Orchestre Les Mangelepa - Nyako Konya - LIVE at Afrikafestival Hertme 2016

Performance - 3 July 2016
Originally from the Swahili-speaking part of Eastern Congo, Les Mangelepa have released more than 13 albums and penned some of East Africa’s best-loved songs. The band was formed as an offshoot of Orchestre Baba National of Baba Gaston, which first arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 1972 and soon started recording with the Tanzania Film Company and another label called Sindimba. In 1973 they boarded an OTC bus to Nairobi to record.
Once in the Kenyan capital, after playing for some time with Baba Gaston at the Inn on the Park restaurant at Uhuru Park and composing 'Kakolele Viva Christmas', the talented youngsters abandoned their mentor and formed Orchestre Les Mangelepa in 1976. Their name comes from 'Mangelepa', a dance that had been invented by founding member Kabanze Evany while still in Gaston's band.
The group's growing popularity in Kenya attracted other Congolese bands and before long there was cut-throat competition in Nairobi between Les Mangelepa, Les Kinois, Super Mazembe, and Viva Makale. Their ongoing success is testament to the influence of Congolese music on Kenya’s music scene, particularly in terms of. They were at the centre of the East Africa Rumba sound, in contrast to the Congolese soukous that dominated African pop music in the 1980s and 90s.
Orchestre Les Mangelepa have thrilled fans throughout the region - including Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania - by churning out hits such as ‘Embakasi’, ‘Maindusa’, ‘Walter’ and ‘Safari ya Mangelepa’. Their brilliant arrangements and superbly crafted songs have kept legions dancing to their beat, aided by guitars, brass and vocal harmonies.

[@josephlossy1808]

nyimbo hii inanikumbusha enzi hizo za santuri wazee bado vijana kabisa tunduma ,zambia

[@mainangatia1063]

Hapa hakuna auto tune, everything melodies good old days. When HIV didn't exist

[@AnthonyMute]

If you are from Kenya you must admit that intro from guitar to drums has a Kamba feeling!! Sweet!!!

[@brianmagembe5342]

For sure it's akamba intro

[@solomonogola3737]

Remember it was compost in Kenya, Recorded at Jojo Production

[@mutukujunia3530]

I knoow ryt

[@mutukujunia3530]

Haha.. Thought so tu

[@timothymugambi7250]

I like ur feeling

[@RabeccaSaka-y3q]

Who is here 2025 still loving these songs ndi daily mu galimoto yane nkhupulikdza

[@nyukuriokuna9166]

2022 who is still here listening,,,,?.

[@ModestNdolo]

2024

[@mutiakilonzi1837]

wako

[@biicornelius6065]

If you were born in 80s and early 90s, you can't hate these songs your parents loved them and played in the national broadcasting station a million times, nostalgic 😩😩

[@anneanji4818]

My dad s favourite.nrip dad

[@Ogulmama777]

I enjoyed it in seventies and eighties. Uhuru Park inn and garden square KICC . Good old days.

[@I_Matheri]

I am quite perplexed at how rich the song have become to my ear.

[@jackmuhura1797]

Very true

[@nduukyanda8910]

Haki niwo

[@WaSammieOfficial]

2025 are we here when music was music not hizi vitu za dragon fire

[@estherodera4382]

I danced to THESE people in December 1980 to be exact during my First return visit to Kenya from the USA taken to Garden Square by my now late brother in law and my late sister Mary Olale. I was soooo excited because I was never a might club gal ❤🎉🎉😂. It was great Holiday to remember I still have their small records around 🎉🎉🎉

[@ianmwandoe3439]

Listening to this from Federated States of Micronesia and it makes me miss home (Kenya)

[@antoshade3551]

The really legends

[@DanteL007]

Wonderful music my father part German would play Kenyan music in the 80s even understood the language, great memories in 🇿🇼 Zim.

