On this Thursday, March 7, 2023, the Congolese singer Josky Kiambukuta marks three years in the hereafter, leaving behind an orphaned Congolese rumba. This genre lost one of its finest voices when he passed away at the age of 72. As one of the greatest Congolese vocal artists, he made his mark with his beautiful voice over an uninterrupted career spanning more than 40 years.

He lent his voice to several works, notably with Franco Luambo Makiadi's OK Jazz band, where he spent the majority of his career. His memorable contributions in songs like "Bon marché," "Farya," and others are still remembered today.

He has also created his own works, among which are "Chandra," "Na mabele," "Baby," "Chez mère Kusala," "Sincérité," "Mumune," "Missile."

It was with Dr Nico Kasanda's orchestra African Fiesta Sukisa that this young talent took his first steps in the art of Orpheus before joining African Jazz led by Grand Kallé in 1971.

By 1974, he joined Franco Luambo Makiadi's OK Jazz orchestra. However, in 1985, Josky temporarily parted with Franco to pursue a solo career, in collaboration with Ntesa Dalienst before returning to him. He remained there until Franco's death, before joining the group "Bana Ok," composed of OK Jazz defectors led by Simaro Lutumba, due to disagreements with Franco's heirs. This was in 1993. Plagued by health issues, he was eventually forced to end his career. He breathed his last on March 7, 2021, in Kinshasa.

Boni Tsala