This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
On Friday, the Kenyan rhumba music fraternity was thrown into mourning with the passing of another Nairobi-based veteran Congolese musician.
Former Orchestra Super Mazembe drummer Dodo Doris (Robert Kitenge) died on Friday evening at a Nairobi hospital, leaving behind a legacy of iconic music.
At 71 years old, Doris was the only surviving member of the Original Super Mazembe band “Bana Mushosho,” which was known for hits like “Kasongo”, “Nabimakate,” “Shida’ and “Mwana Mazembe.”
His death comes just several weeks after that of his former Mazembe colleague Kasongo wa Kanema, who passed away in April in Nairobi.
According to fellow Congolese musician Paddy Makani, Doris had been in and out of various city hospitals since early this year, battling chest complications.
“Doris has been in and out of various city hospitals since early this year,” he said.
Former Super Mazembe band members, including Alley Katele, Longwa Didos, Atia Jo, Rapok Kayembe, Songo Ley and Bukalos wa Bukasa, have all passed away.
However, the only other surviving former Super Mazembe band member is guitarist Loboko Passie, who is based in Mombasa.
Condolences have been sent by former veteran promoter DS Njoroge, musician Sultan Skassy, Steve Mwinamo and thumba fan Maxiuillah Barasa of Bungoma.
