RIP KING KESTER EMENEYA

I hate that this blog is starting to become a memorial for fallen Congolese musicians.  This morning I have been met with the news that yet another one of our Legends has died.  King Kester Emeneya passed away this morning in Paris, France. Details surrounding his death are minimal at the time but suffice it to say we here at Tambour d'Afrique and Radio KIlim are saddened by the news. May he rest in peace…

Taken from Wikipedia: 

Jean Emeneya Mubiala Kwamambu (born November 23, 1956 in Kikwit, died February 13 2014 in Paris, France) is a Congolese singer also known as King Kester Emeneya. He was born in Kikwit within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While a student of political science at the University of Lubumbashi in 1977, King Kester joined the band Viva La Musica. After achieving success with several popular songs, he became the most popular African singer in the 1980s and created his own band, Victoria Eleyson on December 24, 1982.^[1]Emeneya Djo Kester was innovative with his music. He was the first central African musician to incorporate electronic instruments (synthesizers) in his album entitled Nzinzi which sold over 1 million copies. After years of success with populars songs, in 1993 he released his album Every Body distributed by Sonodisc. Every body was a big success internationally. In 1997, after a seven-year absence, King Kester returned to Congo. Nearly 80,000 people attended the first concert after his return, which was a record-setting feat according to the Congolese media. Emeneya is by far the greatest singer Africa ever had.

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.

Tune in this evening for a new episode of Tambour d'Afrique at 10pm @ www.radiotriomphe.com and also catch the live ustream HERE