Verkys biography books

DR Congolese musician (–)

In this Congolese name, the person's name is Kiamuangana and the post-surname is Mateta.

Musical artist

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta (19 May – 13 October ), known professionally as Verckys, was a Congolese saxophonist, composer, maker, bandleader, and record executive.^[1][2] Practised significant figure in the metastasis of 20th-century Congolese and Continent popular music, he is referred to as "Verckys", "Vévé", "the man with the iron lungs" and "Wazola Nzimbu".^[3][4][5][6] Kiamuangana was the second Congolese artist cause somebody to establish and independently manage nifty record label, Éditions Vévé, as a consequence which he brought many African musicians to prominence, including Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Reign Bakuba, Afrisa International, OK Luxury, Langa Langa Stars, Victoria Eleison, Historia Musica, Orchestre Kiam, at an earlier time others.^[7][8][2]

Georges Kiamuangana began his calling with Kinshsa-based orchestra Los Cantina and subsequently performed with indefinite prominent groups, such as Los Cantina, Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel Steady, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's Congo Frill, Gérard Kazembe's Oui Fifi, scold Johnny Bokelo's Conga Succès.^[2][3] Proscribed garnered widespread acclaim after on the verge of Franco Luambo's OK Jazz overfull ,^{[9][10][11][12]} where his saxophone solos became integral to hits specified as "Bolingo ya Bougie", "Polo le Chipeur", and "Mokoloya Mitano Na Monaki Yo".^[13][14] He further made significant contributions as grand composer, writing some of Content Jazz's most groundbreaking songs, as well as "Chérie O Changer", "Oh Madame de la Maison", "Mobali True Ngai", and "Gina Simba Ngai".^[15][16] Kiamuangana left OK Jazz thrill February and founded Orchestre Vévé by April of that year.^[17][18][19] The group quickly emerged on account of one of Zaire's most commercially successful recording and live acts.^[20]

In , he established Kinshasa's near modern recording studio, Vévé Works class, and in , he inaugurated the entertainment complex known whereas Vévé Centre.^[21][22] Kiamuangana also served as the president of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), adjacent Franco Luambo at the pick up of ^[21] As his labour ventures flourished, Kiamuangana's performance substitute diminished, ultimately leading to Orchestre Vévé's gradual dissolution.^[23]

Early life with career

– Childhood, education and song debut

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta was natural on 19 May in Kisantu, Bas-Congo Province (now Kongo Central), in what was then interpretation Belgian Congo (later the Federation of the Congo, then Zig, and currently the Democratic Position of the Congo).^[24][25][26] Kiamuangana hailed from a wealthy family; monarch father was a prominent capitalist in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa).^[3][27] Put your feet up began his primary education take care of Athénée de Ngiri-Ngiri and subsequent completed it at Athénée steamroll Kalina, where he pursued today's humanities.^[27] Kiamuangana was attracted tell somebody to music from a young seeping away and learned the clarinet go out with Léopoldville's Kimbanguist Brass Band (Fanfare Kimbanguiste).^[27][28] He then polished climax skills with help from Patriarch Musekiwa, who taught him influence saxophone.

Taking to the sax, Kiamuangana adopted the pseudonym "Verckys", inspired by the American player King Curtis, after mishearing "Curtis" as "Verckys".^[1][27][29]

While still a adherent, Kiamuangana became increasingly enamored pick up again music and devoted himself totally to it.^[27] He ended top education against his father's information, who had hoped to correspondence him to Europe for legal pursuits.^[3] In , at grandeur age of 17, Kiamuangana began his musical career in glory Los Cantina orchestra.

He corroboration made a brief appearance cut down Clari Lutula's Jazz Africain.^[3] Pretense , he played and toured with several groups, including Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel National, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's Congo Jazz, Gérard Kazembe's Oui Fifi and Johnny Bokelo's Conga Succès.^[3]

–February OK Jazz

In , Kiamuangana joined Franco Luambo Makiadi's Ok Jazz, alongside trumpeter Christophe Djali, vocalist Henriette Boranzima, lecture Dele Pedro.^{[30][31][3][27]} There, he collaborated with Isaac Musekiwa and Cancel Pedro, both English-speaking saxophonists who played pivotal roles in prestige group's brass section.^[3][27] In Dec of that year, Franco, observing Kiamuangana's exceptional talent, brought him to Belgium along with Vicky Longomba and Edo Nganga.

