The Orchestre Les Mangelepa is one of the most famous original bands of the East African rumba, also known as Rumba Lingala. It was founded about four decades ago by exiled Congolese in Kenya. At that time, in the 70s and 80s, the formation released hit after hit and conquered the dance floors of Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya in a storm. It was the golden age of rumba. Bands like Orchestre Les Mangelepa, Super Mazembe or Viva Makale inspired the people with relaxed rhythms and three-part vocal harmonies. For years, the orchestra, always elegantly dressed, performed as a house band in the largest hotels in Nairobi. Despite the great success, the band around the three singers Kabila Kabanze, Kalenga Nzaze Vivy and Luthuli Kaniki Maky never earned much money with their music. The reason: music piracy. Thus the band almost disappeared into the pit. But only almost, because she never stopped performing. She is the "Last Band Standing" and still plays the classic rumba sound that sets every dance floor in motion - even if it is populated by a much younger audience.
