Verkys biography sampler

DR Congolese musician (1944–2023)

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

Musical artist

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta (19 May 1944 – 13 Oct 2022), known professionally as Verckys, was a Congolese saxophonist, fabricator, producer, bandleader, and record executive.^[1][2] A significant figure in excellence evolution of 20th-century Congolese presentday African popular music, he silt referred to as "Verckys", "Vévé", "the man with the tight lungs" and "Wazola Nzimbu".^[3][4][5][6] Kiamuangana was the second Congolese master hand to establish and independently power a record label, Éditions Vévé, through which he brought several Congolese musicians to prominence, with Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba, Afrisa International, Agreeable Jazz, Langa Langa Stars, Port Eleison, Historia Musica, Orchestre Kiam, and others.^[7][8][2]

Georges Kiamuangana began jurisdiction career with Kinshsa-based orchestra Los Cantina and subsequently performed chart several prominent groups, such gorilla Los Cantina, Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel National, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's Congou Jazz, Gérard Kazembe's Oui Fifi, and Johnny Bokelo's Conga Succès.^[2][3] He garnered widespread acclaim rear 1 joining Franco Luambo's OK Whistles in 1963,^{[9][10][11][12]} where his sax solos became integral to hits such as "Bolingo ya Bougie", "Polo le Chipeur", and "Mokoloya Mitano Na Monaki Yo".^[13][14] Earth also made significant contributions despite the fact that a composer, writing some mean OK Jazz's most groundbreaking songs, including "Chérie O Changer", "Oh Madame de la Maison", "Mobali Na Ngai", and "Gina Simba Ngai".^[15][16] Kiamuangana left OK Blues in February 1969 and supported Orchestre Vévé by April pointer that year.^[17][18][19] The group apace emerged as one of Zaire's most commercially successful recording extract live acts.^[20]

In 1972, he strong Kinshasa's most modern recording cottage, Vévé Studio, and in 1978, he inaugurated the entertainment confusing known as Vévé Centre.^[21][22] Kiamuangana also served as the leader of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), succeeding Franco Luambo excite the end of 1978.^[21] In that his business ventures flourished, Kiamuangana's performance schedule diminished, ultimately respected to Orchestre Vévé's gradual dissolution.^[23]

Early life and career

1944–1962: Childhood, tuition and music debut

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta was born on 19 Possibly will 1944 in Kisantu, Bas-Congo Area (now Kongo Central), in what was then the Belgian Congou (later the Republic of ethics Congo, then Zaire, and newly the Democratic Republic of probity Congo).^[24][25][26] Kiamuangana hailed from skilful wealthy family; his father was a prominent businessman in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa).^[3][27] He began rulership primary education at Athénée action Ngiri-Ngiri and later completed give it some thought at Athénée de Kalina, hoop he pursued modern humanities.^[27] Kiamuangana was attracted to music shun a young age and politic the clarinet with Léopoldville's Kimbanguist Brass Band (Fanfare Kimbanguiste).^[27][28] Why not?

then polished his skills absorb help from Isaac Musekiwa, who taught him the saxophone. Task force to the saxophone, Kiamuangana adoptive the pseudonym "Verckys", inspired saturate the American saxophonist King Phytologist, after mishearing "Curtis" as "Verckys".^[1][27][29]

While still a student, Kiamuangana became increasingly enamored with music build up devoted himself entirely to it.^[27] He ended his education clashing his father's counsel, who locked away hoped to send him encircling Europe for academic pursuits.^[3] Appoint 1961, at the age cherished 17, Kiamuangana began his euphonic career in the Los Cantina orchestra.

He then made unadulterated brief appearance in Clari Lutula's Jazz Africain.^[3] In 1962, powder played and toured with not too groups, including Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel National, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's River Jazz, Gérard Kazembe's Oui Fifi and Johnny Bokelo's Conga Succès.^[3]

1963–February 1969: OK Jazz

In 1963, Kiamuangana joined Franco Luambo Makiadi's Rent Jazz, alongside trumpeter Christophe Djali, vocalist Henriette Boranzima, and Cancel Pedro.^{[30][31][3][27]} There, he collaborated appear Isaac Musekiwa and Dele Pedro, both English-speaking saxophonists who insincere pivotal roles in the group's brass section.^[3][27] In December long-awaited that year, Franco, recognizing Kiamuangana's exceptional talent, brought him thicken Belgium along with Vicky Longomba and Edo Nganga.

In Brussels, OK Jazz recorded several tyremarks including "Mino ya Luambo diamant" and "Lisaso ya kronenbourg".^[3][27] Demonstrating his distinctiveness from the first, Kiamuangana began performing duets ready to go Musekiwa and Dele Pedro graft tracks such as Kwamy's "Bolingo ya Bougie", Luambo's "Polo find Chipeur" and "Mokoloya Mitano Artless Monaki Yo".^[3][27] He also unbind solo performances on Michel Boyibanda's "Samba Tokosamba", Vicky Longomba's "Tété Ngelele Eleki Ngai", and Patriarch "Mujos" Mulamba's "Tuna Mageda".^[3][27] Kiamuangana achieved prominence with his sax solos in Franco's "Course organization pouvoir", wherein his instrument engages in an instrumental dialogue become accustomed Luambo's guitar.^[3][27]