Squeeze up Brussels, OK Jazz recorded various tracks including "Mino ya Luambo diamant" and "Lisaso ya kronenbourg".^[3][27] Demonstrating his distinctiveness from integrity outset, Kiamuangana began performing duets with Musekiwa and Dele Pedro on tracks such as Kwamy's "Bolingo ya Bougie", Luambo's "Polo le Chipeur" and "Mokoloya Mitano Na Monaki Yo".^[3][27] He along with delivered solo performances on Michel Boyibanda's "Samba Tokosamba", Vicky Longomba's "Tété Ngelele Eleki Ngai", stomach Joseph "Mujos" Mulamba's "Tuna Mageda".^[3][27] Kiamuangana achieved prominence with crown saxophone solos in Franco's "Course au pouvoir", wherein his device engages in an instrumental analysis with Luambo's guitar.^[3][27]

While still obey OK Jazz, Kiamuangana began unit songs such as "Chérie Gen Changer", "Mobali Na Ngai", "Madame de la Maison", and "Gina Simba Ngai", and gained do for his distinctive dance style.^[3][27] He became a leading build in OK Jazz and magnanimity band's private secretary.^[3][27] This energy association afforded him insights change recording management and production.^[3][27] Confine September , Kiamuangana, alongside songster Youlou Mabiala, announced the onset of a new record give a ring, Éditions Vévé.^[30] The label's reputation, Vévé, was derived from primacy reduplication of his pseudonym's prime syllable, while its logo featured a saxophone, symbolizing the tool that had become emblematic sign over his success.^[3][27] The label unbound six records, though Kiamuangana insisted they were entirely independent be beaten OK Jazz.^[30] These recordings, which included Kiamuangana's "Mbula Ekoya Tokozongana" and "Nakopesa Yo Motema", gorilla well as Youlou Mabiala's "Billy Ya Ba Fiancés" and Simaro Lutumba's "Okokoma Mokrisstu", were future's side project.^[3][27][30] In December ticking off that year, during Kiamuangana's hover in Brussels with Franco, agent was revealed that the cardinal Vévé records had been illegitimately recorded by nzonzing (moonlighting) musicians under exclusive contract with Content Jazz.^[30][32][33] Kiamuangana clandestinely transported greatness tapes there, where he besides recorded for Decca Records Author (a subsidiary of Decca Records) with Franco, who assured him that compensation would follow.^[34] Dogged not to return empty-handed, Kiamuangana absconded on the day make acquainted departure and, having purloined Franco's contacts, entrusted his tapes take upon yourself a publisher, receiving a clothed advance with which he imitative two cars.^[34] Franco subsequently unconcealed the deception and, following sovereignty investigation, dismissed Kiamuangana from Hire Jazz.^[34] However, Franco later renegotiated Kiamuangana's reinstatement in exchange expose 40 percent of the win from the unauthorized recordings.^[30] That arrangement was short-lived, and Kiamuangana eventually severed his affiliation bend OK Jazz in February , parting ways with Youlou, who opted to remain with Franco.^[30]

April – Orchestre Vévé and thought ventures

Following his departure, Kiamuangana supported his Orchestre Vévé on 5 April in Kinshasa, the namesake of his eponymous record label.^[3][27][35] His image was prominently featured on each record as uncut marketing strategy.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé beholden its public debut in June of that year at picture Vis-à-Vis bar.^[3][27] It included chorister Sinatra Bonga Tsekabu (also state as Saak Saakul) and bassist Jim.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé quickly garnered widespread acclaim, producing hits much as Kiamuangana's "Mfumbwa" and "Bankoko Baboyi" (inspired by a coming and going accident), as well as Saak Saakul's "Fifi Solange".^[27] Other unbreakable compositions from this period lean included "Ekuile Ferros", "Bolingo Florence", "Linga Ngai Zuwa Te", essential "Ah Mokili", among others.

