Classic Ambiance Flashback

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Biographie brève du chanteur Likinga Redo (1954-2013)

 


BIOGRAPHIE BRÈVE DU CHANTEUR LIKINGA REDO 

LE CHANTEUR DE L'EMPIRE BAKUBA, ZAIKO LANGA LANGA ET ZAIKO FAMILIA DEI 

1954-2013

Bonjour tout le monde. Je decide aujourd'hui pour parler de quelqu'un que j'ai parlé avant mais je décide pour donner une biographe aux fanatiques de ce grand chanteur. 

Je parle du feu chanteur Likinga Redo. Il y a quelqu'un qui savait toute la vie de ce grand chanteur. Il s'appelle Tabala Tabaro. Il y a un YouTube pour partager les grandes chansons Congolaises. 

Voici les paroles de Tabara Tabaro de la biographie brève du grand chanteur Likinga Redo

Ses débuts dans l'orchestre les Malou avec le guitariste Ebuya Doris. Ensuite en 1969, il intègre l' orchestre Sensas qui deviendra plus tard orchestre Sensationnel de Lovy Longomba(un des grands frères d'accord Awilo Longomba) toujours avec Ebuya Doris, Aladji Baba, Diatho Lukoki, Diavovoka Diavolo, Santana Mongoley, Dindo Yogo, le chanteur des variétés Mbuta Otis... et même le guitariste solo Gerry Dialungana.... En 1971, Likinga rejoint l' Empire Bakuba et prête sa voix dans plusieurs chansons de l'Empire Bakuba. En 1974, il intègre l'orchestre Tout Choc Zaiko après les départs de Wemba, Evoloko, Mavuela, Éponge...

Merci à Tabara Tabaro 

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Revue: La chanson JOJO du fils du chanteur Desouza Santu (Fabrice Desouza)

 


Bonjour tout le monde. Cette version que je fait, il sera en français. Parce que je fais une revue d'un artiste qui a un bon futur dans mon opinion. Il s'appelle Fabrice Desouza. Il est fils du grand chanteur de Langa Langa Stars, Loningisa et Empire Bakuba qui s'appelle Desouza Santu. Il fait une chanson pour nos plaisirs. 

C'est Jojo. Cette chanson parle d'un homme qui a double personnalités et il aime deux femmes et comment il comporte different avec ces femmes. Il parle aussi comment cet homme joue un jeu terrible avec sa femme officielle et comment il va abanndoner sa femme pour un autre aventure avec un autre femme. Nous savons les gens comme ça dans les deux Congo et le monde entier. Nous avons des hommes qui veulent plusieurs femmes pour leurs plaisirs. Fabrice Desouza fait un bon choix de parler de cette chanson dans mon opinion humble. 

Je pense que Fabrice Desouza est bien fait comme un grand chanteur. Il connait pour chanter et pour donner les sentiments amoureux au temps que nous pouvons comprendre. Je connais aussi qu'il donne des souvenirs des chanteurs comme Evoloko Jocker, son papa Desouza et le feu Papa Wemba. Les émotions que je peux sentir c'est sincère. Ça c'est mon chanteur du futur. Fabrice connait la musique dans son coeur. 

Pour quelqu'un, la musique peut venir des formations musicales, beaucoup de pratiques et beaucoup de temps pour faire quelques choses avec sa voix. Mais une autre, la musique va venir du coeur. Pour Fabrice Desouza, la musique vient du coeur. Il est quelqu'un qui a du talent naturel et il travaille son talent naturel en bonne fonction. Fabrice Desouza est un chanteur charmant. Il donne son charme dans les manières correctes et les façons très professionnelles. 

Pour moi, quand j'entends cette chanson, je pense de l'un l'autre. Je pense du fils du feu chanteur Pépé Kalle. Il s'appelle Fiston Kabasele. Il est un chanteur du groupe La Villa Nova qui est espagnol pour la nouvelle ville. Le patron du groupe La Villa Nova est l'ancien chanteur de Wenge Maison Mère du chanteur Werrason qui s'appelle Fabregas Métis Noir. Je pense que cette chanson doit être remixé avec l'addition de la voix de Fiston. Je sais que ces chanteurs seront bien ensemble. Fabrice et Fiston seront une force ensemble dans mon opinion humble. 

Je vais parler de Fiston Kabasele et je vais ajouter Fabrice dans cette histoire aussi. 

Friday, June 25, 2021

Dream Duet: Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe

 Papy Tex | Diskographie | Discogs

Pepe Ndombe Opetum - Congolese Music

We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Papy Tex. We got two people that I think Papy Tex should have sung with. This is the first edition. Who is the first act that should have sung with Papy Tex. This man was the singer that got to sing with both Franco and Tabu Ley. He is known to have a similar voice to Tabu Ley but is better singing lower. He is one of the key players of Bana OK? Who am I speaking about?

