By CAROLINE NYANGA
STANDARD WRITER
Dressed in a stylish blue top and trousers to match, he picks up the microphone and belts out one of his favourite songs, Dunia, with amazing ease.
At one corner a group of elderly men are busy nodding their heads to the beats of his music.
He may not be a household in the country, but Fabrice Mwendangai is an entertainer to reckon with in Mombasa.
Fabrice, 29, recently added another feather to his cap when he released and launched his much-awaited album Dunia, which is making waves in Mombasa and across East Africa.
"I am glad and happy that there are people who love and appreciate my music. This is an indication that I am headed in the right direction," he says, adding that his fans should brace themselves for bigger surprises in the near future.
Promoting album
According to the musician, the six-track album recorded at Big Time Studio in Tanzania by producer Saidi Komorie, is unique and different from what other Congolese artistes have released in the past.
"The fact that most songs are done in Kiswahili and carry serious messages makes it a must listen."
True to his words, Dunia, a song that features Congolese rumba maestro Samba Mapangala, is currently a hit in Mombasa and Tanzania.
Other songs in the album include Fifty Fifty, Shida, Music, Mwasi and Sitaweza.
But despite his achievements, there are critics who continue to berate the former member of famed FM Academia. Recently rumours emerged that he quit music as a result of growing misfortunes.
But the happy-go-lucky artiste is quick to dismiss the rumours. "I have not quit music. Music has always been a big part of me and a process hence the need for me to take time and come up with a good product as opposed to rushing things and giving people bad music."
While admitting that music is not easy as many may assume, he says it is only a matter of time before he drops more surprises.
"It is not easy to please everyone. Nevertheless, at the end of the day everyone is entitled to their opinion," he avers
His band, Cellphone Musica, is made of ten people. The band that has been together for almost a year now comprises back up singers Sarkongo and Yusuf, popularly known as Number One. Others are drummist David, guitarist Dragon, bassist Didier and Bob who plays rhythm. On the keyboard is Junior Mayala.
The musician reveals he is currently busy working on a new project besides promoting his album.
"My music is available in various music outlets within Mombasa and Tanzania."
He says even though only a few fans in Nairobi have his music he is working on getting it to various music shops in the city. "My fans can be rest assured of getting their copies soon at the nearest shop available."
To upcoming artistes, Fabrice advises them not to give up easily no matter how difficult the situation may seem. "When you feel you have a goal to achieve go for it because it is never too late," he says.
Source: The Standard | Online Edition
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