mangelepa

Orchestre Les Mangelepa is a Kenyan African music group associated with afrobeat and benga. The orchestra includes a large and changing line-up of musicians, with roles covering lead vocals, harmony vocals, guitars, bass, drums, organ, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and tumba.

Key members

Named musicians connected with the group include Bwamy Walumona, also known as Simon or “Le capitaine”, who plays lead guitar and serves as chief of the orchestra; Kabila Kabanze, also known as “Evani”, on lead vocals and as deputy chief; Kelenga Nzaazi, or “ViVi”, on vocals; Babibanga Wa Tshilumba, or “Kai Kai”, on vocals, trumpet and trombone; Lutulu Kaniki, or “Macky”, on vocals; Kasongo Fundi, or “Petit Jean”, on drums and bass; Lukangika Maindusa, or “Moustang”, on lead guitar and rhythm; Mwepe Mutshi, or “Cavalou”, on trumpet; Lumwanga Mayombo, or “Ambassadeur”, on rhythm and bass; Mukala Wa Mulumba, or “Bebe”, on drums; Tabu Ngongo Ildephonse, or “Supersax”, on saxophone; Tshimanga Zadios on saxophone; Twikala Wa Twikale, or “Petit Pierre”, on organ, lead guitar, rhythm and bass; Kabe Kimambe, or “Elombe”, on organ and lead guitar; Kabebe Mukangwa, or “Picolo”, on bass; Tambwe Lokasa, also called William, on bass and rhythm; Mukala Kanyinda, also known as CoCo, on tumba; Lawi Somona on saxophone; and Paddi, also known as Ma Wau-Wau, on saxophone.

Later additions

Musicians who later join the group include Zengele Saida on bass, Morgan Machege on trumpet, Diana Kodila on trombone, Micky Jaga Jaga on drums, Kawele Mutaniwa on lead guitar, and Coco Zigo Mike on vocals.