Big concert in Kinshasa as veteran Simaro turns 75

Veteran Congolose musician Lutumba Simaro celebrates his 75th birthday on Saturday.

What you need to know:

  • Legendary composer was Franco’s right hand man in TPOK Jazz from the early 1960s
  • Rhythm guitarist is no longer active on the live music scene due to advanced age

Veteran Congolose musician Lutumba Simaro celebrates his 75th birthday on Saturday. Popularly known as ‘La Poete’ for his numerous compositions, Simaro is now at the twilight of his career, having been in the musical industry for 55 years.

A big birthday party is planned for Saturday in Kinshasa for the veteran musician who was for long associated with Franco Luambo Luanzo and TPOK Jazz Band. Franco nurtured many musicians, including Lutumba Ndumanueno, Gerry Dialunguana, Mayaula Mayoni, Josky Kiambukuta, Mosese Fanfan, Wuta Wayi and Malage Lugendo.

Speaking about the party, Kinshasa-based musician and producer Maika Munan said: “Several musicians have been invited to perform.”

Willy Farar, a member of the organising committee, said among musicians expected to perform are Sam Mangwana, Fere Gola, Tshala Muana, Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel.

Speaking to Saturday Nation from Paris, musician Nyboma Mwandido confirmed that Josky Kiambukuta and Brussels-based Malage Lugendo would travel to Kinshasa to attend the show.

“Josky, who had been off stage for a while due to an ailment, has now recovered and is ready to resume live performances,” Nyboma said.

Veteran Sam Mangwana, who now lives in his native Angola, has confirmed his attendance.

Simaro joined Franco’s TPOK in 1960. One of his most popular compositions was Testament ya Bowule, which he composed in 1986, and was sung by Malage de Lugendo. Franco died in a Belgian hospital in 1989.

Lutumba’s birthdays in Kinshasa have always turned into big concerts. Songbird Mbilia Bel, who mostly worked with Tabu Ley, featured at one such a birthday two years ago.

Lutumba was born on March 14, 1939 in Leopoldville, today’s Kinshasa. His full name is Simaro Massiya Lutumba Ndomanueno. He is a legendary rhythm guitarist, a songwriter and a band leader.  

His success mirrored that of the band that gave him a chance, TP OK Jazz. He was Franco’s right hand man until the maestro’s death in 1989. Among his famous songs are Bisalela and Maya.