On the issue of relocating to US: It's not only Longombas. Pia Hardstone, Ndarling P, Mercy Myra etc. It's an issue of staying power. Many artists go to diaspora a few times and get shows worth even 20 times what they get back home, with way less ujanja surrounding release of funds. Of course some get tempted to stick there chasing the American Dream. But if you ask me, if you compare the ones who run to the arms of Uncle Sam(kina Hardstone, Ndarlin P, Mercy Myra) to the ones who stay in the land of Nyayo(kina Eric Wainaina, Jimmy Gathu, Sheila Mwanyigah), there's no question where true career progression lies. The difference is in the staying power early in one's career.

On the Longombas in particular leaving for LA: In Lovi's case you also have to consider that he got into a serious relationship with Ida Onyango who lives in the
States, and I guess a point reached when they had to make the big decision to move house.

On their potential: I think they had an opportunity to become a big deal, but not P-Square level. If you can remember, the Longombas work ethic was not admirable. They rode on the back of their 'Dondosa' stage act for years, then finally got down to some other great material, notably 'Chukua' and 'Vuta Pumz', but as soon as they landed their next Golden Goose in the form of 'Queen,' they sat back and milked that for years as well. Compare that with P-Square, who have a fantastic work ethic, plus marketing and distribution channels that rival Western counterparts...

MOVIE!!! hebu clarify.