Ndombe Opetum or many people call Pepe Ndombe. Pepe Ndombe would have been a great partner to Papy Tex. Why? Because as I mentioned he is the lower version of Tabu Ley. Papy Tex is heavily influenced by Tabu Ley. Papy Tex does sound similar to Tabu Ley but more softer with his voice. Like Tabu Ley, Ndombe and Papy Tex were romantic kind of singers and knew how to impress ladies with their ladies. Their voices have remained strong over the years. I have twenty songs that would reflect the beautiful reflection of these two men. 

1) L'estime n'est pas l'amour by Pepe Ndombe
Tabu Ley: L'Estime N'est Pas L'Amour 
2) Na Yebi Ndenge Bokolela Ngai by Pepe Ndombe 


3) Osala Erreur by Pepe Ndombe

4) Male by Pepe Ndombe 

5) Matondo by Pepe Ndombe 

6) Oye Lisusu by Pepe Ndombe 

7) Mpenzi Bupe by Papy Tex (remake of Papy Tex anekudja)
8) Naluka yo sabina by Papy Tex 
9) Monsieur Malonga by Tabu Ley 
10) Gigi (Gisele) by Papy Tex or Soki Dianzenza 
11) 
Cherie Nyota by Soki Dianzenza 
12) Aideu Leya by Papy Tex 
13) Angela by Pepe Ndombe 
14) Miwela Miwela by Grand Kalle 
15) Monano by Tabu Ley 
16) Allo Cherie by Papy Tex 
17) Heritier by Pepe Ndombe 
18) Yo Seli-Ja by Josky Kiambukuta 
19) Elisee by Pepe Ndombe 
20) Muanetu by Pepe Ndombe 


These songs would have fitted well Ndombe and Papy Tex because their voices are Tabu Ley school with two different levels. Also I know Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe would have assisted well with the songs because both are hard workers as singers and they know how to sing professionally at all times. This is part of the reason why I believe that Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe would have been the perfect musical couple. 

I know if someone had a Tabu Ley tribute special, I would have chosen Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe. Because when they would sing Tabu Ley songs, I know people would enjoy the voices of Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe. Also they would have made the ladies go insane with Tabu Ley's earlier songs because I know that ladies would feel very attached to their voices. 

Papy Tex and Pepe Ndombe would have been one perfect duo. 

This is the end of Papy Tex special duet edition. 

Monday, June 21, 2021

Dream Duet: Kwamy Munsi and Papy Tex

 

We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Papy Tex. We got two people that I think Papy Tex should have sung with. This is the first edition. Who is the second act that should have sung with Papy Tex. This man was the singer that got to sing with both Franco and Tabu Ley. He would play with Franco during the 1960s era and return to Franco in 1970 until 1972. He would end up singing with Tabu Ley until his death in 1982. He would also sing with Grand Kalle at one point and had a band called Orchestre Revolution. Who is the person that I am speaking of?

I am speaking of Kwamy Munsi. Kwamy is one good singer. He is better than accredited for. Some people say that Kwamy was average but I disagree completely. Kwamy actually sang well. I will show you an example where Kwamy sounded more than average 

The song here is called Mbanda na Ngai. He sang this song with Mujos and Franco the legend. He started with Mujos and then harmonized with Franco. Kwamy made a short vocal and it sounded pretty good. So to say that Kwamy was average is laughable. Even Franco was not average. Sure Franco was not the best singer but he could sing and hold notes pretty well. Let's be reasonable. Franco and Kwamy Munsi were good singers and great harmonists. 

Kwamy Munsi would be the God scent musical partner for Papy Tex. Kwamy has a soft voice and he would be very good for a voice of a Papy Tex. Listen to how he sang with Youlou Mabiala and Vicky Longomba as well as Grand Kalle and Tabu Ley. Four great tenorists all were perfect in harmonizing with Kwamy himself. He created a soft yet strong vocal singing. Something Dilu Dilumona himself spoke about within influence of Kwamy in even the musical voice of Ferre Gola 

You can hear Kwamy Munsi reference: 59:06-1:00:22 

So you can see that Kwamy made his mark in singing. Back to Kwamy and Papy Tex, here are six songs that would have fitted their voices together. 

MIV AIS TEMOIN BY KWAMY 


FAUX MILLIONAIRE also known as MOTONDO BY KWAMY 


BIMANSHA BY PAPY TEX 

PARDON PAPI BY PAPY TEX

COCO QUI EST LA BY GRAND KALLE

SANGO YA MAWA BY PAPY TEX 

These songs would have shown the strong force between Kwamy Munsi and Papy Tex. Because they show great emotion and it gives you the idea of the what the songs are about. Also they fit the Grand Kalle music in their perspective. Kwamy as a second voice singer and Papy Tex as a first voice singer. These two men would have definitively given great joy the Congolese music population. Music fans should know this especially since they were good at love songs and were perfect harmonists. 

I know that Papy Tex would have been very good with Kwamy Munsi. I also know that Kwamy would have a great time with Papy Tex. In part because Kwamy had strong connection with Tabu Ley during his final years. Imagine if someone got Kwamy with Papy Tex, you would have a great nzonzing project. No debate about. 

This is the first edition of Papy Tex Dream Duet edition. 