[@millicentmbuya5763]

Am shading tears while listening to this song , make me remember wen we were small kids my mum use to dance the song infront of us . Keep up mum . May God continue giving you healthfull like

[@salimchililingo9821]

Okay my dear

[@modagwa]

Feeling 🎉

[@akoncool100]

This song was number one on my spotify wrapped. Made my year

[@Royhauya-uw2kr]

Absolutely. But Africa surely has to preserve this. The 60s and 70s have the best music of east Africa. The 70s through 90s was Congos time, the bongoman, wemba period.

[@bahindirobert]

Wenzangu wote tulikua tunaburudika na hiyo nyimbo myaka ya 78 wameniacha peke yangu. Waliaga dunia. Shukuru MUNGU BaBa

[@hirwaabdul2958]

Pole sana Mzee mwenzangu

[@oloodindi4040]

Thank you Dad for making me love this oldies ...continue resting in peace. Those days kids were never allowed to come close near radio casset when playing 😃

[@cruizk8183]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👐

[@generalkwesule]

😁😁😁

[@gilbertrono67]

Who's your dad among these? love 💕 the song

[@chiyenyumba7135]

😂 😂 😂

[@philippeoronje470]

I can relate..thanks 70s 80s dads

[@shikunat2974]

It reminds me of my late dad "teacher John kanyuira mbogo" I was born in 1990,my dad would always play such music and I loved it till date❤❤

[@danielkinyoko9652]

Oh no 🕜🕐 oooooooooooo and

[@leomamaputsoe]

What is the name of the genre?

[@mutungicharles1300]

@@leomamaputsoemm

[@bahindirobert]

1974 our dad used to force us to carry small bags of coffee to cross swamps to the Indian coffee stores by then, we could go back home with salt. RIP mum & dad and my young brother as well. Greetings from Rio de Jan, BRA.

[@kamwanawajane5846]

So sweet and fresh every day... reminds me the old fashion African wood 📻 and KBC idhaa ya taifa.. my dad loved to listen to this songs especially on Sundays . So sweet can't get enough

[@blackfredofficial3424]

💞

[@janereynolds9756]

Xxv,,

[@eng.richardkoimaphd2828]

This song used to be played on KBC idhaa ya Taifa only, so sweet songs

[@online2288]

Jaman Nani yupo paka now nione like

[@goodday1101]

I got married through this song,am happily married for 37yrs.

[@mashaawagaskiambu4100]

When music was real...you could feel it even when you don't understand the language

[@chaljen]

Great music I never heard about them, but so far I enjoyed it. A shout out from (South America) Suriname 🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷.

[@DavidKahiro]

Kenyan

[@josephatmoracha5755]

This is a lovely music which will last for ever. It makes me to remember my lovely dad. If you are here 2020 like here

[@kennedykimanthi4050]

Also ma dad ...r i.p

[@nuruhmangoli1232]

The reason why ilove watching and listening to this music,,,is that ,,THEY NEVER SHOW THEIR NAKEDNESS ,LIKE TODAY INDUSTRY...RATHER THEY DRESS DECENTLY...the message is very clear no insults

[@FMercuryEA]

