Joseph Kiambukuta Londa, known as Josky Kiambukuta, (14 February 1949 – 7 March 2021) was a Congolese performing artist, singer, songwriter and composer.[2] As a member of TPOK Jazz[3] he played alongside Franco during their most popular period in the mid-1960s until the late 1980s.
Josky Kiambukuta | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Joseph Kiambukuta Londa |
| Also known as | Josky, Djo Sex |
| Born | February 14, 1949 Gombe-Matadi,  DR Congo |
| Origin | Congolese |
| Died | March 7, 2021 (aged 72) Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| Genres | Rumba |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1965–2009 |
Early life
editJoseph Kiambukuta Londa was born in Gombe-Matadi on Valentine's Day of 1949, to Bernard Bakiansuni and Albertine Londa.[4]
Musical career
editEarly musical career
editKiambukuta joined Dr. Nico's group, African Fiesta Sukisa in 1969.[5][6] During his stay in the band, he recorded one of his first hits, "Sadi Naboyi Masumu". Two years later, in 1971, he leaves to form his band Orchestre Continental with other young musicians including Wuta Mayi and Bopol Mansiamina.[6] He recorded and composed another hit, “Nakobondela”, during his time with the band.
TPOK Jazz
editKiambukuta joined TPOK Jazz in 1973. Kiambukuta is known for his range of voice, from very high notes to deep bass, as the need arises. He is credited with composing many songs for the band, including “Chandra”, “Fariya”, “KSK” and “Bimansha”.
Josky eventually left the group, along with Ntesa Dalienst in 1985. The two began solo careers and frequently collaborated. During his early solo career, he released an album with Dalienst and Serge Kiambukuta, his cousin. He also participated in the first Koffi Olomide albums.
Kiambukuta returned to TPOK Jazz in 1987. The following year he released his second album "Mata Kita Bloqué", which contains the eponymous hit.
Bana OK
editAfter the death of Franco in 1989, TPOK Jazz continued to play for four years. However, in 1994, conflicts forced the band to split up. Kiambukuta, together with Simaro Lutumba, Ndombe Opetum and other band members went on to form a new band: Bana OK. Kiambukuta is reported to have migrated to France and was a resident of Paris.[7]
Illness and death
editKiambukuta is reported to have retired from music circa 2009. He is also reported to have been in ill-health, for several years before his death. He died in a Kinshasa hospital on 7 March 2021 at the age of 72.[8]
Solo discography
edit- Mehida (1983)
- Mata Kita Bloqué (1988)
- So.Pe.Ka (1988, with Mayaula Mayoni, Madilu System and Malage de Lugendo)
- Chandra (1989)
- Destin / La Sincérité (1989)
- Dernier Avertissement (1999)
- Oui Ça Va (2003)
- Double Vie (2005)
- Chiffre 3 (2005, with Madilu System)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Stewart, Gary (1 January 2004). Rumba on the river: a history of the popular music of the two Congos. Verso. p. 183. ISBN 978-1-85984-368-0. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
- ^ Ngaira, Amos (14 January 2011). "Kenya: 'Sauti Ya Simba' Takes Final Bow". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
- ^ Stewart, Gary (1992). Breakout: profiles in African rhythm. University of Chicago Press. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-226-77406-0. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
- ^ "Josky Kiambukuta : 50 ans de carrière musicale !". Eventsrdc.com (in French). 27 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ Messager (24 December 2020). "LES QUATRE VOIX MARQUANTES DE L'AFRICAN-FIESTA SUKISA". MBOKAMOSIKA (in French). Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Joseph Londa Kiambukuta alias Josky 1949 - 2021 - Univers Rumba Congolaise". www.universrumbacongolaise.com/ (in French). 8 March 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ Josky Kiambukuta Lives In Paris, France
- ^ Patrick Ilunga (8 March 2021). "Veteran Congolese singer Josky Kiambukuta dies in Kinshasa". The EastAfrican. Nairobi. Retrieved 21 March 2021.