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Dream Duet: Dilu Dilumona and Youlou Mabiala

 


We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Dilu Dilumona. We got two people that I think Dilu Dilumona should have sung with. This is the first edition. Who is the first act that should have sung with Dilu Dilumona. This man was one of the most favorite Franco singers of OK Jazz. He was the boss of the great group Kamikaze Loningisa. Who is the individual that I am speaking about?

I am speaking of Youlou Mabiala. This man is one of all the great singers in Congolese Music. I am speaking of Brazzaville and Kinshasa sides. He is one person that could really harmonizing with anyone in reality. He was very effective with Franco, Lola Checain and Michel Boyibanda. 

Dilu Dilumona and Youlou Mabiala would be a great duo. Why you ask? Because Dilu is a classic sounding singer and Youlou seemed to have love for those of kind of singers. Case in point Youlou copycat but of second voice name Serge Kiambukuta. He had that kind of voice and Youlou loved that. That is why Dilu Dilumona would have been perfect to sing with Youlou Mabiala. If they were to sing together, their voices would make a classical harmony and it would have been made simple but enjoyable. 

Here are six songs 

MASSI BY YOULOU MABIALA

ZOZO BY DELE PEDRO 

MUNGU BY DILU DILUMONA 

BAKOKA TE FIANCEE BY BAVON MARIE MARIE  

NGAI NA YE BY DILU DILUMONA 

KUMBE KUMBE BY YOULOU MABIALA 

These six songs would be have been perfect for the voices of Dilu Dilumona and Youlou Mabiala. I chose these six songs because these songs would have major improvement if these men have sung together. The best example of this would have been the song Kumbe Kumbe. This song is where definitively a Dilu voice would have been more useful. The Diatho Lukoki copycat sounded good but he made some minor but notable gaffes and I know for some perfectionists, they would be very mad. For me, the harmony would have been better done if Dilu Dilumona had harmonize with Youlou Mabiala. Dilu never makes mistakes which something very important as a singer. That is one great strength of Dilu that is not credited enough in my opinion. Kumbe Kumbe would have been better well made with Youlou Mabiala harmonizing with Dilu Dilumona. 

This is the end of the Dilu Dilumona duet edition. Now we will focus on Papy Tex duet edition special. 

Dream Duet: Dilu Dilumona and Sam Mangwana


We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Dilu Dilumona. We got two people that I think Dilu Dilumona should have sung with. This is the first edition. Who is the first act that should have sung with Dilu Dilumona. This man was singer that got to sing with both Franco and Tabu Ley. He is often referred as a "Pigeon Voyageur" since he did so many adventures. Who is the individual that I am speaking about? 

I am speaking of Sam Mangwana. He is still alive and well. He has had a long career. He has sung with two great legends. Franco and Tabu Ley that I am speaking of. He has worked with several musicians such as Dino Vangu, Dizzy Mandjeku, Syran Mbenza, Mayaula Mayoni, Josky Kiambukuta, Lola Checain, Michel Boyibanda, Youlou Mabiala, and others. 

Dilu Dilumona and Sam Mangwana would be the Pepe Kalle and Tabu Ley duo but in a secondary style. Dilu is much more classical and softer than Pepe Kalle was. Sam would be more masculine than Tabu Ley ever was. Together, you would have another version of Afrisa singing with anyone that fits the style of Dr. Nico on guitar. I know that Dilu and Sam would have connected well musically. 

Here are six songs that would have fitted well the voices of Dilu Dilumona and Sam Mangwana. 

MARABENTA (VAMOS PARA O CAMPO) BY SAM MANGWANA 

MIZI BY DILU DILUMONA 

MADO BY CELI BITSHOU 


YO NAPONI BY DILU DILUMONA 

MBANDA KAZAKA BY MAYAULA MAYONI 

CHERIE BONDOWE BY MAYAULA MAYONI 


These six songs would have been perfect for the voices of Sam Mangwana and Youlou Mabiala. Why? Because the songs except Cherie Bondowe, Mbanda Kazaka and Mizi, these songs speak of endless love but it is done in way that is simple but emotional more and less as well as the heartbreaking songs. I notice that in these songs and that is why I believe Dilu Dilumona and Sam Mangwana would have been perfect for one another. Because they knew how to make emotional songs but not got too emotional which attracts some folks who like that style of singing. 

Dilu Dilumona and Sam Mangwana are Africa Fiesta understudies and were influenced by the voice of Tabu Ley. They were well made and they knew how to sing simply but make a mark. That is why I believe that these men should have sung together. 

This is the first edition of Dilu Dilumona duet edition. 

Friday, May 28, 2021

Dream Duet: Ntesa Dalienst and Pepe Kalle

 

Hello everyone. We have a Pepe Kalle edition only. We will have two people under this great edition a great legend in Congolese Music. These men come from OK Jazz of Franco. I have found two people that I think would have given Pepe Kalle a great time. Second individual was one of the leaders of Grands Maquisards. He is known for his harmony singing with Wuta Mayi. He would form a close musical bond with Josky Kiambukuta and they would sing in some nzonzings and sing together until 1989.  I would say that he is closer to the voice tone of Nyboma but more jolly. 