Motema mpe mabanzo - my heart thoughts (literally: my heart and thoughts) Mabanzo ekotinda ngai namela poison - thoughts will drive me to take poison Soki nakufi bandeko - when i die, my brothers Bokamwa te - don't be surprised Nzela na ngai ya bomoi - my life path Ekei pamba - has been in vain Motema moto moto - my heart is on fire Mabala ya bomwana - childish marriages Eleki makambo - are full of problems Bampasi nakomona - i'm in such pain Nalembi kobondela - i'm weary of asking for help Motema mpe mabanzo - my heart thoughts (literally: my heart and thoughts) Nameka kopesa mokongo - i try to turn my back at it Namemi ngambo - it's an uphill struggle (literally: i've carried a mountain) Mabala ya bomwana - childish marriages Eleki makambo - are full of problems Motema mpe mabanzo - my heart thoughts (literally: my heart and thoughts) Mabanzo ekotinda ngai namela poison - thoughts will drive me to take poison Motema ee motondi na mabanzo! - oh, my heart is full of thoughts! Soki nakufi bandeko - if i die, my brothers Bokamwa te - don't be surprised Nzela na ngai ya bomoi - my life path Ekei pamba - has been in vain Motema moto moto - my heart is on fire Mabala ya bomwana - childish marriages Eleki makambo - are full of problems Bampasi nakomona - i'm in such pain Nalembi kobondela - i'm weary of asking for help (stanza repeated) Motema mpe mabanzo - my heart thoughts (literally: my heart and thoughts) Nameka kopesa mokongo - i try to turn my back Namemi ngambo - it's an uphill struggle (it's all in vain) (literaly: i've carried a mountain) Mabala ya bomwana - the marriages of young people Eleki makambo - are full of problems mayo, sanza! - Mayo, speak out (tell the truth!) o ya nga na yo x 2 - oh you and i Ekomi nga namela poison - i'll end up taking poison O ya nga na yo x 3 - oh you and i Nyako konya Nyako x 3 - nyako nyako konya (GIRL HELP ME)in luo language Nyako nyako konya

[@phaizokoth2466]

So they mixed Congolese with Luo

[@boogiemannable]

Thank you for the translation

[@chumokabiangz]

Incredible, Konyaaaaa

[@divasnyamhunga631]

Yo brothers I love these songs and I want to no which loguage is

[@FMercuryEA]

@@divasnyamhunga631 lingala

[@ManglineKisia]

Survey of the East African literature, such a great thing.......wah!

[@shabanimnondwa6094]

Nakumbuka Uhuru Park Nairobi .kweli muziki wa zamani ni dhahabu

[@bobbiegatimu7124]

How do you even dislike this beautiful golden voices that is African heritage how do people win Oscars.....God bless you Mangelepa

[@titomuunda9966]

9 see me o oops

[@franclineomil3341]

NYAKO KONYA is loosely translated to 'help me lady' in Luo from kenya 🇰🇪

[@TremsSoccer]

Dad 😢 this vibe you created in me! I'll forever live to cherish those moments. R. I. P MESHACK ONYANGO LUBANGA SNR.

[@danielndiwa1736]

Who is here in 2021...isn't this beautiful??💥💥💥

[@murithijeffken4125]

Leaving this one for those who will come here in 2072

[@documentariestvshow]

I will have 73 old years ❤❤

[@soloogado6333]

Those were the times & the years Nairobi was known as the "City in the Sun." Life was goooooood! Kenyans of all works of life were really nice to one another, including the visitors. It didn't matter who you were or where you were from, Nairobi on Weekends, was the place to be!

[@cruizk8183]

Mwaka gani

[@haeshals]

@@cruizk8183 70's

[@otienoombok3995]

Very true...... Only those who were bothered by Moi's politics sending people to Nyayo and Nyati house

[@desmondkoech9702]

Ingia uko sahii uongo venye utatolewa macho

[@PublicOpinionBench]

Politicians killed all that

[@stanleywangugi3427]

Am from Kenya and a kikiuyu by tribe and kambas are our distant cousins.. I want to put it clear that the drums, lyrics somehowly catches the themes, dancing styles of the A bantu tribes, and we belong to the bantus and their eating or dancing concepts and behaviours or almost same

[@stanleywangugi3427]

Exactly my friend and thank you very much.......we are all Bantus my bro...and the music beatings definitely relates to the tunes....the difference is just the language of our ethnicity

[@johnmahugu]

absolutely envy all of you who were there when it was going down. this is absolutely fantastic.

[@15multiventure51]

I'm a Brit guy. Was a teacher in Zambia 1973-75. This was the music ... along with Jimmy Cliff songs. Best memories. Great people

[@PeterNyamungoma-ub3qp]

I'm peter nyamungoma from Zimbabwe I love these guys I need a collaboration with you guys

[@mcgconsultinggroup]

Africa is ours. East Africa to the fullest!!!

