Sunburst (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Hembi Flory Kongo |
| Defunct | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Africa |
Key people | Hembi Flory Kongo, Eric Allandale, Peter Bagshawe (manager) |
| Products | Music recordings (singles and albums) |
Sunburst was a musical group originating from Africa, established in 1970 by Zairean guitarist Hembi Flory Kongo. The lineup included Eric Allandale, who had previously played with The Foundations and the New Orleans Knights. The band is recognized as a significant contributor to the history of African music.
Biographical
Sunburst's musical style was an amalgamation of Afro-rock, Zamrock, and Kitoto influences. Their profile rose nationally following a radio broadcast in 1973, and shortly thereafter they won a band contest held in Dar Es Salaam. They produced several singles in Kenya and embarked on recording an album in 1976. This album was issued in 1977, the same year the group dissolved. Before disbanding, they also recorded a session for Tanzanian radio.
The band was under the management of Peter Bagshawe, a Yorkshire native residing in Zambia at the time, whose leadership supported the band throughout their active period.
In 2016, Strut Records brought renewed attention to Sunburst's work by issuing Ave Africa, The Complete Recordings 1973-1976, a comprehensive collection of their principal recordings.
Band members
- Hembi Flory Kongo
- Johnny “Rocks” Fernandes
- Bashir Idi Farhan
- Kassim Magati
- James Mpungo
- Eric Allandale
Management
- Peter Bagshawe (Manager)
Releases
| Year | Details | Title | Label | Catalogue # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Issued in Kenya | Enzi Za Utumwani / Matatizo Nyumbani | Moto Moto | MOTO 7-108 |
| 1973 | Released in France | 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 issue | Kipato Sina / Mai Wetu Mai | TFC | TFC 2003 |
| 1976 | Tanzanian issue | Vijana / K.K. of Zambia | TFC | TFC 2005 |
| 1976 | Tanzanian issue | Simba Anguruma / Banchikicha | TFC | TFC 2004 |
| Year | Details | Title | Label | Catalogue # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Zambian LP edition | Ave Africa | Kitoto Records | KTL 001 |
| 2016 | UK double vinyl LP compilation, 180 Gram pressing | Ave Africa: The Complete Recordings 1973-1976 | Strut | STRUT128LP |
| 2016 | UK double CD compilation | Ave Africa: The Complete Recordings 1973-1976 | Strut | STRUT128CD |
- A limited edition also features a bonus cassette, Strut STRUT128C