Popular Congolese guitarist Lokassa ya Mbongo dies in US

Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Lokassa Kasiya, better known as Lokassa ya Mbongo, passed away in the United States on Tuesday evening after a long illness.

Lokassa, who recently turned 80, was the former lead singer of the famous Parisian band Soukous Stars band.

He previously played for Tabu Ley Rochereau’s Africa International and later All African Stars. He had diabetes and was recovering from a mild stroke he had a few years ago.

US-based Congolese musician Mekanisi Modero said he was informed of Lokassa’s death by a nurse who was taking care of him. She said he had trouble breathing before collapsing and dying in Nashua, New Hampshire.

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Singer Wawali Bonane, who is also part of the international band Africa, also lives in the same state. He visited Lusaka and said she was devastated by the sad news.

Another Congolese musician, Ngouma Lokito, who lives in New York, shared the sad news with his fans via a Facebook post.

Lokassa, guitarist and composer, will be remembered for some of his popular compositions such as “Bonne Annee”, “Monica”, “Marie-Josse” and “Assitou”

Arguably one of the best rhythm guitarists in Congo, he performed with Tabu Ley Rochereau’s international band Afrisa from 1970-1978.

During his time with Afrisa he played with singers Pepe Ndombe, Sam Mangwana and Michelino Mavatiku Visi. However, Lokassa has spent much of his career outside of the DRC.