MEKANISI MODERO DIES IN THE USA

June 23, 2026 - 10:07 AM

Congolese musician Mekanisi Modero is dead.

His death was announced by his former bandmate at Afrisa International, guitarist Dino Vangu, on his social media page.

Although he did not divulge details of the death, Mekanisi Modero, one of the longest-serving members of Afrisa International, had been living in the USA for several decades, where he died.

“I just learned from the USA of the death yesterday, 21 June 2026, of our colleague, friend, and brother, artist, musician, saxophonist, and show presenter Mekanisi Zemba Gabwisa Modero. May his soul rest in peace.”

Dino Vangu’s message read in part.

Mekanisi Modero, who joined Tabu Ley’s Afrisa International in 1970, was born Mekanisi Zemba Bagwisa in Kikwit, Bandundu, on January 4, 1944.

His admiration for Louis Armstrong made him learn the trumpet and saxophone early in life. Tabu Ley scouted his talent after word of his gift spread, and he went on to become one of the most celebrated sax players in the country.

He also managed Afrisa under Tabu Ley, served as MC in most of the band’s concerts, and was also a good songwriter. His saxophone can be heard in many Afrisa songs.

He had been living in Washington, DC, since 1984, when he travelled there with the band, and had been performing with several musicians, among them Dodo Munoko and Huit Kilo, who had also been members of the band. Congolese music has lost one of its major pillars, those who contributed immensely to the growth of the genre.

By Jerome Ogolla