Celebrated Congolese rhumba maestro Kasongo wa Kanema of super mazembe has passed on.
Kasongo is among the founding members and former band leader of Orchestre Super Mazembe. Last year Kasongo dropped out of live performances and studio recordings following advice from his doctors.
Kasongo 71, who owns Watoto Studios situated in Yaya Centre, in has been battling high blood pressure, a condition that
culminated in a stroke and saw him in and out of hospital for the better part of last year.
His son Longwa Ngoie took to social media and broke the sad news.
Had to accept but no choice. Rest in Peace Vieux Kass. he wrote.
His other son Maurice Katende Kasongo wrote:
Its so painfull REST IN PEACE MY PAPA.
Simeon Mfumu Kimbangu took to facebook and mourned.
I am a product of super mazembe thanks to the tutorial I got from my elders ie Longwa didos, Atia Jo, Allan katele, Vicky Numbi, among others. For me the news of your death papa Morris as we used to call is hard to believe.Rest in piece Kasongo Wa Kanema.
Kasongo Wa Kanema is remembered for his vocal prowess as he belted out sweet rhumba tunes across the city.
Prior to his ill health, the musician was in the process of completing his new 10-track album that features various artistes and is done in pure rumba style and sung in Kiswahili, Lingala and French.
The self-produced album, which he planned to sell over the Internet, was yet to be given a title.
Passing baton
Despite being out of the game, Kasongo was busy passing the baton to his band –which comprises his two sons Longwa Ngoi (new band leader) and Maurice as well as six other young musicians.
The death of Kasongo Wa Kanema comes at atime when Kenyans are still mourning Aziz Abdi Kilambo another great.
Go well Kasongo Wa Kanema
