Bakunde Ilo Pablo

Bakunde Ilondjoko (5 January 1951 – 20 September 2011), known as Bakunde Ilo Pablo, was a Congolese drummer and singer-songwriter best known for being a long-time member of Zaïko Langa Langa. His drumming was characterized by his powerful hitting and mastery of the hi-hat.

Early career and musical debut Paul Bakunde Ilondjoko was born on 5 January 1951, in Kinshasa (then-called Léopoldville) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He attended primary school at the Sainte-Marie school in the commune of Lingwala. He received his secondary education at the Athénée de la Gombe (then-called Kalina). Pablo's interest in music blossomed, with a fascination for jazz and pop music during his formative years and through his early exposure to artists like Johnny Hallyday and Claude François. and Orchestre Stukas, where he released his first single, "Mangenge".

Prominence In 1974, he joined Zaïko Langa Langa to replace Meridjo Belobi, their main drummer, who was imprisoned in Ekafela. They shared the post after his release. He had known them long before, rehearsing with their guitarist Mbuta Matima when he was in the band's pop section. His debut song with the band, "Ndonge," recorded at Johnny Bokelo's recording studio This album showcased "Azo," a studio rendition of his initial composition, "Oiseau De L'Amour." In 1985, alongside bandmate Meridjo Belobi, Pablo pioneered the technique of double-drumming in Congolese rumba.

1988's month of May witnessed a leadership dispute within Zaïko Langa Langa led to the formation of Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei, with Pablo as a prominent member.

Throughout the 1990s, Pablo continued releasing solo albums such as "Songa Fiele" (1990) and "Kenya Safari" (1991). His contributions continued within Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei, with compositions like the titular track of the album "Au Revoir Prince" (1991) and "Les Riches et Les Pauvres" (1992) from their third album, "Bako Bandela."

Later years and death In 1994, Bakunde Ilo Pablo withdrew from the music scene, redirecting his focus towards other endeavors. However, he later started hosting a radio show titled "Bana Léo."

He died on the morning of 20 September 2011 at the age of 60 in Kinshasa, at the Candeur polyclinic in the commune of Limete.

Discography

Solo albums

Rencontre (1984) Songa Fiele (1990) Kenya Safari (1991)

As a band member

Zaïko Langa Langa

Albums Plaisir de l'Ouest Afrique (double album, 1976) Nkolo Mboka (double album, 1982) L'Orchestre de tous les Âges (1983) Muvaro/Etape (1983) On Gagne le Procès (1984) Tout-Choc Anti-Choc Zaïko Langa Langa en Europe (1984) Oldies And Goodies (compilation album, 1985) Zaïko Eyi Nkisi (1985) Tala Modèle Echanger (1985) Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! (1986) Pusa Kuna... Serrez Serrez! (1986) Nippon Banzai (1986) Papa Omar (1987) Subissez les Conséquences (1987)

Singles

Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei

Zaïko Langa Langa F.D. (often referred as L'Oiseau Rare, 1989) Au Revoir Prince (1991) Bako Bandela (1992)

References list