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Léon Bukasa

1925 – 1974

Congolese musician

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About Léon Bukasa

Lived 1925 – 1974 (aged 48–49). Léon Bukasa was a Congolese guitarist.

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.

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Important facts

Born
1925
Birth century
Occupation

People in Léon Bukasa's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Léon Bukasa's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Léon Bukasa?

Congolese musician (1925–1974)

When was Léon Bukasa born?

Léon Bukasa was born in 1925.

When did Léon Bukasa die?

Léon Bukasa died on 16 January 1974.

What was Léon Bukasa's occupation?

Léon Bukasa was a guitarist.

What nationality was Léon Bukasa?

Léon Bukasa was Congolese.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Léon Bukasa

· Wikidata: Q134212137

· DBpedia: Léon Bukasa

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Léon Bukasa. https://biography.guide/leon-bukasa/

MLA: "Léon Bukasa." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/leon-bukasa/.

Chicago: "Léon Bukasa." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/leon-bukasa/.

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