Lead image for All set for Fally Ipupa's Nairobi concert.
One of the top new generation Congolese musicians, Fally Ipupa, has a big date with Rhumba fans in Nairobi. This is a major live concert scheduled for next month at Uhuru Gardens.
Fally, who is enjoying a great following the release of the hit song, Mayday, will be the main performer with several other artistes during the special show on September 5. Others expected at the show include Kamo Mphela, Tango Supreme, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Ice, Joe Mfalme, and Kodong Klan.
According to the organisers, it will be a night of six acts ranging from Rhumba to Amapiano.
The charges range from Sh8,000 (regular) to Sh40,000 (VVIP).
For Fally, it will be a welcome opportunity to reconnect with his adoring Kenyan fans. The former member of his mentor, Koffi Olomide's Quarter Latin International Band, is known for a string of hits. He learnt the trade under Koffi's guidance for over 10 years before going solo in 2006. Besides Mayday, his other popular songs include the blockbuster Eloko Oyo, Ndoki, Droit Chemin, and Accomplices.
Like Ferre Gola, Fally has taken the new- Rhumba to another level, blending folklore beats in his recordings. In recent years, this has seen Fally draw large crowds such as at the 81,000-capacity Stade de France in Paris, where he performed on May 2 and 3 this year. It was during this concert that he invited veteran fellow Congolese musician Nyoka Longo Jossart and his Zaiko Langa Langa group to also perform.
For the two artistes, it was a welcome chance to resume shows in Europe since 2020. Fally was by then making a return to live performances in Europe after being barred for nearly 10 years by a left wing movement known as Les Combatants, which was opposed to the DRC Government.
His first solo album was Droit Chemin. Released in 2006, it reportedly sold more than 100,000 copies. This was soon after leaving Koffi Olomide’s band. In 2007, he won a Kora Award for Best Artiste or Group from Central Africa. His second album was Arsenal de Belle Melodies, released in 2009. In 2010, Fally won the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Video (for Sexy Dance) and Best Francophone Artiste. Fally has also enjoyed great success with songs such as Associe, Liputa Droit and Chaise Electrique.