Lokassa Ya Mbongo

The longtime rhythm guitarist for Kanda Bongo Man, Lokassa Ya Mbongo helped to transform the Soukous, a fast-paced fusion of traditional Congoese melodies and Afro-Cuban rhythms, into an international dance craze. Mbongo showcased his energetic playing on tracks included on such multi-artist anthologies as Megamix, Vol. 1, and Soukous Stars and Gozando. Mbongo's collaborations include work with Tshale Muana, the "queen" of Mutuashi, a dance style popular in the Kasai region, and Eurodisco-influenced vocalist Fode Baro of Guinea. Prior to leaving his homeland and settling in Paris in 1983, Mbongo performed with Tabu Rochereau's Afrisa and Sam Mangwana's African All Stars. ~ Craig Harris