Matata (band)

Last updated
Matata
Also known asAir Fiesta Matata
GenresAfro funk
Years activeMid 1960s - 1974
Labels President Records, Crystal, Stateside Records, Chairman, RPM Records
Past membersSteeleson Beauttah
Nashon Gandani
Sammy Kagenda
Jacques Kalunga
Isaac Kisombe
Toby Kombo
John Nzenze
Patrice Oluma
John Otieno
Anwar Richard
Gabby Wamala

Matata was a prominent African rock and funk band that was formed in Nairobi during the 1960s. They released a number of singles and recorded two albums during the early to mid-1970s.

Contents

Background

Matata was formed by Kenyan Musician John Nzenze. They started out as Air Fiesta Matata. Influenced by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and South African kwela, they gained popularity with Kenya's younger generation. [1] Along with the Ashantis and the Cavaliers, Air Fiesta Matata was one of the resident bands at Robbie Armstrong's Starlight club in Nairobi. [2] This is where the group became recognized. [3] They were later regarded as an Afro Funk band [4]

Some of the group's members were refugees from Congo. [5] The group's membership included Steel Beauttah on vocals and Gabriel Wamala on drums. [1] One of Matata's members was exiled South African saxophonist Dudu Pukwana. [4]

The group won the Best Band in Africa Award in a competition organized by the BBC World Service in London. [1] Finding international fame, the group also played to venues in the UK, US, France Germany, Norway and Switzerland. [5] [1]

Career

1960s

In 1968, they appeared at the All-African Music Festival in Algeria. There they were ranked as the third best band in Africa. In 1969 they stayed in Ethiopia for several months to perform for Emperor Haile Selassie. [5]

1970s

Having won the BBC sponsored competition to find Africa's best band, the ensemble was invited to come to the UK and perform for the BBC. They also played some venues in London and ended up being managed by Pearl Connor. She got them work in the UK and Europe as well as a job as the opening act for Miles Davis. When they got back to London they signed up for a two-album deal with President Records. [6]

In 1972 their debut album Matata - Air Fiesta was released on President Records. [7]

In 1973 there were some issues that would have an impact on the band. with work permits running out they had to return to Kenya. Some members left due to not wanting to divide their time between Nairobi and the UK. [6] At some stage, possibly 1974, former Foundations and future Sunburst member, Eric Allandale went with the group to Zambia. There they played for the Independence celebrations. [8] [9]

Later years

Founding member John Nzenze died on 30 May 2020 at age 80. [1]

Line ups

1971 line up

[10]

Discography

Album
ActReleaseCatalogueYearNotes
MatataAir FiestaPresident PTLS 10521972
MatataIndependencePresident PTLS 10571974

[11]

Further reading

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Music in Africa, 1 Jun 2020 - News, Kenya: John Nzenze's death ends African twist era By Lucy Ilado
  2. ↑ On My Father's Wings An Entrepreneurial Journey of Finding Humility, Resiliency, and a Lasting Legacy, By Michael Shirima · 2022 - ISBN 9781632995964, 1632995964 - Chapter 9 JOY, TRAGEDY, AND JOY
  3. ↑ The Weekly Review 1985 - Page 21
  4. 1 2 Opposing Apartheid on Stage, By Tyler Fleming · 2020 - ISBN 9781580469852, 158046985X - Page 384 Notes to p. 244, 118.
  5. 1 2 3 BBC News, 13 June 2020 - John Nzenze: The founder of 'Africa's best band' By Basillioh Mutahi, BBC News, Nairobi
  6. 1 2 We Are Cut, 7 March 2017 - Matata: ‘Wanna Do My Thing – The Complete President Recordings’ reviewed - Peter Robinson
  7. ↑ Music Republic Magazine, February 2017 - Matata: Wanna Do My Thing (RPM Records/Cherry Red) Out Now
  8. ↑ Record Collector, Issue 456 15 July 2016 - ALBUM, REVIEWS, Ave Africa | Sunburst - Reviewed by Kris Needs
  9. ↑ The Guardian, Fri, 21 Sep, 2001 - Eric Allandale, Powerful trombone master of jazz and pop by Val Wilmer
  10. ↑ President Records - MATATA
  11. ↑ Discogs - Matata Releases > Albums
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