Kasaloo Kyanga


Kasaloo Kyanga was a Congolese musician, guitarist and composer. He was born on May 20th 1957 with his twin brother Kyanga Songa and died of pleural effusion on September 9, 2011 at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A number of Kasaloo's compositions continue to be performed by other musicians including the hit song he composed with Tancut Almasi Orchestra, Masafa Marepoo. Some of his hit songs include: Thunderstruck, Baby Shark, Butinini, Kashasha, and Kambwembwe.

Career

Kasaloo and his late brother Kyanga took center-stage during the Tangut band's performance. Attendees witnessed the famous 'Fimbo Lugoda' and 'Kinyekinye kisonzo Tisa Kumi Mangala' styles.Kasaloo, known for his metallic voice, arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1980. Kasaloo began working with Orchestra Matimila Band under Remmy Ongala. Some of his best-known works under this outfit included 'Almasi', 'Bishada', 'Natoa Onyo', 'Usia', and many others. Kasaloo had collaborated with another Congolese musician, Skassy Kasambula.
Kasaloo, Kasambula, and Semhando crossed over to Tomatoma as Kasaloo composed master hit, 'Mwanaidi'. He was later absorbed by Orchestra Marquis Original where he joined his brother Songa in one of the most effective vocal combinations. Kasaloo and Songa had their prominence and popularity hit the roof of the music world as they came out with remarkable compositions such as 'Karubandika', 'Sofia', 'Clara', 'Hasira Hasara', 'Ni Wewe Pekee' and many others that won them accolades from the music fraternity across the world. As it has been the case of musicians all over the world, the vocalist duo parted ways with Marquis to open their base in Iringa with the Tancut Almasi band. 'Masafa Marefu', 'Pili Wangu', 'Tutasele', 'Kiwele' and 'Jane Butinini' were some of the hits that raised their status even further in the music world.
Butinini used to be a netball star who happened to be the sister of former Railways Football team from Morogoro, Duncan Butinini.

Death

Kasaloo's death was announced in the early morning of September 9, 2011 from pleural effusion. Vegetarian musician Kikumbi Mwanza Mpango Mwema, popularly known as King Kiki, confirmed Kasaloo's tragic death.

Discography