L'orchestre Makassy, an East African soukous band, was formed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by musicians from Uganda and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Under the leadership of principal vocalist Kitenzogu "Mzee" Makassy, the group moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1975. There, they recorded their song "Chama Cha Mapinduzi," which praised the Tanzanian independence party with lyrics based on the words of President Julius Nyerere. In 1982, L'orchestre Makassy relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, where they recorded The Nairobi AGWAYA Sessions at CBS Nairobi studio. This album, produced by Norman Mighell, is recognized as one of the finest moments in East African rumba. The band disbanded in 1984 following the departure of key members Remmy Ongala and Mose Se Sengo, who went on to join other bands.
