Sunburst was an African band that was formed in 1970 by Zairean guitarist Hembi Flory Kongo. One of its members was Eric Allandale who used to be with The Foundations, and previously the New Orleans Knights. The band is a part of African music history.

Sunburst
GenresAfro-rock
Years active1970 - 1977
Past membersEric Allandale
Bashir Idi Farhan
Johnny “Rocks” Fernandes
Hembi Flory Kongo
Kassim Magati
James Mpungo

Biographical

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Their music was a combo of Afro-rock, Zamrock, and Kitoto.[1] Following a radio session in 1973, the band gained national attention. A month after that in July they won a band competition in Dar Es Salaam and grew more popular. They also recorded singles in Kenya. In 1976 they were working on an album.[2] Their album was released in 1977 and around that time they had split up. Prior to the recording of their album, they had recorded a session for Tanzanian radio.[3]

They were managed by Peter Bagshawe.[4] Prior to becoming the manager for the band, Bagshawe originally from Yorkshire was a steam train enthusiast and living in Zambia at the time.[5]

in 2016, the Ave Africa, The Complete Recordings 1973-1976 album was released.[6] It was released on Strut Records.[7]

Band members

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  • Hembi Flory Kongo
  • Johnny “Rocks” Fernandes
  • Bashir Idi Farhan
  • Kassim Magati
  • James Mpungo[8]
  • Eric Allandale[9]

Management and other

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  • Peter Bagshawe (Manager)

Releases

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7" vinyl recordings
Year Note Title Label catalogue #
1973 Kenyan release Enzi Za Utumwani / Matatizo Nyumbani Moto Moto MOTO 7-108
1973 French release Enzi Za Utumwani / Matatiso Nyumbani RCA Victor
Africana series
FWBO 9301
1973 Kenyan release Let's Live Together / Black Is Beautiful Moto Moto MOTO 7-107
1973 French release Let's Live Together / Black Is Beautiful RCA Victor
Africana series
FWBO 9302
1976 Tanzanian release Kipato Sina / Mai Wetu Mai TFC TFC 2003
1976 Tanzanian release Vijana / K.K. of Zambia TFC TFC 2005
1976 Tanzanian release Simba Anguruma / Banchikicha TFC TFC 2004
Albums
Year Note Title Label Catalogue #
1976 Zambian release (LP) Ave Africa Kitoto Records KTL 001
2016 UK release
2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, 180 Gram
Ave Africa: The Complete Recordings 1973-1976 Strut STRUT128LP
2016 UK release
2 × CD, Compilation
Ave Africa: The Complete Recordings 1973-1976 Strut STRUT128CD

[10]

  • Note: The limited edition version includes a bonus cassette, Strut STRUT128C[11]

References

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