I am speaking about Ntesa Dalienst. He was one of the best contributors to the OK Jazz band. He is known for singing about women as they are just as important as men and also having a jolly sound in a sad or a happy song. Think of the songs like Mouzi, Bina na ngai na respect and Dodo. His voice is more of a type to Nyboma. But Nyboma had a vibrato and Ntesa did not have that. But their voices were sort of crystal. 

Ntesa and Pepe Kalle would have been a great duo. Why you ask? Ntesa was effective in singing with Madilu. Their harmony was on point. Since Madilu and Pepe Kalle have a similar voice style (except Madilu was more jolly than Pepe Kalle), Ntesa would have been stronger with Pepe Kalle. Ntesa and Pepe Kalle have loud voices and it would meld very well together. 

In fact Ntesa appeared to be a big fan of Pepe Kalle. He mentioned him one time when discussing the song Non which Franco sang with Madilu from the album "Chez Fabrice a Bruxelles". I discussed somewhat about this great lp here. 
Franco (FABRICE 1983)  
Ntesa mentioned that Franco was very influenced by the voice of Pepe Kalle himself for the song. He also mentioned on how he wanted to really play the style of Pepe Kalle. Perhaps this could be the reason why Madilu made his version called Mayeno which had some preview on his song Pesa Position na yo. 
You can hear Pepe Kalle topic by Ntesa here


I have six songs that would have fitted Ntesa Dalienst and Pepe Kalle very well. 

TANTINE BY NTESA DIALENST 
MOYIBI BY PEPE KALLE

NGANDA MA CAMPAGNE BY LOLA CHECAIN 
MINDONDO ESILA BY NTESA DIALENST 
TABU LIBONGO BY PEPE KALLE 
AWELA AWELA BY FRANCO 

These songs would fit the voices of Ntesa and Pepe Kalle because their voices are very strong and it would mesh very well. Best examples of the showcases of their strong voices would be Mindondo Esila and Tabu Libongo. With Ntesa song, Pepe Kalle would put more force in his voice in that song. With Pepe Kalle, Ntesa would sound much louder which would have made the song more complete if you ask me. Since their voices are loud and strong, they should have definitely sang together. They would make amazing harmonies and also make memorable lines together. 

I know that Ntesa and Pepe Kalle would have had a great bond together since Ntesa was a big fan of Pepe Kalle and Pepe Kalle does have a soft side for OK Jazz and Afrisa. Also, I know that their duet songs would have been memorable and discussed by many music lovers. Finally, Ntesa would have went on detail on his collaboration with Pepe Kalle. 

Would Ntesa and Pepe Kalle duet have been a memorable duo? If you ask me, it would be a definite yes. 

This is end of the Pepe Kalle duet edition. We will go to Dilu Dilumona duet edition of two parts. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Dream Duet: Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle

 


Hello everyone. We have a Pepe Kalle edition of dream duet special. We will have two people under this great edition a great legend in Congolese Music. These men come from OK Jazz of Franco. I have found two people that I think would have given Pepe Kalle a great time. First individual used to be part of the group Orchestre Saka Yonsa of Mbole Tambwe. He replaced Youlou Mabiala in OK Jazz. He is known for his harmony singing with Diatho Lukoki. He was very close with Josky Kiambukuta who he did many songs with during the late 1970s up until his death in the early 1990s. I would say that he is closer to the voice tone of Papy Tex but more aggressive. 

I am speaking about Djo Mpoyi. He is one of the biggest members of OK Jazz. He is known for his romantic yet emotional singing in songs like Simaro's Kadima and Mandola. Djo Mpoyi is a ladies man and he knew how to touch the hearts of women. Very similar to Papy Tex who is also known for this as well. 

That is the reason why Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle would have been a great duo. Since Djo has the romantic side, Pepe Kalle can add his smooth voice to the song. Also on a sad song that Djo Mpoyi sang, I know with addition of Pepe Kalle's voice, it would touch lives of many people. I also know that Djo Mpoyi can sing low which allows Pepe Kalle to have his Tabu Ley moment. In other words, sing high as a second voice singer like Tabu Ley did on a regular basis. 

Here are the songs that would have been perfect between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle 
AIDEU LEYA BY PAPY TEX 
TRAHISON BY PEPE KALLE 
DADOU SECOND VERSION BY PEPE KALLE 
ORIGINAL VERSION OF CHOC D'AMOUR BY PAPA NOEL 
HOMMAGE A FRANCO BY SIMARO LUTUMBA MASIYA
MASSIKINI BY DJO MPOYI 

These six songs would have been great selections for Djo Mpoyi singing with Pepe Kalle especially with the song Dadou which version was made in 1979. That version would have fitted the harmony between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle when they do the hymns. The hymns would show Djo's great strengths as a harmonist. Djo's hymns with Pepe would have made the harmony much stronger than I heard on the actual song. That is why Pepe Kalle would have been perfect with Djo Mpoyi. Djo Mpoyi would automatically follow Pepe's strong voice and know exactly how maintain his strong voice especially with hymns. 

