Santana Mongoley is a major guitarist and bandleader, a leading light in the evolution of Congolese dance music since the early seventies. All lovers of African music will know what to expect when the vocalist chants 'Mongo, Mongoley'; his beautiful, searing guitar will leave you amazed and ecstatic

Santana's entrance onto the stage of Zairean music was truly dramatic; a precocious 16 year old guitarist, he was spotted by the leading youth band, LIPUA LIPUA in 1973, and under the wing of the legendary producer Verckys he rose to the leadership of this group before embarking on his long career alongside the cream of Zaire's musicians. By the end of the seventies, he was a founding member of Papa Wemba's Viva La Musica, and in 1983 , alongside Kester Emeneya and the core of Viva's musicians, launched one of Congo's best-loved bands, Victoria Eleison.
In the early nineties, this roving musician settled in England where he has brought together the best of Congo's talented singers and instrumentalists in his own band, LES ZAZA, now renamed VIVA CONGOLIA. Since then, this amazing band has been thrilling fans of Congolese music; Santana's unique guitar style, fusing African folklore and jazz, has made him an inspiration to other guitarists. Santana has rubbed shoulders with the greats of Congolese music; Pepe Kalle, Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba, Vata Mombassa, Kilola Wa Salai -
whenever the leading Congolese singers arrive here on tour, Santana Mongoley is always the first guitarist they call on. Santana  has featured on so many wonderful recordings, and has produced his own CD, 'Save Your Life Robertino'.In October 2000 he recorded a live performance which will be released in March 2001, 'Live At Band On The Wall Manchester',
featuring his new line-up which includes musicians from Defao's Big Stars and Bozi Boziana's Anti-Choc

for bookings, contact Nick