RIP TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

A few months have passed since my last update. A lot has been going on in my life, please excuse me for the lack of updates. It pains me this morning to say that since my last update yet another legend of Congolese music, Pascal Tabu Ley Rochereau, has passed away. Tabu Ley (November 13, 1940 - November 30, 2013) was one of the most dynamic voices of Congolese rumba merging difference musical styles and beautiful meaningful lyrics as the leader of African Fiesta and later Afrisa International. He is also responsible for bringing grand diva Mbilia Bel (among others) to the forefront in a genre dominated by men. He often wrote songs for her that were very pro-Woman's rights leaving a strong impression on all who listened. He was a pioneer of mixing sounds and a great performer to boot. He will most certainly be missed. We leave you with one of his most famous compositions which is most fitting for the occasion "Mokolo Nakokufa" (The Day That I Die). RIP Seignuer Rochereau

TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

Since this blog has been started I have blogged on two female artists, Mpongo Love and Mbilia Bel. Both artists owe their career to Tabu Ley. Mpongo Love's career jump started when she met Tabu Ley's saxophonist at the time Empompo Loway Deyesse and Mbilia Bel went from singing back up for a few artists before becoming Tabu Ley's right hand (as well as wife). Tabu Ley's career spans over 50 years beginning with his first recording "Bessama Muchacha" under Joseph "GRAND KALLE" Kabasele's African Jazz. He later formed L'Ochestre Afrisa International which, along side Franco et TP OK Jazz, was the most succeful African band of its time. Here is a more complete Biography of the Congolese great, Tabu Ley and his accomplishments:

TABU LEY ROCHEREAU: A LIVING LEGEND



Here are a couple of his biggest hits, and one he wrote for Mbilia Bel:

INDEPENDENCE CHA-CHA-CHA

AFRICA MOKILI MOBIMBA

ESWI YO WAPI (sung by Mbilia Bel)

TAMBOUR D'AFRIQUE AIRS TONIGHT @ 10pm to 12am EASTERN STANDARD TIME
click www.radiotriomphe.com at showtime
and enjoy the show. This week Guy is still on vacation so there will be another re-broadcast. This time it will be of Show #9 featering Zaiko Langa Langa guitarist Pepe Felly Manuaku. PEACE...