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Koffi’s star shining bright again
Evergreen Congolese music star Koffi Olomide is having the time of his life. The versatile 54-year-old crooner, band leader, choreographer and composer, has bounced back from one of the lowest moments in his life — speculation about his death — to put in another great performance in the last one year.
Early last year, there was a rumour that Koffi, who loves to give himself all sorts of nicknames, had died. But the Grand Mopao, aka Sarkozy, came out to confirm that the news of his death was a lie.
The rumour was later attributed to Koffi’s detractors, who got wind of his troubles in France around that time, and tried to capitalise on allegations of the singer’s alleged brush with the authorities.
Koffi was said to have had some immigration issues involving some members of his band and has since not travelled to Europe.
But Koffi, one of the most prolific Congolese artistes today, has rebounded with some memorable recordings with great choreography. The videos are characterised by imaginatively designed costumes and revolve around a bevy of female dancers.
The irrepressible Koffi was back in the news in May, with a project that has had tongues wagging. He redid some of the most popular songs by veteran Congolese crooner Tabu Ley, a man who, along with Luambo Luanzo Makiadi a.k.a. Franco, is credited with revolutionising Congolese music.
In the series called Koffi Olomide chante Tabu Ley, Koffi has given a great tribute to one of Africa’s leading musicians, who is recuperating in Paris after a health scare following a mild stroke almost two years ago.
Interestingly, one of Koffi’s latest proteges, Cindy le Cour, evoked great memories of Tabu Ley’s career, his collaboration with songbird Mbilia Bel, which produced some of the best songs ever composed in Lingala.
In a sort of parody, she did a rendition of Mbilia Bel’s Beyanga to a live audience, which was very well received. Koffi himself tried out Mokolo na Kokufa, one of Tabu Ley’s greatest recordings, whose theme was about death.
Other popular Tabu Ley songs he did during the live recording include Maze, Adios Tete, Sorozo, Selikaniand Christina.
Some critics have frowned upon Koffi’s decision to redo Tabu Ley’s songs, but in his characteristic style, he has not been cowed, insisting that he is doing this out of deep respect for a musical genius.
Speaking to Review recently, veteran US-based promoter Mekanisi Modero, a long serving manager of Tabu Ley’s Afrisa International, lauded Koffi’s move saying it was, perhaps, nostalgic for him considering that Koffi had spent a short period in Afrisa (1979-1980), the same period when Papa Wemba was incorporated in the same band. Incidentally, this is the time when Koffi was making inroads in music with some of his compositions being produced by Wemba’s Orch Viva La Musica band.
Koffi’s discography is today one of the richest. Some of his most memorable earlier recordings include Papa Plus, Papa Bonheur, Andrada, Loi, Ultimatum, Effrakatta and Round Point.
His Quartier Latin band has also been the nursery of Congolese music, honing the skills of numerous singers, who have gone on to excel in their solo careers.
The most brilliant of Koffi’s proteges include the exciting Fally Ipupa, with whom he recorded such big hits as Kokoko and Eternellement.
Today, Fally, who was among the winners during the recent MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), is one of the brightest lights on the Congolese music scene with his own hits such as Une Minute, Mon Amour and Chaise Electrique.
The other is Ferre Gola, formerly with Wenge Musica. With Koffi, he recorded Sisi Silvie and Insecticide.But Koffi is certainly not a saint of Congolese music. He has been known to be a slave driver, who works the last ounce of his musicians.
He has even engaged in feuds with some of the musicians, who have left his band in the past. The most notable were the members of the splinter Quartier Latin Academia.
Reputed to be arrogant and overbearing, Koffi is not the best of friends with another top Congolese musician, Felix Wazekwa. Koffi accuses Felix of copying his style.
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Latest Star News - Koffi Olomide| POSTED 13th/May/2011 | ||
| Congolese rhumba sensations Werrason , Koffi Olomide, Fally Ipupa and JB Mpiana are household names in many an African country. Although these musicians would fill a 40,000 capacity stadium in many an African capital, their source or revenue is basic.. Continue Reading » |  | |
| 1,667 views :: Filed Under: Koffi Olomide | ||
| POSTED 27th/April/2011 | ||
| Congolese legendary musician, Koffi Olomide was set to perform at the Saudade festival on Saturday at the Cidadela pavilion in Luanda, the Angolan capital. Surprisingly, the multi-award winning African superstar pulled out at the last minute.
When th.. Continue Reading » |  | |
| 1,487 views :: Filed Under: Koffi Olomide | ||
| POSTED 20th/April/2011 | ||
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Many a Congolese musician has performed in big venues in France and Belgium, the former colonial masters of French speaking African countries. Due to the fact that there is a high population of Africans especially Congolese resident in these countri.. Continue Reading » | | |
| 1,456 views :: Filed Under: Koffi Olomide | ||
| POSTED 15th/January/2011 | ||
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Evergreen Congolese music star Koffi Olomide is having the time of his life. The versatile 54-year-old crooner, band leader, choreographer and composer, has bounced back from one of the lowest moments in his life — speculation about his death .. Continue Reading » |  | |
| 877 views :: Filed Under: Koffi Olomide | ||
| POSTED 1st/December/2010 | ||
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Koffi Olomide, was born on 13 August 1956 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (the former Zaire). His parents were staying in the North East of the country at the time, in a town called Stanleyville (now Kisangani). In fact, Koffi's father was on.. Continue Reading » | | |
| 1,043 views :: Filed Under: Koffi Olomide | ||
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