I know many OKJ and Empire fans would have been impressed with a harmony between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle. Also, the hymns would blow the fans away in my humble opinion. 

This is first edition of Pepe Kalle dream duet edition. 

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Dream Duet: Franco and JP Buse

 

Hello everyone. We have a Franco special duet edition only. We will have two people under this great edition of the biggest legend in Congolese Music. These men come from the Zaiko generation. I have found two people that I think would have given Franco a great time. Second individual came from Zaiko Langa Langa with now hands of Nyoka Longo. He is part of the Zaiko school Likingisme (Which I will do a post about in the near future) meaning a Likinga Redo photocopy. He is however more of a second voice type rather than first singing type. He was part of the Golden Zaiko meaning the mid and late 1980s. He lives in Canada and he does music in his own terms. 

I am speaking about JP Buse. This man has a great voice. He sounds very similar to Likinga Redo but he is a second voice type as mentioned before. But since he could sing high, he had good harmonies with Nyoka Longo and also Lengi Lenga (a Nyoka Longo photocopy). If JP had sung with Franco, it would be something else. Franco did have a lot of love for Zaiko Langa Langa (but he loved Pepe Kalle much more). If there is one Zaiko personnel who could handle Franco's voice would have been JP Buse. JP is a Zaiko type that would have fitted well with the older folks. I mean Bokelo, Franco and Tabu Ley crowd. 

I have a song that would have been perfect for Franco and JP Buse 

IDA 


This song would have fitted the voices of Franco and JP Buse. Why? Though I as mentioned, JP Buse sounds like Likinga but he can sing low effectively. JP's solo vocals would have been well done in the way Franco would have enjoyed it. Also JP's voice is much more softer and relaxed than the voice of Malage de Lugendo though it is a soft voice also. Also I know Franco's response would have something like "JP" or "JP Yemba" or "Tala JP". JP would hit Franco with his vocal singing in my humble opinion. It is a love song where it shows the dark side of it which JP is capable of singing in this style since he has a voice that can touch the hearts of women when they feel sad or they are heartbroken. 

Like Likinga Redo, JP Buse is effectively of emotional singing and he knew how to do the chorus bringing the emotional effect that sometimes a song demands. This is why he would have been a perfect fit for someone like Franco in my humble opinion. 

Franco and JP Buse would have been a great thing for Zaiko and OKJ fans alike. This concludes fully the dream duet editions of Franco. Now we go into Pepe Kalle dream duet special only. Two parts like Franco. 

Friday, May 21, 2021

Dream Duet: Defao and Franco

 


Hello everyone. We have a Franco special duet edition only. We will have two people under this great edition of the biggest legend in Congolese Music. These men come from the Zaiko generation. I have found two people that I think would have given Franco a great time. First individual came from Grand Zaiko of Pepe Felly who was a big Franco fan. He also went to sing with Choc Stars for some significant time before shining on his own. He has a similar voice to Pepe Kalle who he would sing with at one point before he would leave and form his own band. 

I am speaking of General Defao. He is making new music and he is already promoting some new songs with some notable great individuals. Those who don't know, Defao was good with soukous songs as well as generiques. His generiques were on top during the late 1990s. 

Defao and Franco would have been a good duo because Defao sounds similar to Pepe Kalle. Since Franco sang with Madilu who many say sound similar to Pepe Kalle, Franco would have better chemistry with a singer like Defao. Though Defao is second voice, he can sing high to some degree and he was very effective during the 1980s when he was with the Choc Stars. But also Defao can sing low very effectively which he did with Carlyto and Debaba. Franco would find more musical flexibility not only song style but singing wise as well. Like if Franco wanted a fast paced song, Defao would perfect to help Franco in the singing of this affair. Also Defao would have benefited of singing with Franco in a slow ballad song. 

Two songs that would have benefited Defao and Franco. 

Slow song is Bella Bella's song by Tonton Ricos
MARCELUI 


Fast song is Choc Stars' song by Monza Premier 
EVE


Why those two songs in fact. Because it would have shown the good emotional musical connection between Defao and Franco since they knew how to reach people's hearts. Marcelui would be where Franco can sing high but his own way as well as Defao showing his lower range. On the song Eve, Franco and Defao would have had a better harmony as well as Franco improving the song Eve. Monza was good but Franco would have made this song a bit better. 

Defao and Franco would have been a entertaining duo in my opinion. This is the first part series of Franco in the dream duet edition. 

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Dream Duet: Solo Sita and Tabu Ley

 


We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Tabu Ley Rochereau. We got two people that I think Tabu Ley should have sung with. This is the second edition. Who is the second act that should have sung with Tabu Ley. This man sang with soukous legends Kanda Bongo Man and Pepe Kalle. He was a major member of Empire Bakuba during the 1980s. Who is the individual that I am speaking about? 

I am speaking about Solo Sita. He was a major singer of Empire Bakuba. Empire Bakuba was under the hands of Pepe Kalle. When Pepe Kalle wanted to expand her band, he decided to add some younger singers. Among them was Solo Sita. Solo Sita would very good in choirs in harmonizing with Papy Tex. Solo Sita worked with Kanda Bongo Man. He did a collaboration album with Shimita as well. Solo Sita is kind of the combination of Madilu and Pepe Kalle.  

