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.

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.Music in Africa, 1 Jun 2020 - News, Kenya: John Nzenze's death ends African twist era By Lucy Ilado Along with the Ashantis and the Cavaliers, Air Fiesta Matata was one of the resident bands at Robbie Armstrong's Starlight club in Nairobi.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 This is where the group became recognized.The Weekly Review 1985 - Page 21 They were later regarded as an Afro Funk band.Opposing Apartheid on Stage, By Tyler Fleming · 2020 - ISBN 9781580469852, 158046985X - Page 384 Notes to p. 244, 118.

Some of the group's members were refugees from Congo.BBC News, 13 June 2020 - John Nzenze: The founder of 'Africa's best band' By Basillioh Mutahi, BBC News, Nairobi The group's membership included Steel Beauttah on vocals and Gabriel Wamala on drums. One of Matata's members was exiled South African saxophonist Dudu Pukwana.

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

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.

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.We Are Cut, 7 March 2017 - Matata: ‘Wanna Do My Thing – The Complete President Recordings’ reviewed - Peter Robinson

In 1972 their debut album Matata – Air Fiesta was released on President Records.Music Republic Magazine, February 2017 - Matata: Wanna Do My Thing (RPM Records/Cherry Red) Out Now

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. 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.Record Collector, Issue 456 15 July 2016 - ALBUM, REVIEWS, Ave Africa | Sunburst - Reviewed by Kris NeedsThe Guardian, Fri, 21 Sep, 2001 - Eric Allandale, Powerful trombone master of jazz and pop by Val Wilmer

Later years Founding member John Nzenze died on 30 May 2020 at age 80.

Line ups 1971 line up Steeleson Beauttah – vocals, bongos Jacques Kalunga – vocals, drums, congas Isaac Kisombe – lead guitar Toby Kombo – lead guitar John Otieno – rhythm guitar Nashon Gandani – tenor sax Patrice Oluma – vocals, bongos Sammy Kagenda – bass Gabby Wamala – drums Anwar Richard – keyboard, vocals President Records - MATATA 1972/1973 line up Isaac Kisombe – lead guitar Tommy Kombo - rhythm guitar John Otieno – rhythm guitar Patrice Oluma – bongos Sammy Kagenda – bass Anwar Richard – organ, vocals Dudu Pukwana – alto saxophone Eddie Tagoe - tumba, conga, shakes, bongos Mongezi Feza – trumpet John Otieno – rhythm guitar Andrew Yonah – lead guitar Isaac Kisombe – lead guitar

Discography

+ Album Act Release Catalogue Year Notes Matata Air Fiesta President PTLS 1052 1972 Matata Independence President PTLS 1057 1974 Discogs - Matata Releases > Albums

Further reading President Records – Matata Nation, Saturday, June 6, 2020 – John Nzenze: A tribute to the last king of African twist By BILLIE ODIDI

References