Twikale Kalonda, a renowned Congolese musician based in Nairobi, has passed away. News of his death was shared on social media by various fans yesterday. Speaking to Jabulani Radio by phone from Nairobi, fellow Congolese musician Bua Mangala ka Loboko Passie confirmed that Twikale died in a hospital in Lubumbashi.
Loboko, who previously played with Super Mazembe, noted that Twikale had struggled with a leg injury for a long time. Twikale was one of the key talents behind the success of Les Mangelepa. As a versatile guitarist, he played both bass and rhythm, featuring on rhythm guitar in hit songs such as "Mtukufu Moi," "James Osogo," and "Malawi Zikomo." His colleague in the rhythm guitar section was Lumwanga Mayombo, also known as Le Ambasadeur. Notably, on the album Millennium, Twikale played all three guitar parts himself.
Like many of his Les Mangelepa colleagues, Twikale originally moved to East Africa with Orchestra Baba National, led by Baba Gaston. He later performed with Les Mangelepa and several other bands in Nairobi before pursuing a solo career. During this time, he played rhythm for Moreno’s Pili Mswahili and established his own studio to further his work in music production.
Some of his former colleagues at Les Mangelepa include soloist Bwamy Walumona, who resides in Norway; saxophonist Tabu Ngongo, based in Japan; and Kabila Kabanza. While several of his contemporaries have since passed away, the band recently celebrated 50 years of existence.
By Jerome Ogola
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