Since Solo Sita sounds like Pepe Kalle, he should have sung with Tabu Ley. Solo Sita would have fitted well Tabu Ley's music very well. Since Solo has a style that makes Tabu Ley's ears happy, any given song would have been well done for Tabu Ley's pleasure. 

I will give you four songs that Solo Sita and Tabu Ley would have been strong together. 


Simplicite by Solo Sita during his time in Empire Bakuba 

Monsieur Malonga by Tabu Ley during the early 1980s 

Original version of Ponce Pilate by Tabu Ley

Choisis by Solo Sita with his side project with Freddy de Majunga and Shimita. 

Chiffon by Pepe Kalle and Tabu Ley

Unforunately I cannot find any connection for the song Chiffon by Pepe Kalle and Tabu Ley. 

I choose these songs beacuse it would have shown the strong harmony between Solo Sita and Tabu Ley. Being a Pepe Kalle prototype, I think Solo Sita would have putted a more classical sound that Tabu Ley was himself. These two classic sounding singers in two different ranges make a sweet sound for people. For example, on the song Chiffon, you would have seen much better following from Solo Sita's voice than you had from Pepe Kalle's voice since he is a bit more smooth. Solo Sita is a bit aggressive just like Tabu Ley was. 

I know that soukous and Tabu Ley fans would have had great joy to see and hear these two men working together and making great harmonies as well as great animations. Solo Sita was a very effective animator as well as a singer. Tabu Ley could do some moves as an animator. 

This is the end of the Tabu Ley edition of the dream duet special. We return to Franco. Two Zaiko products with him. 

Dream Duets: Nyoka Longo and Tabu Ley

 

We got a dream duet edition of dedication of Tabu Ley Rochereau. We got two people that I think Tabu Ley should have sung with. This is the first edition. Who is the first act that should have sung with Tabu Ley. This man is one of the co-founders of Zaiko Langa Langa. This man has made Zaiko a special band. Who is the individual that I am speaking about? 

I am speaking about Nyoka Longo who is the current president of Zaiko Langa Langa. Nyoka Longo is very popular current with his Zaiko faction. Nyoka Longo came from afar. He was very lucky that Papa Wemba, Evoloko and Mavuela Somo left and also he managed to get rid of Pepe Felly. Had these men remained, I am not sure if Nyoka Longo would have even had a place. 

But Nyoka Longo is a good complementary singer. If you listen to Amour Suicide that he sung with Likinga Redo and Malage de Lugendo, you will see how good that he is. I wonder why Nyoka Longo never sang with Tabu Ley especially both could play sebenes pleasing their fans enormously.  Also, they have great soloists who knew how to make their signatures that stays in our heads for a long time. Nyoka Longo would mix well with a Tabu Ley because Tabu Ley has a romantic voice like Likinga and Malage had. 

Nyoka Longo and Tabu Ley would have a perfect combination because you would have the music of Zaiko Langa Langa with a singing style of Africa Jazz . That is the absolute truth of this collaboration had it occurred. Perhaps you would put Beniko Popolipo on solo, Dino Vangu on misolo, Pele Simba on rhythm and Oncle Bapuis on bass. 

I will give two songs that would fitted these two singers together. 

Nyoka Longo's song Le tout neige 


Tabu Ley's classic hit Sorozo



These songs would show the strong chemistry between these two great stars. Nyoka Longo and Tabu Ley would have done some strong animations. They were both pretty good animators. These two men knew how to make great sebenes and it would have shown with these men together in those two songs that I mentioned. 

That is why I am shocked that Nyoka Longo and Tabu Ley never worked considering they seemed to have a cordial relationship and Tabu Ley enjoyed Zaiko a lot. Also Nyoka had some influence of Afrisa in his singing as well as singing of others. 

There will be a second Tabu Ley post of Dream Duet. 

Dream Duet: Franco and Pepe Kalle

 Afropop Worldwide | Best of The Beat on Afropop: Remembering Franco Luambo  Makiadi

Bitota” by Pepe Kalle – LUBANATION.COM

Dream duet that I have been prepared to do. I should have done this years ago but I am ready to do it now anyway. I did four posts about these two men. Two editions in English and two other editions in French. These two are from different generations but managed to make their mark. 

I am speaking of Franco and Pepe Kalle. I did posts about these men on whether Pepe Kalle should have joined OK Jazz  or not with Franco. 

7 reasons why Pepe Kalle was right not joining OK Jazz

7 raison pourquoi Pepe Kalle avait raison pour ne joindre pas L'OK Jazz

7 reasons why Pepe Kalle should have joined OK Jazz

7 raisons pourquoi Pepe Kalle devrait avoir joint L'OK Jazz

Now I will say that Franco should have done duets with Pepe Kalle. If Franco was good with Madilu, imagine Pepe Kalle with Franco. I was not interested in talking about these men as a possible dream duet scenario. But after discussions of Franco and Madilu, I decided to speak on Franco and Pepe Kalle. 

