Léon Bukasa

Léon Bukasa Tsonza (1925 – 16 January 1974), known professionally as Léon Bukasa, was a Congolese singer, songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. Proficient in guitar, accordion, piano, violin, clarinet, and saxophone, he was a prominent figure in the early development of Congolese rumba and is credited with introducing the clarinet into modern Congolese music.

Born in Jadotville (now Likasi) in the Katanga Province of the former Belgian Congo, After moving to Léopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1947, he was discovered by Henri Bowane, who introduced him to the Ngoma record label in 1949. Other notable songs from this period include "Kuwata Webe Munsha", sung in Tshiluba, and "Bertha Roho Mbaya", a Swahili ballad marked by prominent banjo accompaniment. His 1956 release "Balitaka Kunifunga Kweli", the B-side of "Bibi Bertha Mosoko", also cemented his reputation. The album brought together several prominent figures in Congolese rumba, including Antoine Wendo Kolosoy, Manuel d'Oliveira, Camille Feruzi, Lucie Eyenga Moseka, and Adou Elenga.