RIP Bimi Ombale UNE PERTE POUR LA RUMBA CONGOLAISE

After a long battle with an unspecified illness, renown vocalist and song writer formally of the legendary band Zaiko Langa Langa, Bimi Ombale passed away April 29th at a clinic in Kinshasa, DRC. This comes as very sad news to us here at Tambour d'Afrique where we are definitely Zaiko-centric.

Bimi, born Andre Bimi Ombale Mwana Wabi, had a beautiful voice and sang lead on many of Zaiko's greatest hits of the 70s and 80s such as "Ando", "Zena", "Lisapo"& my personal favorite "Sandra Lina". By the end of the 70s when many of Zaiko's staple artists such as Papa Wemba and Pepe Felly left the band Bimi remained with Jossart Nyoka Longo to front the group.
In 1988 along with Zaiko Langa Langa he released the album "Sentiment Bimi" which features a medley of some of his greatest hits up until that point.

His other solo albums include "Mbengele Zouk" (1989) and "Balle de Match" (1990).
Bitter disputes during the late 80s caused Zaiko Langa Langa to finally split into two camps Zaiko Langa Langa Nkola Mboka & Zaiko Famillia Dei of which he joined the latter. He wrote many songs for the band. He also sang with Clan Langa Langa at one point. He went on to release music though the 90s. He eventually became a gospel artist.

His contribution to Zaiko Langa Langa and the legacy of Congolese music will live on forever. May he rest in peace.

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