House of Rhumba

17/10/2026

Shimita (real name Lukombo Nzambe, also known as Shimita El Diego) is an iconic singer, songwriter, and dancer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He is a key figure in the golden age of soukous and modern Congolese rumba, particularly famous for his exceptional voice and electrifying stage performances during the 1980s and 1990s.

Here are the highlights of his career in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and internationally:

\- His beginnings and the Grand Zaïko Wawa era: He rose to prominence in Kinshasa in the 1980s after joining the orchestra Le Grand Zaïko Wawa, led by guitarist Félix Manuaku Waku. He sang alongside other major artists of the era, including Général Defao and Djo Poster, establishing himself as one of the finest singers and dancers of his generation.

\- The creation of Soukous Stars: In 1989–1990, while based in Paris, he co-founded the legendary international group Soukous Stars alongside prominent musicians such as Lokassa ya Mbongo and Yondo Sister. Shimita El Diego himself became one of the group's leading figures. It was with this formation that he achieved international success.

\- Pan-African success with the hit song “Lagos Night”: Shimita gained immense popularity in West Africa thanks to the soukous hit Lagos Night. A polyglot, he made a lasting impression by singing not only in Lingala and Swahili but also in West African languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Ashanti. This earned him widespread admiration among Nigerian and Ghanaian audiences.

\- Major collaborations: Throughout his rich career spanning more than forty years, he has shared his talent as an arranger and backing vocalist with some of the biggest names in Congolese music, including Madilu System, Pepe Kalle, M’bilia Bel, and Tshala Muana.

Although he spent many years abroad, particularly in the United States and France, Shimita remained active in music. One example is his solo album Gracias, released in 2021.

Shimita El Diego remains a memorable figure in Congolese music, celebrated for his distinctive voice, energetic dancing, and contribution to the international popularity of soukous.

16/10/2026

Koffi Olomide Cindy Le Coeur

16/10/2026

ISIKUTI CULTURAL NIGHT - LUHYA NITE AT EGESA VILLA UMOJA ON 14TH NOV.

16/10/2026

Malage de Lugendo (real name Orphin Noël Lutala Mambu) is a famous singer, songwriter, and performer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire).

Born on December 25, 1961, in Bukavu, he possesses one of the most melodious and distinctive high-tenor voices in Congolese rumba and soukous. He has made his mark on the history of Zairean music through his participation in some of the country's greatest orchestras.

# # # 🎤 Early Beginnings (1970s)

Raised in Kinshasa, where he attended Collège Boboto, Malage began his musical career during his teenage years, around 1976–1977. He started out with neighborhood groups such as Campagna, Oka, Jacula, and later Mekano.

In 1979, the renowned saxophonist Empompo Loway discovered him and recruited him into the group Tcheke-Tcheke-Love. Shortly afterward, Malage co-founded the orchestra Afro-International.

# # # 🎸 The Golden Era with TP OK Jazz

Recruited in the early 1980s following a collaboration with Mayaula Mayoni, Malage joined the legendary TP OK Jazz, led by the Grand Maître, Franco Luambo Makiadi.

It was within this iconic orchestra that he gained international recognition. His golden voice featured in several masterpieces, most notably the legendary song “Testament ya Bowule” (1986), composed by Simaro Lutumba. This recording remains one of the most memorable performances of his career.

He also contributed his vocals to songs such as “Celio,” “Chandra,” and “Boma ngai naboma yo.”

# # # 🌟 Other Major Collaborations

Following Franco's death, Malage de Lugendo joined Zaïko Langa Langa, led by Nyoka Longo, in 1989. His remarkable voice helped elevate the hit song “Leki ya Baby” (1990).

Later, he also collaborated with Afrisa International, the orchestra led by Tabu Ley Rochereau. During the 1990s, he participated in major studio projects alongside artists such as Madilu System and Carlyto Lassa, including the album Les Asiatiques.

# # # 🇨🇩 A Lasting Legacy in Congolese Rumba

Today, based in Europe, particularly Belgium, Malage de Lugendo remains active in the music scene. He continues to release solo projects and participate in events celebrating and paying tribute to classic Congolese rumba.

Malage de Lugendo remains one of the distinctive voices of Congolese musical history, remembered for his exceptional high tenor, his contributions to legendary orchestras, and his role in preserving the golden sound of Congolese rumba for future generations.

16/10/2026

https://youtu.be/bgohIGIXWqg?list=RDbgohIGIXWqg

16/10/2026

LOKASSA YA MBONGO - DENNIS KASSIA.

For ten months, the body of Lokassa ya Mbongo remained in a mortuary in Kinshasa.

His family had requested $75,000 for his funeral, but the money never arrived. His son, André Marie, spoke of the humiliation they endured.

As a rhythm guitarist, Denis Lokassa Kasiya played with Tabu Ley on “Kaful Mayay” and accompanied him to the Olympia in Paris in 1970.

In Paris, in 1988, he arranged the album Moyibi by Pépé Kallé and Nyboma. The following year, he formed Soukous Stars alongside Dally Kimoko, Yondo Sister and other musicians.

Their “Megamix” became the group's biggest hit.

He died on March 14, 2023, in Nashua, New Hampshire, at the age of 77.

He had expressed his wish to be buried in Congo.

At his funeral in Kinshasa, Yondo Sister stood beside his youngest daughter, Matti, a doctor based in Paris. He had dedicated the song “Matti” to her.

A giant in the world of Congolese guitar music…

REST IN PEACE, LOKASSA YA Mbongo.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

While we were waiting for legal action against journalists residing in Europe, Fally Ipupa carried out a mass deletion of videos of testimonies by Collette Tuza in which his name was mentioned in the title or her image was used.
He based his takedown requests on copyright, not legal proceedings. His team fills out reporting forms and sends a takedown request for each video published on the various platforms, which then proceed to remove them.
No arrests, unlike what is happening in Congo-Kinshasa with Virginie Manganga, Gauthier Sey and Charly Prince.