Orchestra Super Mazembe’s 1977 Hit “Kassongo” Goes Viral On Tiktok

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Writer: Keya Frankine

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Over four decades after its release, the iconic track “Kassongo” by Orchestra Super Mazembe is enjoying a vibrant resurgence, captivating a new generation of fans worldwide. The timeless hit, from their acclaimed album ‘Giants of East Africa’, has sparked a viral wave on TikTok, generating an astounding 157,000 user-generated videos and millions of views counting to date.  

Originally released in 1977, "Kassongo" is a hallmark of the East African music scene, blending the rich rhythms of Congolese rumba with heartfelt storytelling. Its infectious beat and memorable chorus have struck a chord with TikTok creators, who are using the track as the soundtrack to dance challenges, nostalgic skits, and cultural celebrations. 

The track that’s written by the group speaks to a distressed wife singing to her husband, Kasongo wa Kanema, a member of the group asking him to come back home as she knows nothing about his whereabouts after he left their homestead. She croons and emotes creating a pillowy atmosphere. 

The viral trend has seen creators across the globe rediscovering and celebrating the song, with many hailing it as a "timeless masterpiece." Fans have also praised the track for its ability to bridge cultural and generational gaps, cementing Orchestra Super Mazembe’s legacy as giants of African music.  

Speaking on the song's resurgence, a representative for the band shared, “It’s incredible to see how music continues to transcend time and space. 'Kassongo' has always been a special song, and watching it resonate with a new audience is a testament to its enduring magic.”  

The viral success of "Kassongo" has reignited interest in ‘Giants of East Africa’, with streams and downloads of the album surging across digital platforms. Fans can now revisit the iconic sounds of Orchestra Super Mazembe, a group that played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene of East Africa in the 1970s and 80s.   

Orchestra Super Mazembe is a legendary Congolese band that gained widespread fame in the 1970s and 80s. Known for their captivating Congolese rumba melodies and poignant lyrics, the group remains a celebrated pillar of African music history. 

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Their album ‘Giants of East Africa’ is considered a cornerstone of the genre. The band was originally formed in Zaire, Congo 1967 then relocated to Nairobi under the name Super Vox in 1974 where they recorded a plethora of their works. Led by Longwa Didos Mutonkole, their biggest hit was “Shauri Yako”, a cover of a song first performed by Nguashi Ntimbo & Festival Du Zaire. In 2006, they renamed the band to Orchestra Bana Mazembe, after most of the original members had died. Band members originally included Kasongo wa Kanema (vocals), Loboko Pasi (guitar), Madjo Maduly and Okello Jose. Together they had 5 albums and 4 compilations.