Album Notes

Singer, composer, and bandleader Raul Umba, came to Kenya in 1994. Raul, better known by his performance nickname, Tindika, was born in Congo in the town of Kanaga and grew up in Congo's capital city, Kinshasa. Although he completed a full secondary education through Form Six, he took music seriously from a very young age, attending school in the mornings and practicing his music in the evenings.

Since he started singing professionally in Congo, his journey to Nairobi Kenya has included stops in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania where he performed with a number of prominent bands. Working with musicians from Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya, Tindika plays contemporary rumba music with a distinct East African flavor. Prior to forming his current group, Bouger Musica, Tindika sang with Bora Bora and Golden Sounds Band in Kenya and he worked with the brilliant Congolese guitarist, the late Ndala Kasheba, in Tanzania with Zaita Musica.

His CD, Maisha, meaning "Life" in Swahili, brings together some veteran musicians of the East African scene including vocalists Kasongo of Super Mazembe, Tedy who performed with Defao, Alpha from Maquis Original, Barly from Lipua Lupua, and Manus from Vundumuna.

Vocal:
Raul (Tindika) Umba
Tedys Suka
Kasongo wa Kanema
Manus Baba

Guitar (solo and rhythm): Alpha Nyuki ya Saint
Bass guitar: Barly (Karim)
Keyboard: Maranatha and Henry
Drums: Ley and Toto
Conga: Alan
Animation: File Nyanfu