Ailing rumba maestro Simaro flown to Paris
DR Congo music icon Simaro Lutumba Masiya. PHOTO| WIMLLIAM OERI
What you need to know:
Last week, Simaro dispelled rumours of his death at a press conference that was held at his house in Kinshasa.
A visibly frail Simaro had in the recent past complained of leg pains and general body fatigue.
Simaro was a long serving assistant to music legend Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi during the heydays of the TP OK Jazz Band.
Ailing veteran Congolese musician Lutumba Simaro Masiya was flown Sunday morning to Paris, France, for specialised treatment.
According to reports from Kinshasa the 78-year-old guitarist was put on the flight following arrangements by DRC President Joseph Kabila.
Speaking to the Daily Nation yesterday from Kinshasa, Mr Pascal Onema, a former manager of the TP OK Jazz Band and an associate of Simaro confirmed that the ailing renowned composer, popularly known as “Le Poete”, had been flown to France.
“He was escorted to the airport in the morning by government officials though we don’t have details of the hospital where he will be admitted and the nature of his ailment,” Mr Onema said.
Last week, Simaro dispelled rumours of his death at a press conference that was held at his house in Kinshasa.
LEG PAINS, FATIGUE
A visibly frail Simaro had in the recent past complained of leg pains and general body fatigue.
Simaro was a long-serving assistant to music legend Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi during the heydays of the TP OK Jazz Band.
Some of Simaro’s most popular compositions include “Maya”, “Testament ya Bowule” and “Mbongo”. He is among the few surviving veterans of TP OK Jazz Band.
Meanwhile, early Monday, Maika Munan, speaking to the Nation from Paris, confirmed Simaro had arrived safely.
