Early Life and Musical Roots Born on November 9, 1954, in Stanleyville, Belgian Congo (now Kisangani, DRC), Elisabeth Finant, famously known as Abeti Masikini, emerged from an upper-middle-class family. Her father, Jean-Pierre Finant, was the first native Congolese governor of Orientale Province, and her mother, Marie...
Remembering General Defao: A Congolese Music Icon On December 27, 2021, the world bid farewell to one of its musical treasures, General Defao, a Congolese singer-songwriter whose influence resonated not only in Africa but also across the globe. Defao, born as Lulendo Matumona on December 31,...
Introduction: In the rich tapestry of Congolese music history, one name stands out as a true legend— Jean "Johnny" Bokelo Isenge. Born in the late 1930s in the Belgian Congo, just outside Leopoldville, Johnny Bokelo left an indelible mark on the world of music. As a...
The Early Years: A Musical Prodigy in the Making Pascal-Emmanuel Sinamoyi Tabu, better known as Tabu Ley Rochereau, was born on November 13, 1940, in Bagata, Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). His early interest in music became evident when he began performing...
Introduction to the Legend: Madilu System 🎙️ This episode of the Afro-Fusion Show on Mawalking Radio is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Madilu System, streaming live from Linden, New Jersey, and hosted by your favorite Deejay Brendo. Madilu System, born Jean de Dieu Makiese, was...
Early Life and Musical Start Ndombe Opetum, or Pepe Ndombe, was born on March 3, 1944, in Bandundu, Belgian Congo (now DRC). Growing up in the capital city, Leopoldville (now Kinshasa), he experienced many types of music that shaped his journey. By the 1960s, his love...