Legendary TPOK Jazz singer Josky Kiambukuta died in a Kinshasa hospital on Sunday.
The 72-year-old singer, songwriter and performer had been ill for several years.
Dr Francis Atwoli took to his social media and mourned the departed hereo whom he described as a close friend and a great singer.
Lala salama my age mate Josky Kiambukuta. You made us happy and time for you to go back home was yesterday morning. Our meeting at Speke hotel Kampala will forever be in my memory. Rest in Peace! Until we meet again.
DR Atwoli wrote.
Josky was one of the last stars of Tout Puissant Ok Jazz (TPOK Jazz)
, founded by Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, better known as Franco.
Josky joined TPOK Jazz towards the end of the 1960s.
Upon the death of his mentor Franco in 1989, Josky Kiambukuta continued the work of his master until 1994 when he, Lutumba Simaro and other stars founded the Bana Ok orchestra. Advertisement
Author of several songs, he also collaborated with Koffi Olomide in the hit song “Ngobila”.
One of his last major productions was the concert alongside JB Mpiana in Paris in 2001.
Josky retired from the music scene more than 10 years ago
Music promoter DS Njoroge, who brought TPOK Jazz to Kenya in the 80s, eulogised Kiambukuta as “the cornerstone of OK Jazz frontline vocals.” In his words, “every time he held the mic, Franco used to step back and concentrate on the solo guitar and back-up vocals.” He adds: “It’s unfortunate that we’ve lost so many TPOK giants he said referring to the fallen heroes
