Michelino Mavatiku Visi, popularly known as Michelino or Michita, is a legendary Congolese-Angolan rhythm and lead guitarist, composer, and arranger who stands as a pillar of African music history. Born on March 15, 1946, in the port city of Matadi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to Angolan parents, he became one of the few virtuosos to successfully navigate and leave an indelible mark on the era's most rivalrous musical camps. Throughout his prolific career, he played a central role in the development of the Congolese Rumba and Soukous genres, contributing his technical brilliance to Dr. Nico’s African Fiesta Sukisa, Tabu Ley Rochereau’s Afrisa International, and Franco Luambo’s TPOK Jazz. Renowned for his eclectic style that blends Jazz, R&B, and Hawaiian guitar influences, Michelino eventually settled in Paris, France, where he continued his musical education at the conservatory and remains an influential teacher and performer of the classic Congolese sound.