Kampi Moto & George Phiri Biography
This group combines the vocal and song writing talents of Kampi Moto and the inspirational guitar work of George Phiri. The band made their debut when they stunned the Civic Theatre audience with their rich textured song writing, and received a standing ovation as the opening act for Miriam Makeba's "Homeland" launch in June 2000.
Originally from the Katanga province in Congo, lead singer and song writer Kampi Moto left the country in 1972 and travelled extensively throughout Sub Saharan Africa performing with various bands in Zimbabwe and Zambia. While contemporaries like Papa Wemba were making records in France, Kampi was on walk about in Africa writing songs and absorbing the variety of cultures with which he came into contact. He has been performing original songs from the age of eight and draws on a variety of different themes for his songs. The heart wrenching 'Pesa' speaks of how the world judges you according to your physical wealth and the need for money to be recognised as a human being. However it was the track 'Acha Massi Mango' which literally translated means, "To Talk Behind Someone's Back", that got the crowd at the Civic off their chairs and onto their feet.
Despite having lived in South Africa for the past few years he has not forgotten his Congolese roots and continues to sing in both Lingala and Swahili, expressing himself in both song and word.
George Phiri on the other hand is no newcomer to the South African jazz scene. Recognised as an extremely talented guitarist he was drafted into the African big band Mahube, led by reed man Steve Dyer the band played extensively on festivals in South Africa, Germany and Holland. Originally from Malawi, George has assembled an extensive knowledge of the rhythms of Africa and has augmented this understanding during his periods of residence in Zimbabwe and South Africa. One of the driving forces behind the successful Zimbabwean band Wells Fargo in the '80's. He went on to join the Malawian super group Kalimba Makasu. His central African feel on the guitar has led to collaborations with a number of South African bands including Stimela. Kampi and George have been nominated for the 2001 South African Music Awards for "Best Duo or Group".