Roger Izeidi Presents Vita Matata with African Fiesta

Pre-Order! Will be released and send out 13.01.2026

2 LP Limited Edition Hand numbered

The creation of the band African Fiesta, founded in 1963 by three well-known musicians, Nicolas
Kasanda, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Roger Izeidi, and the contributions of the VITA label, established by
Roger Izeidi, occupy an exciting chapter in the history of Congolese popular music. During the mid1960s, African Fiesta consistently reached the top of the hit parade. The band, which back in the day
positioned itself as a competitor to a current called ‘Fiesta Cubana’, breathed new life into Congolese
Rumba, continuing the tradition of the African Jazz school started by Joseph Kabasele.
The VITA label, with African Fiesta as their sole provider, besides four songs of Eduardo De Veracruz
Vinagre et Son Orchestre, ran between May 1963 and early 1966. It created a spectacular legacy and
back catalog full of tasteful sentiments and sensual melodies, deeply rooted in the Afro-Latin sound.
This new compilation offers a few of the classic African Fiesta songs and complements them with an
eclectic and original selection, divided into four thematic sides: Showcase, Rumba Lingala, Cha Cha
Cha & Bolero.
This double LP album comes with a 16-page booklet featuring the history of VITA and African Fiesta,
song commentary by Congolese journalist Herman Bangi Bayo, and a written catalog of the VITA
label. The heirs of Roger Izeidi kindly gave permission in Kinshasa to release this album of African
Fiesta on Planet Ilunga.