[@peterkamau318]

Their. Best. Was embakasi. I. Am. Born. Again. Christian. Now. But. I. Still. Struggle. To.get. Embakasi. Out. Of. My. Head. Cos. I. Remember. At. Langata. Road. Primary school. When. We. Had. Radio. Lessons. Sometimes. They. Would. Have. Us. Listen to. Embakasi. Us. Our. National. Anthem. Cheeky. They. Were. But. We. All. Loved. It. For. That. I. Will. Never. Forget. My. Two. Greatest friends. Livingston. Lidonde. And. Obote. Ouma. I. Pray. That. You're. Still. Around Jesus. Bless

[@peterkamau318]

P pp in

[@stanleywangugi3427]

Generally the orchestra mangelepa is an international band recognized and all of their music is sweet ....yaani ni miziki tamu tamu

[@pharaohlomazolo950]

reminds me of my two uncle who attended all their shares in Zimbabwean then followed them back up to Zambia were they were also touring and we aptly nicknamed his car 'mangelepa'.

[@apostlealimaalimalisr.8060]

Reminds me of how black and white life was...so sweet

[@nicholasmotswagole492]

Wow.....takes me way back in time, when our mums were so young and we were so little, when we weren't aware so much hatred and evil existed amongst us

[@johnmark2442]

I remember them from when I was a kid late 70s & early 80s,we lived on the same street in Nairobi (Nairobi West's Kodi road).We'd go behind the house they lived & did rehearsals & peep through the fence. Fantastic time, another legendary band also lived nearby,Les wanyika.

[@johnadeka6034]

Nice to hear this those were good old days we could go behind the hall that's Simba club magadi peep through the window just to hear or see they played live band

[@mufarokambare8420]

I attended thier show in zimbabwe early 80s mushandirapamwe hotel wow

[@easy978]

Ku Fio ndiko kwedu

[@DanteL007]

​@@easy978Wow..Nice. Ndizvo.

[@wilderjai]

Jim Ocholla ( my cousin) cheza Mangelepa . My all time favorite band Garden Square Nairobi . Evani Vivi Late Les Capitaine Beami Walumona , Sax Tabu , rhythm Maindusa love ❤️ is Mangelepa!

[@chumokabiangz]

They've started coming to garden square nowadays... It's always lit

[@gbaniaya-biao5773]

Ooooh Wonderfull AFIKA

[@albertchigoche727]

Our own African Music ,Our Rich Heritage! One Love from Zimbabwe!

[@josephyearwood1179]

Big up Zimbabwe and Mr M FOREVER!

[@nigelnonemadzimure]

Did you feel the Leonard Dembo guitar from the frst intro song and the Chimbetu that followed

[@pharaohlomazolo950]

@@nigelnonemadzimure excatly i heard that too and wondered if i was listening to our own dendera kings

[@TheKwach11]

Sungura music, influenced by kanindo records, actually developed from the Kenya benga music. Thus a lot of similarities. Africa we are one.

[@albertchigoche727]

Very true ,our legends were busy stealing and plagiarizing other greats without acknowledging!!

[@anneanji4818]

2022still enjoying,my dad rip this was your favourite

[@otienoombok3995]

Has a chilling effect on me. Childhood is the best.... no frills. Yes, more so if you grew up in Eastlands like me. Dancing mangelepa dance and mokonyonyo - skonyo steps

[@gasperkiwo6109]

I do remember all,mkonyonyo and walking skonyo thank you for remembering me those days

[@guruvoke4331]

I used to listen to this band because of the undying love my mom(RIP) had on this kinda music.. Am 28 and it brings back good old memories..

