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Mbuta Matima

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Congolese rumba musician (1951–1996)
Mbuta Matima
Birth nameZéphyrin-Alexandre Matima Mpioso
Born(1951-04-14)April 14, 1951
Sona-Bata, Bas-Congo Province, DR Congo
DiedMay 26, 1996(1996-05-26) (aged 45)
Liège, Belgium
GenresCongolese rumba
Occupations
  • Musician
  • guitarist
  • songwriter
  • arranger
  • music director
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1968–1996
Musical artist

Zéphyrin-Alexandre Matima Mpioso (14 April 1951 – 26 May 1996), known professionally as Mbuta Matima, was a prominent Congolese guitarist, arranger, music director and songwriter, best known for his influential work with Zaïko Langa Langa, one of the most famous and enduring bands of Congolese rumba.

Born in Sona-Bata, a town in the Bas-Congo Province, Matima began his musical career in 1969, debuting with Orchestre Stukas. In 1969, he joined Zaïko Langa Langa, initially as part of their pop section, performing as a concert opener alongside singers Mbuta Mashakado and Pierre Nkumu. Matima's transition to the band's main Congolese rumba section came in 1973 when singer Gina wa Gina Efonge encouraged him to play the guitar in place of the band's lead guitarist, Félix Manuaku Waku. Matima's first guitar solos featured in Efonge's song "BP Ya Munu," released in December 1973. His own first composition for Zaïko Langa Langa, "Ngeli Ngeli" (later versioned as "Kin Kiesse"), was recorded for the band's 1976 LP Plaisir de l'Ouest Afrique. In late 1976, he released another classic hit, "Toli Kulumpe," which was reversioned in 1977 and again in 1982. In 1978, Matima was part of Tout Grand Libanko, a nzonzing band by Gina wa Gina parallel to his career in Zaïko Langa Langa.

Following Manuaku's departure in 1980, Matima assumed greater responsibilities within the band as the artistic director and arranger. He played a crucial role in song composition and arrangement, significantly shaping the band's musical direction. One of his notable compositions, "Masela," appeared on Zaïko Langa Langa's 1984 LP On Gagne Le Procès. He also released classics like "Kabobo" and "Mena," which featured on the albums Tala Modèle Echanger (1985) and Pusa Kuna… Serrez! Serrez! (1986), respectively. Matima's skills as an arranger shone in the album Nippon Banzai, considered Zaïko Langa Langa's most successful and popular record.

In May 1988, a split within Zaïko Langa Langa led to the formation of Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei. Matima chose to remain with the original band. They released the LP Jetez l'Eponge in 1989. In Zaïko Langa Langa's 1991 LP Jamais sans Nous, Matima composed his final song for the band, "Reviens Hyppau," and played lead guitar on "Videma."

Illness and death

Starting from 1992, Matima's health began to deteriorate, which forced him to stop playing guitar. He relocated to Liège, Belgium, where he spent his remaining years. Mbuta Matima passed away on May 26, 1996, at the age of 45.

References list

  1. Stewart, Gary (22 July 2009). "Rumba on the River". rumbaontheriver.com. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  2. ^ Mbokamosika (18 May 2010). "Hommage à Mbuta Matima" [Tribute to Mbuta Matima]. Mbokamosika (in French). Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  3. Mbokamosika (2 January 2019). "Discographie & Amp: Étapes marquantes de Zaïko Langa-Langa (1970-1980)" [Discography & Amp: Milestones of Zaïko Langa-Langa (1970-1980)]. Mbokamosika (in French). Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  4. "Zaiko Langa Langa: D'abord et avant tout la guitare solo" [Zaiko Langa Langa: First and foremost the lead guitar]. Musique (in French). 3 May 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  5. "Interview. Gina Efonge: "Millésimes est une surprise agréable pour les mélomanes"" [Interview. Gina Efonge: "Millésimes is a pleasant surprise for music lovers"]. Adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  6. The Beat, Volume 16. Melbourne, Australia: Beat Magazine. 1997. pp. 32–41.
  7. Kanka, Joseph (31 December 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: 32 ans de Zaïko Langa Langa : Nyoka Longo allie ambiance et nostalgie au GHK" [Congo-Kinshasa: 32 years of Zaïko Langa Langa: Nyoka Longo combines atmosphere and nostalgia at GHK]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  8. West Africa. Afrimedia International. 1987.
  9. "50 ans d'existence: Zaïko Langa Langa renaît de ses cendres" [50 years of existence: Zaïko Langa Langa rises from its ashes]. Adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  10. "Mick la Briola: Matima Kinuani Mpiosso". mick laBriola. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  11. Billboard Staff (2003-05-26). "This Day in Music". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
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