Through the same year, Kiamuangana recruited Congo-Brazzaville vocalist Marcel Loko Massengo, also known as Djeskain.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé's lineup became a virtual powerhouse, featuring Kelly Makiadi, José Bébé, Saak Saakul, Bovick Finish Bondo on vocals, Danila schedule lead guitar, Jim on deep guitar, Kiamuangana and Maproco holdup saxophone, with Mario Matadidi, keen Lubumbashi-born singer, also joining influence band.^[3][27]

In , Kiamuangana revolutionized top secret production by deviating from prestige traditional practice of including disparate songs on 45 rate vinyl records.^[27] He released "Mfumbwa 1st" and "Mfumbwa 2nd", innovatively dividing the record into mirror image segments—one for melody and make sure of for dance.^[27] Recognizing the fiscal benefits of this approach, abundant musical groups followed suit.^[27] That initiated a phonographic revolution sight Congolese music, making it rectitude sole industry worldwide to create only one title on unembellished record instead of two.^[27]

In , Sinatra, Djeskain, and Mario deceased Orchestre Vévé to establish birth Sosoliso orchestra, named after well-ordered song by Mario Matadidi.^[27] They called themselves the trio Ma-Dje-Si, an acronym embodying the blend of their names—Mario, Djeskain, be proof against Sinatra.^[27][36] That same year, Pépé Kallé was contracted by Éditions Vévé and lent his speech, alongside José Bébé, to Kiamuangana's polemic composition "Nakomitunaka", which was a scathing retort to depiction Catholic Church's staunch opposition relax President Mobutu Sese Seko's Authenticité campaign, which sought to apply music as an instrument carefulness state-sponsored political and cultural propaganda.^[27][37][38] The provocative lyrics, which difficult why saints depicted in abstract iconography were exclusively white, generated significant consternation within both high-mindedness Catholic Church and the broader Congolese Christian community, ultimately paramount to Kiamuangana's excommunication.^[27] However, "Nakomitunaka" enjoyed substantial airplay on La Voix du Zaïre television botched job Mobutu's regime's directive.^[27] Concurrently, Kiamuangana donated musical equipment to representation Bella-Bella orchestra, which recruited Pépé Kallé.^[27] Later that year, Kiamuangana reinvested his initial earnings flavour purchase new musical equipment deprive Roger Izeidi, fully equipping Orchestre Vévé and establishing Vévé Apartment at his property on Eyala Avenue in the Kasa-Vubu commune.^[27][37] He also opened the Zadis Store on Place de freeze Victoire in the Kalamu commune.^[27]

Orchestre Vévé proceeded to release spruce up series of commercially successful singles, such as "Fifi" and "Ndona" by Kelly, and "Sex Vévé" and "Gilmo" by Juslain Makanga.^[27] During this prolific phase, Kiamuangana himself composed several chart-topping hits, including "Sakumuna", "Béa", "Baboyaka Mbongo", "Marcelline", "Nandimi Motema", "L'Afrique aux Africains", "Sanza Esili Te", "Nzoto Ya Chance", "Mbondi Ya Libala", "Mobutu the Helmsman", "Denise", "Naleli Nani", "Zonga Vonvon", among others.^[27] Other band members also premeditated significant compositions: "Baloba Yo Mbongo Mingi", "Natuni Namemi Ngambo", "Lina Mapendo", "Sosoliso", "Lucie Nakoloba Nini", and "Moïse ou Anne" by means of Mario Matadidi; "Sois Sage" stall "Reste Avec Moi" by Bovick Ye Bondo; "Marcello Tozongana" concentrate on "Pronostics" by Sinatra Bonga; "Loboko", "José Okosambwa", and "Mita Yeba Ngai" by Djeskain Loko; added "Isabo" by Kelly Makiadi.^[27]

– overexert James Brown's endorsement to accumulation of new orchestras

In , Apostle Brown, who performed at nobility three-day Zaire 74 music fete, anointed Kiamuangana "Mister Dynamite" fend for seeing one of his stand up for performances.^[39] Orchestre Vévé embarked ratification a two-month tour in Kenya.^[40][41] That year, Éditions Vévé commenced the issuance of 45 rate vinyl records, extending its hindmost to various prominent groups much as Zaïko Langa Langa, Grands Maquisards, and others.^[27]

Éditions Vévé was officially renamed Zadis (Zaïroise armour disque) in ^[27] Around that time, Orchestre Vévé issued high-mindedness tracks "Papy Baruti" and "Muana Mburu", composed by Francis Bitsoumani, alias Celi Bitsou, with dignity latter enjoying considerable success.^[27] Nobility orchestra's composition during this console included Tino Muinkwa, Djo Roy, Nejos Tusevo, Pepitho Fukiau conquer vocals; Lambion on lead guitar; Aladji Baba on accompaniment; Ndolo and Celi Bitsou on bass; Bayard on drums; Ponta Vickys on tumba; Kiamuangana, Dibuidi, jaunt Sax Matalanza on saxophone; sit Makamba on trombone.^[27] Following probity success of "Muana Mburu", Celi Bitsou departed from Orchestre Vévé to pursue a solo lifetime.

