Pamélo Mounka

Pamelo Mounk'a (May 10, 1945-January 14, 1996) was a Congolese singer and songwriter. Born Yves Andre M'Bemba, he was also known as Pablito and Pamelo M'Bemba.

Career Mounk'a (then calling himself Pablito) got his start when he was hired by Jean Serge Essous in 1963 for Essous' band Les Bantous de la Capitale(fr). He briefly crossed over the river in 1964 to sing with Tabu Ley Rochereau's band African Fiesta, before returning to Brazzaville and the Bantous. According to Graeme Ewens of the Guardian, the former sold over 400,000 copies across Africa. Members of the band Extra Musica have cited Mounk'a as an influence.

Discography Mansuwa (1968, written while part of Orchestre Bantou) L'incontournable (1993, compilation album) L'essentiel (1993, compilation album)