November 30, 2013 - November 30, 2023. Ten years since the musician artist Pascal known as "Seigneur Tabu Ley" or Rochereau left this earthly realm.

On this occasion, his biological and musical family made a visit this Thursday morning, the date of his death, to the Nécropole Entre ciel et terre to pay a well-deserved tribute to this giant of Congolese music.

After the necropolis, a thanksgiving mass will be held in his memory at the Notre Dame de Fatima Parish in the municipality of Gombe.

Pascal Emmanuel Sinamoyi Tabu, better known as Ley, was born on November 13, 1940, in Bagata in the current Province of Kwilu.

He started his musical career very young, in 1950 at the church and in the choirs of the schools he attended.

In 1956, during a recording session, he was recruited by Joseph Kabasele "Grand Kallé".

Pleased with his talent, Grand Kallé appreciated the work and hired him in his group African Jazz. Hence, the nickname Rochereau.

A few years later, Lord Ley became a major figure and a reference in Congolese music.

One of the two biggest stars of Congolese rumba along with Luambo Franco, Tabu Ley was the first black African to perform at the legendary Olympia in Paris, France in 1970.

In 1960, he left African Jazz and joined the African Jazz Orchestra.

Safi Mayonga (SM/PKF)