Congolese music is in mourning following the death of the artist and entertainer "Nono Atalaku," born Nono Munzuluku, who passed away on Wednesday, January 10th in Paris, France.

According to a family insider quoted by the Congolese Press Agency (ACP), Nono Monzuluku faced a serious health problem last year. "The artist suffered from high blood pressure. But he had recovered and had also returned to the stage in Paris where he had been living since 2002. This time, we learned that the old man had a stroke. His health quickly deteriorated, leading to his death."

The same source continues: "Our last conversation with the old Nono Atalaku dates back to last December. We had talked about promoting his new album 'Misisa' in Kinshasa, which included a remix of his old animated shouts sung in Zaiko, notably 'Zekete Zekete', second episode, "which is already available on YouTube".
"Saviors" of Zaiko!

This artist is remembered for, in 1983 along with his accomplice Bebe Atalaku, originating from the Kintambo Commune, allowing the band dear to Nyoka Longo, which was in turmoil following the defection of some of its heavyweights like Evoloko Jocker, to create Les Langa Langa Stars. They had outshone several Kinshasa orchestras. It was to the services of these entertainers that the leader of Zaiko Langa Langa, destabilized, resorted to maintain the band through the contribution of the atalaku, whose innovation captivated the audience.

But to be honest, these artists were not the first entertainers or "Atalaku" in Congolese music. But they contributed significantly in popularizing this phenomenon in Congolese music. They have professionalized this craft to some extent. Because with their advent, it was the lead singers who handled this task.

The Indispensable Atalaku

This phenomenon has grown in importance thanks to them to the point that there is hardly any young, even Christian, Congolese music without the cries of the atalaku. Not only did it contribute to the success of orchestras like Choc Star, Wenge Musica BCBG, the phenomenon has even gone international, to several African countries like the Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast. Nono and his accomplice thus created a new profession and provided work for many young people in orchestras. There are many: Bill Clinton, Roi David, Celeo Schram in Wenge MMM of Werrason, Robert, Tutu Calluji in Wenge BCBG, Djuna Mumbafu Mathonet in Empire Bakuba, Ditutala in Choc Star... One can observe that most are natives of the Kintambo commune.

However, some analysts argue that this phenomenon, with its many noises although it adds warmth to Congolese music, has greatly contributed to its decline by making it lose the flavors of Rumba. Who knows better. The debate remains open.

Born on January 1st, 1960, Nono Atalaku remained in Europe since 2002 on the occasion of a Zaiko tour.

Among the Zaïko Langa Langa albums that benefited from the contribution of Nono Atalaku and company we can mention: Zekete Zekete 2nd episode (1983), We win the trial (1984), Zaïko Langa Langa in Europe (1984), Zaïko Eyi Nkisi (1985), See model exchange (1985), Pusa Kuna! Tighten Tighten (1986) Nippon Banzai (1986) Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! (1986), Zaïko Langa Langa in Bongoville (1987), Papa Omar (1987), Suffer the consequences (1987), Throw in the towel (1989), Here it goes... Open your heart (1990), Never without us (1991) Wanted (1995) No way out (1996).

Boni Tsala(BTT/PKF)