Rhumba star Ferre Gola to headline Nairobi’s Dala Festival

By  Amos Ngaira

Nation Media Group

Arrangements are being tuned up for a special show in Kenya by popular Congolese crooner Ferre Gola. He will be the main act during the Dala Festival to be held on December 12 at the ASK Arena (Nairobi Showground) in Nairobi.

The show will also feature popular Kenyan stars Johnny Junior and Prince Indah among other artists. Ferre is no new comer to the Kenyan music scene having previously toured Kenya for shows. The former member of the mercurial O Wenge Musica Maison Mere band (led by Werrason), is arguably one of the most popular ballad singers of the neo-generation Congolese rhumba style.

Ferre has in the recent past placed himself in the class of the most sought-after vocalists in Lingala music.

Both him and his equally exciting compatriot, Fally Ipupa, have in recent years been the front runners of the new generation rhumba style.

He was first recognised through his composition, Vita Imana off the blockbuster album by Wenge Musica titled Solola Bien. His other popular songs include 100 Kilos, Carte Rose, Rhumba trap, Liberte, Kiti ya Libaya and Bizorbi.

During the Dala Festival, Johnny Junior fans will savour some of his popular Rhumba songs, including Nyoremo, Awino, George Ogada and Chris Obudo.

For Prince Indah, it will be an opportunity to showcase his prowess with some of his popular songs such as Rapudo, Rembo, Osiepe and Berna.

The entrance fees are Sh5,000 (regular), Sh10,000 (VIP) and Sh25,000 (VVIP). The show starts at 3pm until dawn.

Elsewhere, the Mr and Miss USIU – Africa 2026 Finals will be held next Thursday at the Broadwalk Mall on Ojijo Road in Nairobi. The theme of the event is Vintage/Old Money. The entrance fees will range from Sh400 to Sh5,000.

For reggae fans, a special show, The Hollywood Reunion by Jah’mbo Sounds Intl, will be held on December 12 (Jamhuri Day) at KI Klub House in Nairobi. Hollywood was a legendary club in the heart of the city. It was the official home of Jah'mbo Sounds Intl Sound System.

Legendary DJs, MCs and others who made the Hollywood famous scene will be performing. They include Jah'key (Malle) Israel, Johnny Kool, Supa Rabba, Prof Nutts, Skylo, and Sweet Marikkoh.

Rhumba Meets Benga show

The La Baita Lounge at Upper Hill in Nairobi will next Friday host the Rhumba Meets Benga Show. Those expected to perform include Dola Kabarry, Maima, Kamwana wa Jane, Sila wa Sila and the Bana Mazembe band.

As the organizers pointed out, it will be five distinct sounds. on one stage. Show starts at 7pm. Entrance is Sh1,000.

Meanwhile, the Back-and-Forth Old School Party will be held on December 19 at the Carnivore's Simba Saloon in Nairobi.

It is expected to be the last Old school party of 2026, featuring the best of 1980s,1990s and early 2000s music.

Event starts at 3pm.

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