Franco and Pepe Kalle should have done an album together. Why? Because these two men would have made a great dynasty like they did with Tabu Ley who I will do two dream duet posts soon afterwards. Also their voices would be born for one another. Now I always believed that both of their voices were baritone. But there are Franco fans that say that Franco was actually Tenor. Now I think of it, they may be right. I guess is that Franco never sang tenor very often. It was actually kind of rare. Usually Franco sang baritone most of the time. When Franco harmonized with Kwamy, Ntesa, Madilu, Malage, Djo Mpoyi, Vicky Longomba, Michel Boyibanda, Lola Checain, and Youlou Mabiala, Franco usually sang baritone. 

Franco and Pepe Kalle would be opposites attract. Franco's voice tends to be more wild and expressive while Pepe Kalle's voice tends to be more smooth and outgoing. Hence, this is why these men should have sung together. Both are emotional men which makes their duet more solid. Both are excellent storytellers and know to capture people's attention in general. In some songs, Franco can do more speaking while Pepe Kalle does his singing in the storytelling that they would do. In majority of the songs, we would hear harmonies between Franco and Pepe Kalle. 

Since I believe Franco and Pepe Kalle should have done an album together. Who would be the musicians that would have assisted them in the great project.

Drums: Seskain Molenga 

Guitar Bass: Flavien Makabi, Mpudi Decca and MP Cherie 

Guitar Rhythm: Elvis Kunku, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Ya Makosso 

Guitar Misolo: Franco and Papa Noel  

Guitar Acoustic: Doris Ebuya, Gerry Dialungana and Lutumba Simaro

Guitar Solo: Diblo Dibala, Kinanga Boeing 737 and Michelino

Vocal Assistants: Djo Mpoyi, Ntesa, Papa Wemba, Soki Vangu, Kiese Diambu, Josky Kiambukuta, Nzaya Nzayadio, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo  

It would have been like Franco and Tabu Ley's Lisanga ya Banganga but with a combination of OK Jazz, Bella Bella, Afrisa, Empire Bakuba and Zaiko together. 

Here are the thirty six songs that I selected that would fit this large project. 

1) Salima by Michelino
Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Kiese Diambu 

2) Tres Impoli by Franco 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca
Lead Vocal: Franco
Choirs: Ntesa, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu 

3) Tokoma Bacamrade by Franco 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Nzaya Nzayadio 

4) Nazoki by Seskain Molenga
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie  
Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Franco, Nyoka Longo and Papa Wemba 


5) Nganda Ma Campagne by Lola Checain 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca
Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle 

6) Cedou by Lutumba Simaro 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa and Soki Vangu 

7) Peuch de Sol by Franco 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Nzaya Nzayadio

8) Bonne Annne by Pepe Kalle
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Likinga Redo, Ntesa and Nzaya Nzayadio

9) Mosala by Pepe Kalle 
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Likinga Redo, Nyoka Longo and Papa Wemba

10) Non by Franco
Guitars: Dibala Dibala, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 

11) Bitota by Doris Ebuya  
Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and MP Cherie
Choir 1: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choir 2: Likinga Redo and Soki Vangu 
Beginning Choir: Likinga Redo, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu

12) Yayongo by Pepe Kalle
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie
Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle

13) La Vie des Hommes by Franco
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca
Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle

14) Chacun Pour Soi by Josky Kiambukuta 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Kiese Diambu and Papa Wemba

15) Flora, Une Femme Difficile by Franco 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Likinga Redo, Papa Wemba and Soki Vangu

16) Lisanga ya Banganga by Tabu Ley
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Kiese Diambu and Nzaya Nzayadio 

17) Nalingaka Yo Yo Te by Franco 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle 

18) Frien a Main by Franco 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Beginning Choir: Franco, Ntesa and Pepe Kalle
Regular Choir: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa and Pepe Kalle 

19) Nzoto ya Chance by Pepe Kalle 
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio and Papa Wemba 

20) Mace by Lutumba Simaro 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca 
Beginning Choir: Franco, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle 
Choir 1: Franco and Likinga Redo
Choir 2: Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle 

21) Diarrhée Verbale by Lutumba Simaro 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Kiese Diambu, Likinga Redo and Nzaya Nzayadio 

22) Azda by Franco 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Beginning Choir: Franco, Nyoka Longo and Pepe Kalle 
Regular Choir: Ntesa, Nyoka Longo and Pepe Kalle 

23) Kinzonzi ki tata Mbemba by Franco 
Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Choirs: Ntesa, Nzaya Nzayadio and Pepe Kalle

24) Muana Oyo by Franco
Guitars: 
Michelino, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle

25) Zouke Zouke by Pepe Kalle
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca 
Vocals: Franco, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle

26) Calavaire by Pepe Kalle 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle
Beginning Choir: Franco, Likinga Redo and Pepe Kalle
Regular Choir: Franco, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo

27) O Nager by Pepe Kalle 
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Kiese Diambu and Soki Vangu 

