Josky Kiambukuta is one of the most
famous Congolese singers/
composers. He is best known for his
role as one of the lead singers in TP
OK Jazz, perhaps the greatest band to
emrge from the continent of Africa. He
is one of the best composers and
vocalists in the history of African
music. He has an incredible vocal
range that spans the musical scale all
the way from soprano to bass. His
compositions typically have what can
best be described as a manic
excitement with memorable hooks.
Josky Kiambukuta Londa was born on
February 14 1949. He started his
singing career in 1969 with the band
Africa Fiesta Sukisa which at the time
was led by legendary Congolese
guitarist “Docteur” Nico Kasanda and
his brother Dechaud Mwamba.
In 1971, he along with several
members of Fiesta Sukisa left the band
and struck out on their own. Among
those who left were Josky, Bopol
Mansiamina, Serpent Kabamba, Blaise
Pasco Mayanda and Sita Malukisa.
They formed the band known as
Orchestre Continental. They were later
joined by Wuta Mayi. While there Josky
released one of the most popular hits
at the time, Tchebo .
In 1973, Franco was amassing an
arsenal of musical talent for his band
TP OK Jazz which was slowly
becoming the most popular band in
Zaire. It was against this backdrop that
he recruited Josky who then joined an
OK Jazz frontline that already had Sam
Mangwana, Youlou Mabiala, Boyibanda
and Lola Checain. Josky left
continental along with Wuta Mayi. It
was said that back then, Franco often
recruited musicians from emerging
bands that he thought would be a threat
to TP OK Jazz. He soon released his
first composition, a song known as
Monzo.
Throughout the late 1970s, Josky was
always amongst the lead vocalists of
TP OK Jazz. But his defining moment
came in 1980. That was when he
composed the song “Propetaire “. It is
one of the most memorable songs ever
produced. The song which was
popularly referred to as “Sambwa
Sambwa ” by fans was and still is a
huge hit. At parties everywhere the
song would send fans storming to the
dance floor not to ,mention singing
along. It was catchy and had a very
danceable beat. The song is about a
woman whose love has been scorned
by a love interest. The oft repeated
phrase “Nasambwe Oh ngai mwasi
kitoko boye ” translates to “I am
shocked at jis rejection because I am
so beautiful”.
But Josky was not done yet. The
following year he composed yet
another hit, Bimansha. When TP OK
Jazz toured Cote’ D Ivoire that year,
the song took the Ivorian public by
storm. The song is about a person
whose love has left him and he cannot
understand why. Then came the hit
Tokabola Sentiment popularly known to
fans as Kizungu Zungu in which Josky
describes being dizzy because of the
problems of love. Indeed many of
Josky’s songs during that period dealt
with the problems of love. Ironic for
someone whose birthday happened to
be Valentines day.
1983 was a memorable year for TP OK
Jazz but also for Josky. That year TP
OK Jazz released an album exclusively
featuring songs by Josky. The album
was labelled “Franco Presente Josky
Kiambukuta”. It contained the hit
songs : Alita, Massini, Mehida and
Limbisa Ngai.
That same year, Josky was key
performer in the Choc Choc Choc
sessions in Paris that brought together
musicians from rival bands Africa and
TP OK Jazz including the band leaders
Tabu Ley and Franco. Along with Afrisa
members Tabu Ley and Kuleta PonPon,
he performed lead vocals in the song
Omona Wapi. It was then that he
composed one of his most memorable
hits, Missile, where he showcased his
superb vocal range, holding a note at
soprano and also providing bass
vocals.
He also recorded an album outside the
TP OK Jazz system. In collaboration
with a youthful up and coming
musician, Koffi Olomide, he recorded
the album “Ngounda” which also
featured Papa Wemba.
The following year 1984, contributed
the song KSK to the hit album
“L’Ancienne Belgique”. The following
year he composed the song “Likambo
na Moto te” which was part of the
highly succesful Mario album.
In 1986, Josky decided to strike out on
his own yet again. This time he teamed
up with another TP OK Jazz member
Ntesa Dalienst and his brother Serge
Kiambukuta. Some of his memorable
songs came during this period. There
was the memorable ballad “Ayez Pitie”.
Another memorable song from that
period was Likingo Li Mboka which
was sung partially in Lingala and
partially in Kikongo. Other songs from
Josky’s rebellious period were
Medecin de Nuit.
When Franco and TP OK Jazz toured
Kenya in 1986, he quickly realized how
important Josky was to the band as
fans repeatedly demanded songs by
Josky.
Franco finally managed to convince the
prodigal son Josky to return In 1987.
So when Franco came back to Kenya
to perform at the 4th All Africa games
concert, Josky was back on the TP OK
Jazz frontline much to the relief of
Kenyan fans. Josky celebrated his
return with yet another album labelled
“Franco Presente Josky Kiambukuta”,
featuring 3 songs by Josky. The three
were Mata

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