LOKASSA YA M'BONGO

In the world of Congolese music, where lead guitarists often take the spotlight, Lokassa ya M'bongo stands out as a rhythm guitarist who achieved stardom. His journey began in 1968 with one of Africa’s greatest bands, Afrisa, led by the legendary Tabu Ley Rochereau. Initially, the band was known as African Fiesta Nationale, and Lokassa spent years in the background, playing alongside prominent musicians like Attel Mbumba, Michelino Mavatiku Visi, and Dino Vangu.

For a decade, he contributed to the success of Afrisa’s hits and performed on the international stage, including the band's breakthrough shows at the Olympia in Paris in 1970.

In 1978, during an Afrisa tour, Lokassa, guitarist Dizzy Mandjeku, and drummer Ringo Moya left the band in Abidjan to pursue new ventures. They joined forces with Sam Mangwana, who was already in Abidjan, to form the African All Stars. After the band’s breakup in Togo in 1979, Lokassa relocated to Lomé, Togo, where he adopted the moniker "Lokassa ya Mbongo," meaning “Lokassa the Money,” a name that reflected his growing prominence in the music world.

By James Angana

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