Friends, fans and colleagues

Samba took enormous pleasure in reconnecting with many of his old friends, fans, musicians while in Nairobi. We want to give a big shout-out of love and appreciation especially to Tabu Osusa, music producer, former Virunga manager and long-time pal, for his generous hospitality while we were in Nairobi. Asante sana, Tabu! and may God bless you.

Samba in studio

As we had about a week and a half off in Nairobi before Virunga's final performances at Club Afrique (Feb. 27) and Nyayo Stadium (Feb. 28), Samba took the opportunity to work on some new music at Ketebul Studio. Guitarist Syran Mbenza and drummer Komba Bellow, in from Paris as part of the tour group, were in on the sessions, as were Kenyan benga star Suzzana Owiyo and Jamnazi's Awillo-Mike and a choice handful of other talented local musicians. A serene presence around the studio was Olith Ratego, whose soothing nyatiti interludes kept me calm and focused.

The Big Guy

Yes, Obama is big in Kenya. The euphoria is still detectable, but it may be dawning on the Kenyans that maybe Barack has a few other things to take care of first before he bestows his attention on Africa. This mural is at the Go Down arts complex, the site of Tabu Osusa's Ketebul Studio where Samba was recording some new songs.