David Kambowa

​David Kambowa is a vocalist, composer, arranger, and keyboard player specializing in African Gospel Music. His music includes soaring harmonies and complex and infectious rhythms that are influenced by traditional African rhythms, African popular music, and gospel music from around the world. He says, “My music is African. You can hear it in the beats and the style. It makes you want to move. Although my music is modern, it still resembles a lot of old traditional African music that is about how to live properly in a society. It gives people energy. It teaches you to love your neighbors and treat them correctly. My music is uplifting. It teaches how to love yourself and to discover your potential. There is a seed of greatness in everyone. I want everyone to hear my positive message.” Born in 1981, he grew up in the Pentecostal Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His father preached and both parents and his eight siblings all were musicians. He left Congo because of the civil war and insecurity in 2002 and went to Namibia as a refugee. where he continued to play music at churches, schools, and for secular events. He came to Erie as a refugee in 2013 with his wife and two young children. He has travelled widely to preach and sing at African Pentecostal congregations in Montreal, Pittsburgh, Ohio, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Vermont, and Kentucky. Kambowa believes his music can be enjoyed by people of all faiths. He says, “ Music is how I reach young people. Music is part of my vision. It is important to me to share my music with people of all religions and backgrounds. I want my music to encourage people that no matter what they are going through, they should not give up. I want my music to give hope.

·Typical Programs:

• Preschool: Simple African song and dance

• Elementary: African song and dance and songwriting

• High school and adults: African song and dance, African gospel piano clinics, African choral workshops