Josky Kiambukutha

Josky Kiambukuta was one of the most famous Congolese singers/ composers. He was best known for his role as one of the lead singers in TP OK Jazz, perhaps the greatest band to emerge 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 “Proprietary“. 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. Rest in peace Kiambukuta.