[@otienoombok3995]

Grew up with this band in Nairobi in the 70s and attended their shows. Very sentimental. They did a powerful song for President Moi

[@kenrobles7677]

My favorit orchestraaaa, Great LESS MANGELEPA, BLESSING FROM NORTH COAST OF COLOMBIA

[@renejoserada]

Blessing

[@medsonkamala9020]

I first watched this L' Ochestre Mangelepa in 1979 when I was in College in Zomba, Malawi. Welcome back on stage Mangelepa.

[@bahindirobert]

Are they still living. Where are they. Our good days of late 70s. Man those days are gone, FOREVER

[@NalunjogiSarah]

In kampala it was masive i rem ber da radio gram mi papa hand rest in peace papa andama

[@OMBATI0711]

2022 still relevant all the the time?

[@alfredkipyegon8946]

When I listen to this song I remember my late dad rest in peace dad you use to love this song

[@dumisanincube916]

I m from Zim I know the quality African music is beutfull

[@mutambanengwe2589]

Warinzwa here guitar line radembo

[@luthersimutowe5396]

I remember them when they came in Zambia in 1982, though by then they were young.

[@nyandajr]

Pumzika kwa amani baba angu 2014 😢😢 nilikupenda mungu kakupenda zaidi umeniachia alama ya nyimbo uzipendazo😢

[@Wamanifrank]

Indeed I used to love these songs and they were amazing people enjoy the oldies 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@peterstano4759]

By the way this song nyako Konya is Avery nice song it takes me back early 90s. And where are they now days?

[@SueKim527]

Memories are made of this. Their music will never get old. Les Mangelepa band members were our neighbours at Fort Jesus, Nairobi in the 70's. We would pop in for a chat. They were very popular with the ladies.

[@stevesaleca2997]

Ladies were crushing 😍

[@SueKim527]

@@stevesaleca2997 Very true.

[@pamelajudithrwanyarare8429]

This brings back the 70s with the maxi dresses, platforms and huge afro in Uganda. Lots of love from the UK 💖

[@abachelorskitchen5913]

seriously brings back memories this music used to be played at silver springs on weekends and if was audible from kololo my sisters would sneak and go for disco wearing those scotish skirts and platform shoes .iwas still young but i clearly remember .

[@nchimunyamuponda]

my parents used to dance to these songs during Christmas parties in the late eighties.

[@lawrencemotsi4882]

I think Simon " Chopper " Chimbetu " from Zimbabwe adopted the rhythm guitar from this group. His song " Samatenga" has a similar tune to this. Actually Chimbetu claimed his forefathers have originated from the eastern parts of Africa

[@DanteL007]

True..and Leonard Dembo this is the Original Sungura music, you can well say Dendera too.😊

[@DanteL007]

There is song by the Legend Franco, you can here Samatenga too, where chopper took the guitar arrangements and exact rhythm

[@lawrencemotsi4882]

@@DanteL007 I hear thanks a lot

[@lawrencemotsi4882]

@@DanteL007 sure i get Dembos tune too

[@jlobo19]

Greetings from Barranquilla Colombia. here we love this music too much

[@ChumoKabianga]

I'm back again after 4 years...

[@manufacturingdefect1287]

Then Corona came along and suddenly people can't get together like this and have human fun☹️

[@ategekaj.a.k7179]

I was in Nai as a young kid, remembering the exile life under IDD AMIN

[@chumokabiangz]

Living under IDD AMIN and you're still alive in Nai (Most stressful City in the World Currently) now??! The Kenyan must be pushed to pay you some compensation fee!! Why should you suffer that Much as an African who loves *"Nyako konyaa?"* 😂😂

[@ategekaj.a.k7179]

@@chumokabiangz For Sure

[@kachaso]

I am surprised they’re still alive ! My dad used to play there songs when I was a little boy ( original mangelepa)

[@gathechamutua9690]

Twinkle wa Twikale and, Kabila Kabanze .1978 super hit.