28) Mujinga by Franco 
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocal: Franco
Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst and Pepe Kalle 

29) Laisser Passer by Matalanza 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle 
Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst and Papa Wemba 


30) Kevalina by JP Buse
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocals and Beginning Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Likinga Redo, Nzaya Nzayadio and Nyoka Longo 


31) Ben Betito by Belobi Meridjo 
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie 
Lead Vocal: Franco 
Choirs: Nyoka Longo, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle 

32) Elidjo Motema by Diblo Dibala   
Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca 
Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle
Beginning Choir: Franco, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu 
Choirs: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio and Soki Vangu 



33) Fifi Innocent by Lutumba Simaro
Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and MP Cherie 
Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle 

34) Mahele by Lutumba Simaro
Guitars: 
Kinanga Boeing 737, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie
Choir One: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choir Two: Kiese Diambu, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo 

35) Lettre 3 by Franco
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mp Cherie 
Lead Vocals and Beginning Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle
Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Ntesa

36) Moleka by Wuta Mayi 
Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca 
Beginning Choir: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle 
Choir 1: Nzaya Nzayadio and Papa Wemba 
Choir 2: Franco and Pepe Kalle 


These songs would be the best choices for proposals for a Franco and Pepe Kalle project together. Some will be duets and others will be with other artists that I proposed. Franco would get to redo chemistry with Michelino and make new ones with an individual like Diblo Dibala. I add acoustic guitar because I think it can make the song a little more flexible for fans who love acoustic guitars too.  The reason that these songs would fit is because Franco and Pepe Kalle know how to gather great talents for great work. One of the songs I proposed would be the song Nganda Ma Campagne that was made by singer Lola Checain. Part of the reason I selected this song is that Franco and Pepe Kalle have a lot of Swahili fans. Franco owns Kenya while Pepe Kalle owns Tanzania. 

Nalingaka Yo Yo te is another song that would have been very good with a Pepe Kalle voice. Pepe Kalle would have been able to add his smoothness the harmony with Franco. Also Franco would be more focused on his solo vocals on his heartbreaking story. Pepe Kalle is good at singing about heartbreak. 

La Vie des Hommes would be where Franco and Pepe Kalle would have been at its greatest. The harmony between these two men would have been better done than the harmony Franco had with Madilu. Madilu did a great job singing in this classic song and I command for his contribution. However I think the song would have more stronger if Pepe Kalle had sung it. Pepe Kalle would be able to give more heartbreak that Franco probably wanted in this song. Listen to Divise Par Deux as example where Pepe shows his heartbreak. It was perfectly done. 

Seskain Molenga would be the perfect drummer because he played exactly in styles of Franco and Pepe Kalle. He had diversity in his drumming skills. He even worked with Bob Marley. Franco and Pepe Kalle would have appreciated the services of this man. 

Maika Munan is necessary to add because he is from the Afrisa school who would have been perfect to play alongside Franco and Pepe Kalle. He is a legendary music engineer. Kinanga Boeing 737, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie are great talents and they were the forces behind Pepe Kalle's great music and since Franco really loved Empire Bakuba more than Zaiko, it makes sense to get these men to work with him as well as their great boss Pepe Kalle with Kinanga have a wild personality which Franco enjoyed. Diblo Dibala worked with Franco and Pepe Kalle. Diblo began with Franco for a short time doing the song Elidjo Motema and Diblo worked with Pepe Kalle on songs like Pon Moun Paka Bouge. Mpudi Decca was a Franco musician and played well in Franco songs and I think he would have a good time with addition of Pepe Kalle alongside with Franco. Papa Noel is a perfect Dr Nico copycat able play rumba and sevens very well. Gerry is a solid Lead guitarist who would play very well with acoustic. Ya Makosso is born to play sebenes with force under his guitar. Lutumba Simaro would be good with either rhythm or acoustic guitar because he has strong hands on that guitar. Michelino and Franco would have a great chance of working together with a third different individual. Also Franco and Michelino had strong chemistry as guitarists together. 

Djo Mpoyi, Ntesa, Papa Wemba, Soki Vangu, Kiese Diambu, Josky Kiambukuta, Nzaya Nzayadio, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo would be good assistants as vocalists for the songs I selected. Likinga, Wemba and Longo represent the Zaiko age which many people love to listen vocally speaking. Soki Vangu is a Bella Bella who has a similar voice to Madilu as well as Pepe Kalle. Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Ntesa Dalienst are made from Africa Fiesta School as Kiesse Diambu who was a member of Tabu Ley's Afrisa International. Nzaya Nzayadio is a Pepe Kalle prototype who replaced him in Lipua Lipua.  

This would have been a great project if it had happened. Franco and Pepe Kalle are legends in their perspective generations. They would have been perfect as a duo as well as great with other musicians and singers. 

I gave a long list songs and musicians for this great project. 

Franco would have been a great musical partner to Pepe Kalle.  For the next Franco posts, I will mention two people from Clan Langa Langa that would have been with Grand Maitre. 

Next posts will be with Tabu Ley. Two posts dedicated to him.