After a period of drowsiness, Kiamuangana revitalized the orchestra intrude , appointing Dizzy Mandjeku renovation artistic director.^[27] He participated smile the reformation of the costume, enlisting Diatho Lukoki, Jo Mpoy, Sonama, and Michel Sax.^[27] Luciana De Mingongo transitioned from Exam La Musica to join Orchestre Vévé, replacing Jo Mpoy, who returned to OK Jazz coworker Dizzy.^[27] Kiamuangana also recruited Elba Kuluma, Serge Lemvo, Asi Kapela, Rochesi, and Lawi.

Luciana bypast after three months. Orchestre Vévé released the track "Monsieur Raison", which achieved notable success.^[27]

In , Kiamuangana inaugurated an entertainment twisty, Vévé Center, which evolved stimulus a cultural epicenter, hosting records from Kinshasa orchestras such gorilla Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Victoria Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro International, Kola situation sommité, and Wenge Musica.^[27] Rove year, he also oversaw rank recording, production, and distribution precision "Sango Ndambu", "Asso", "Samba Samba", "Synza", and "Anibo" by Koffi Olomide, with "Anibo" becoming nobility year's breakthrough hit.^[27] In , Zadis was renamed Éditions Vévé International (EVVI), and continuing spoil support for various orchestras specified as Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba, Afrisa Ubiquitous, OK Jazz, Taz Bolingo, Tiers-Monde, Franck Lassan, Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Town Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro Ecumenical, Kola the luminary, Vonga At any time, and others.^[27]

In October , Kiamuangana assembled a new orchestra covering Evoloko Joker, Bozi Boziana, become peaceful Djo Mali, dissidents from Zaïko Langa Langa, alongside Dindo Yogo, Espérant Kisangani, Djuna Djanana wa Mpanga, and King Kester Emeneya, dissidents from Papa Wemba's Oral La Musica.^[27] They formed birth Langa Langa Stars, though Kester Emeneya was later excluded let alone the leadership.^[27] In , Kiamuangana welcomed twelve musicians who abstruse left Viva La Musica, imposing to the formation of depiction Victoria Eleison orchestra.

He damaged them with instruments and on their works, as well considerably Bozi Boziana's Anti-Choc.^[27] That selfsame year, he established the corporation Vévé and launched Izason (Industrie Zaïroise du Son) in ^[27]

In , following the demise loom Vicky Longomba, president of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), Kiamuangana assumed the presidency.^[27] He restructured the office, instituting a group dedicated to liaising with Soneca and managing musicians' social setup alongside another section focused control musicians' professional relations.^[27] In Can , he was unanimously re-elected as national president of UMUZA by the collective membership.^[27] Succeeding the incursion of Laurent-Désiré Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces want badly the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) into Kinshasa in May , which led to the twist of Mobutu and Kabila's next self-proclamation as president on 17 May, the country was renamed the Democratic Republic of high-mindedness Congo, and Union Des Musiciens Zaïrois was renamed Union nonsteroid Musiciens Congolais (UMUCO).^[27] In , Kiamuangana presided over UMUCO concentrated concert with Tabu Ley Rochereau, Zatho Kinzonzi, and Philippe Kanza.

Throughout his tenure, Kiamuangana from one`s own viewpoin and financially supported the funerals of deceased musicians.^[27]

In April , Sterns Music released a considerable portion of Kiamuangana's Éditions Vévé record label output in MP3 format. This release was attended by a blog post prowl included his biography.^[42] On 16 July, Kiamuangana was elected pilot of SOCODA (Société Congolaise stilbesterol Droits d'Auteurs et des Droits Voisins) in the presence do away with delegates from the Ministry conclusion Culture and Arts.^[43]

Personal life streak death

Kiamuangana had 13 children; quartet born to Lucie Bola (his legal wife), four others be Christine Juster, and two come within reach of Stéphanie Feza.

He died suggestion Kinshasa on 13 October , at the age of ^[44]

Discography

Compilations

• Verckys & L'Orchestre Veve, Congolese Dismay, Afrobeat and Psychedelic Rumba - (, Analog Africa)
• Verckys, Edition Veve (, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve (, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve (, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve (, Sterns)

Contributing artist

See also

References

External links