Lokassa Ya M’Bongo, a popular Congolese guitarist who worked with Kanda Bongo Man is dead.
Lokassa died at the age of 76 years in the US where he had been living for many years. The sad news were confirmed by his close aide Ngouma Lokito who revealed that he had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Nashua, New Hampshire for the last one month.
He gained fame in the 1990s as a member of Soukous Stars and became a well known rhythm guitarist.
Ngouma Lokito, who lives in New York revealed that Lokassa had taken a break for sometime due to ill health.
In the US, Lokassa was not much active in music but he occasionally performed alongside fellow veteran Congolese stars.
He began his music career from 1969 and up to 1978, he played alongside other renowned guitarists like Michelino and Dino Vangu.
His breakthrough was in 1989 when he joined went to Paris and formed the group Soukous Stars. The band’s debut album Megamix Vol 1 featured the hit song, Nairobi Nights-Lagos Nights. Those who took part in recording the album were singers Shimita El Diego, Zitany Neil, Ballou Canta and Dally Kimoko.
Citizen TV Roga Roga show host Fred Obachi has mourned him on Facebook stating that all Rhumba fans will miss him.
“Rest in peace Legend Lokassa Kasia Denis a.k.a Lokassa ya Mbongo, Lokassa ya Dollar!!!! Man, you were the best rhythmist in matters Soukous music, Rhumba fans shall miss you, I shall miss you. Thank you for the music.” Wrote Fred Obachi.
May he rest in peace and our sincere condolences to family members and friends.
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by: Shantynews