Bana Ngenge

Jojo Ikomo and Fataka Lokassa are recognized formally as the founders of Bana Moja. It was formed in Uganda around 1974 later Moreno joined the band. This band consisted of musicians from several bands but most of them are associated with Orchestre Veve.

Bana Moja split in 1975 with Fataka Lokassa remaining in Uganda but the majority of the remaining members moved to Kenya to form what turned out to be a short lived Bana Ngenge. It only lasted about a year.

Despite it's short stint, You are bound to hear some fun stories from the few who were lucky to live in Nairobi in the 70's especially 1976. The band's name still eveokes emotions from  those now "grown up teens" when visiting their famous venue at Nairobi's Uhuru Park.

In 1976 Bana Ngenge broke up and Moreno & Jojo joined Les Noir

Bana Ngenge's members included Jojo Ikomo, Nsilu wa Bansilu Manitcho, Fataki Lokassa, Zengele Saida, Lawison Somana, Ochudis, Mandali Otis Musa, Beya Maduma ( Moro Maurice) & guitar soloist Roxy Tshimpaka (Joined Choc Stars, then later Zaiko Langa Langa).

On a sad note, Fataki wa Lokassa passed away on Monday 11 December 2006.

There was also a Label known as Bana Moja. It mostly produced Bana Ngenge records. Their records circulated the world although not much else is recorded about this fine group. Some of the tunes by Bana Moja Label are

Bana 4        Orch Revolo              Likomba/Mokili

Bana 5        Orch Bella Mambo Renove  Kalanda Pts 1 & 2

Bana 8        Orch Empire Bakuba     Mokili Kalembe Pts 1 & 2

Bana 9        Orch Bana Ngenge       Lobe-Lobe Pts 1 & 2

Bana 13      Orch Bana Ngenge        Etisomba Pts 1 & 2

Bana 14      Orch Bana Ngenge        Malanda Pts 1 & 2

Bana 16      Orch Empire Bakuba      Naleli Pts 1 & 2

Bana 17      Orch Grand Piza         Napemi Pts 1 & 2

Bana 18      Orch Semi Amor          Amina/Futa Niongo

Bana 19      Orch Tout Mopia         Tika Katonga Pts 1 & 2

Bana 20      Orch Festival du Zaire  Kadioka Pts 1 & 2

Bana 21      Orch Tout Mopia        Mokili Mayi Ya Buatu Pts 1 & 2

Bana 22      Orch Ezazo             Kinshasa Oyo Yayo Pts 1 & 2

Bana 23      Orch Ezazo             Mindondo Pts 1 & 2

Bana 24      Orch Ezazo             Mokanu Pts 1 & 2

Bana 27      Orch Grand Piza        Bokila Pts 1 & 2

Bana 28      Orch Grand Piza        Fouati Pts 1 & 2

Bana 29      Orch Grand Piza        Naleli Mama Pts 1 & 2

Bana 30      Izile Topoke           Butu Pts 1 & 2

Bana 31      Kot-Kot                Mbondi Pts 1 & 2

Bana 32      Orch Mazi              Bondunba Pts 1 & 2

Bana 35      Batchalinge            Sita Pts 1 & 2