IGWE PREZDA BANDASON: A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Igwe Prezida Bandasson is probably Kenyan’s biggest name in the rumba music scene. The founder and leader of Patron Musica has been a major influence on the Kenyan Rumba scene for close to a decade now. He started purely as a rumba musician and when many upcoming artistes took jabs at him for sticking with rumba because he couldn’t compete in the more popular Benga, he bridged into the genre and outdid them on their own turf. Such is his versatility. He can sing in four languages with mind-boggling ease, even in the ones you would think he stood no chance to excel in like Lingala and Swahili.

Bandason has awed many fans with his ability on the microphone. His high toned voice blends so well with the guitar and slow rhythm of rumba beats. Since 2010, the maestro has continued to churn out album after album of quality music at an enviable rate. Little wonder then, that he has thrust himself into the music elite so fast attracting attention from as far as Congo. You have probably seen him pose with the likes of Ferre Golla, Werrason and the likes when they visit Kenya. He has been the rumba point man in Kenya since Musa Juma’s death and his even distractors have taken note.
When Musa Juma passed on in 2011, he quickly composed a song in his honour. He continues to perform Musa Juma's songs in his shows - something that has not gone down well with his haters who say he has nothing to offer other than riding on Musa Juma's fame. His choice of language and outfit too has not been spared of criticism. Some people have called him of a Congolese wannabe. But Igwe Bandasson doesn't seem to care too much. He basks in the attention.

Igwe Bandasson’s first Album tittled Stella Rachel, a dedication to his wife, was particularly a big hit. It contains the five songs that catapulted him to national if not international limelight. The first song in the ulbum, 'Stella Rachel', is without doubt the best of his composition. A very entertaining rumba complete with congolese chanting (atalaku). Other songs in the album don't disappoint either: sufferance, Ya Leo, Shaddy Obunga and Limbisa ngai are decent classic rumba with Kenyan benga treat. This was just the beginning. He has gone on to produce several high grossing albums including, Hera Boka Rao, Tsunami, Nyisuba among others. It must be pointed out though that none of these newer albums reaches the high standards his first album set.

But who is Igwe Prezda Bandason? Born in Alego Boro, Siaya District, Siaya County to Charles Amimo and Clementina Amimo, Igwe Banadason is the second born in a family of six. Mainly educated in Nairobi Eastlands, he dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music and has never looked back. He sung in the Africa Jambo for five years before joining Tchiakatumba, a Kenyan based Congolese band for ten years. It is here that he honed his skills on the microphone and began learning Lingala language seriously. Some of Igwe’s popular songs include: Tina Nyamoli, Erick Masese, Nyisuba, Hera apilo, Shaddy Obunga, Eng. Adede, Ya Leo (Ft. Elshiko Mitudji Mpemba), Stella Rachel, Jaber Achie, Nya mama, Sammy Akemba and Suffronse. Most of his songs are praises and dedication to friends and popular figures but still do not lack in artistry and imagination. Igwe sings slow congolese style rumba which is uniquely dance-able but incorporates benga tunes and congolese atalaku. Listeneing to his songs, you could bet your bottom dollar that he is not a Kenyan, what with the Congolese language and style, complete with an accent!

Igwe Bandason calls himself the King of Rumba and after listening to his albums, one is obliged to agree. ‘Kalamu nyekundu’ as he is fondly referred to by legions of his adoring fans is absolutely one of the most entertaining muscisians in the country. From his stylish dressing, rich vocals and ease in Lingala language, Bandason has distinguished himself from the crowded rumba scene as a cut above the rest.