[@josephyearwood1179]

Misthought it were Death In June for moment. Whoever they are, good stuff (:

[@chumokabiangz]

So imoshoonooo

[@nourouyakouba96]

Thanks thanks for the best that y're giving us all m'y congratulations

[@chuluthomas196]

When life was so good and meaningful, when the world was young and tough daddy would call mum by name whilst such sweet music played, how meaningful life was then! RIP daddy.

[@stephenkaguora9414]

Anyone listening this song 2022 hands up🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🕺🕺🕺🕺

[@ChumoKabianga]

12yrs ago I used to shade tears of the memories this song came along with but guess what, yes you're right I'm still shading tears of nostalgia... Long live our legends and the great music we have... May God bless us akih.

[@bandarichiro4663]

Reminds me always of my late brother Neville Kambu dozing down under his feet listening to that music was a young by then.. music Wil never die..rip your old age team if still alive.

[@antonymutwiwa2561]

These great men live in Kenya since 1972

[@elizabethgitau4040]

I wish I was in this concert. I would be screaming my head off. I love this song!

[@AssaneluisMalandela-uo1rs]

I love them. And I hope one day to play and sing the way they do. I am from Mozambique.

[@jeffyjeff9250]

I grew up listening to this group Mangelepa. Oh those were the days “Nyako Nyako Konya” means lady lady help me in Luo speaker in Kenya. The seben is nothing you’ve ever heard anywhere.

[@victormaina9343]

My late uncle Kamashy favourite group, continue resting in peace uncle..

[@eddylwanga6332]

I got the right KZbin channel. It quenches my thirst for music

[@254_]

Legends only will understand. This group deserves better!!!!

[@kalegapeter2715]

ILove my country Tanzania

[@rodgerphiri9169]

I love the hairstyle cedar of the old guy first from left. Splendid performance old folks.

[@rodneystoddard2014]

You my friend you are crazy

[@wilfredzulanga7715]

These were the days,nice and soft Rumba ,i like this much it reminds me when i was young,we used to listen from Nzeru radio,and my elder brother used to switch it on and full volume

[@muitawambui6585]

The man with black suit is a vibe, cool man.

[@vivianneamenya1024]

Beautiful, 2021 still jamming to this iconic tune

[@joelngoko5572]

Very good. I love it

[@anneanji4818]

Still here 2022

[@I_Matheri]

@@anneanji4818 Here 2023 😆

[@annanji586]

@@I_Matheri great, when music was real😄😄✌

[@kafedeerick4113]

Am from Uganda but workin here in Dubai . Am enjoying

[@dennistunge7882]

african retro-music needs to be revisited well by modern artists there something there😃,especially the harmonies in it.

[@hemwamalwa700]

Love for rhumba bana ❤ to the coming generations don't late it die ........ 2023 .......code 254

[@richierichard5692]

We’d listen to these while on long trips with my family and I was like 5 years old… here I am in 2022 still jamming to this 🔥

[@timkentspares9012]

so touching I remember love the song

[@rutabayirugilbert4718]

This is real music to remember. You have made us the oldies enjoy the flashback.

[@asafmponda7961]

I was 12 by then i still and remember the song how i wish the band would have played in malawi

[@symongachoki936]

These guys were ahead in their time no band could match theirs

[@nyungwajunior1301]

Very true

[@ajabyusuf8709]

Likes of super mazembe....Bana Ngenge

[@Marykitchenke]

My dad would listen to this kind of music may his soul rest in peace

[@kiplangatkipbioagrchannel9336]

It's hot.... I love this music. Cherishing here in Kenya.... Minute village of kimenderit

[@acacioalbinositoe-q8w]

I not for Kenya: I from Mozambique yes I admit that the festival was very amazing.

[@baloziubalozini5074]

I dont knw what i was searching or looking for,but now here i'm...Am stuck and cant move on!!

[@shirleymiheso6865]

Grew up listening to this song...miss my dad so very much

[@chishidesert9900]

This is better music ever, really you can see the talent viva the legends viva Africa