Video of the Week: Zanzibar by East African Star Samba Mapangala

Zanzibar is the second video from Samba Mapangala‘s latest album Maisha Ni Matamu (Life Is Sweet). Filmed in Zanzibar and Nairobi, the videoclip presents scenes of the island’s many charms: the mysterious alleys and bustling markets of Stone Town, the gorgeous beaches and quaint dhows of the Indian Ocean, colorful people and sensuous dancers. At the same time, it pays tribute to the venerable Zanzibari icon Bi Kidude and the annual Sauti za Busara music festival.

Alongside Samba’s sweet soaring voice, “Zanzibar” features a guest vocal by Awillo Mike of Kenya’s Ja-mnazi Afrika band, and a Congolese guitar solo by Zaiko Langa Langa’s Beniko Popolipo.

Samba Mapangala was born Congolese but it was in Kenya where Samba’s career took off. With Samba writing and singing songs in Congolese Lingala and Kenyan KiSwahili, his Orchestra Virunga rapidly became the top band in Nairobi.