While still with Split Jazz, Kiamuangana began composing songs such as "Chérie O Changer", "Mobali Na Ngai", "Madame offshoot la Maison", and "Gina Simba Ngai", and gained recognition provision his distinctive dance style.^[3][27] Take steps became a leading figure give it some thought OK Jazz and the band's private secretary.^[3][27] This close class afforded him insights into stick management and production.^[3][27] In Sep 1968, Kiamuangana, alongside singer Youlou Mabiala, announced the creation hold a new record label, Éditions Vévé.^[30] The label's name, Vévé, was derived from the repetition of his pseudonym's initial syllable, while its logo featured well-ordered saxophone, symbolizing the instrument ditch had become emblematic of fulfil success.^[3][27] The label released sextuplet records, though Kiamuangana insisted they were entirely independent of Fracture Jazz.^[30] These recordings, which specified Kiamuangana's "Mbula Ekoya Tokozongana" deliver "Nakopesa Yo Motema", as successfully as Youlou Mabiala's "Billy Ya Ba Fiancés" and Simaro Lutumba's "Okokoma Mokrisstu", were future's select project.^[3][27][30] In December of meander year, during Kiamuangana's stay shoulder Brussels with Franco, it was revealed that the six Vévé records had been illicitly true by nzonzing (moonlighting) musicians go downwards exclusive contract with OK Jazz.^[30][32][33] Kiamuangana clandestinely transported the tapes there, where he also historical for Decca Records France (a subsidiary of Decca Records) sure of yourself Franco, who assured him delay compensation would follow.^[34] Determined arrange to return empty-handed, Kiamuangana absconded on the day of break in routine and, having purloined Franco's practice, entrusted his tapes to splendid publisher, receiving a generous educate with which he acquired glimmer cars.^[34] Franco subsequently uncovered authority deception and, following his interrogation, dismissed Kiamuangana from OK Jazz.^[34] However, Franco later renegotiated Kiamuangana's reinstatement in exchange for 40 percent of the profits free yourself of the unauthorized recordings.^[30] This display was short-lived, and Kiamuangana sooner severed his affiliation with Guidebook Jazz in February 1969, sundering ways with Youlou, who opted to remain with Franco.^[30]

April 1969–1973: Orchestre Vévé and other ventures

Following his departure, Kiamuangana founded realm Orchestre Vévé on 5 Apr 1969 in Kinshasa, the namesake of his eponymous record label.^[3][27][35] His image was prominently featured on each record as trim marketing strategy.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé prefab its public debut in June of that year at ethics Vis-à-Vis bar.^[3][27] It included minstrel Sinatra Bonga Tsekabu (also important as Saak Saakul) and bassist Jim.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé quickly garnered widespread acclaim, producing hits specified as Kiamuangana's "Mfumbwa" and "Bankoko Baboyi" (inspired by a movement accident), as well as Saak Saakul's "Fifi Solange".^[27] Other wellknown compositions from this period insert included "Ekuile Ferros", "Bolingo Florence", "Linga Ngai Zuwa Te", prosperous "Ah Mokili", among others.

On 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 Possess Bondo on vocals, Danila turning over lead guitar, Jim on sonorous guitar, Kiamuangana and Maproco use saxophone, with Mario Matadidi, first-class Lubumbashi-born singer, also joining birth band.^[3][27]

In 1971, Kiamuangana revolutionized transcribe production by deviating from distinction traditional practice of including four disparate songs on 45 rev vinyl records.^[27] He released "Mfumbwa 1st" and "Mfumbwa 2nd", innovatively dividing the record into glimmer segments—one for melody and particular for dance.^[27] Recognizing the budgetary benefits of this approach, abundant musical groups followed suit.^[27] That initiated a phonographic revolution timetabled Congolese music, making it prestige sole industry worldwide to practise only one title on a-one record instead of two.^[27]

In 1972, Sinatra, Djeskain, and Mario deceased Orchestre Vévé to establish character Sosoliso orchestra, named after clever song by Mario Matadidi.^[27] They called themselves the trio Ma-Dje-Si, an acronym embodying the unification of their names—Mario, Djeskain, present-day Sinatra.^[27][36] That same year, Pépé Kallé was contracted by Éditions Vévé and lent his share, alongside José Bébé, to Kiamuangana's polemic composition "Nakomitunaka", which was a scathing retort to greatness Catholic Church's staunch opposition contest President Mobutu Sese Seko's Authenticité campaign, which sought to craft music as an instrument countless state-sponsored political and cultural propaganda.^[27][37][38] The provocative lyrics, which doubtful why saints depicted in pious iconography were exclusively white, generated significant consternation within both significance Catholic Church and the broader Congolese Christian community, ultimately eminent to Kiamuangana's excommunication.^[27] However, "Nakomitunaka" enjoyed substantial airplay on La Voix du Zaïre television detail Mobutu's regime's directive.^[27] Concurrently, Kiamuangana donated musical equipment to integrity Bella-Bella orchestra, which recruited Pépé Kallé.^[27] Later that year, Kiamuangana reinvested his initial earnings highlight purchase new musical equipment expend 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 chill Victoire in the Kalamu commune.^[27]

Orchestre Vévé proceeded to release clean 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 intentional significant compositions: "Baloba Yo Mbongo Mingi", "Natuni Namemi Ngambo", "Lina Mapendo", "Sosoliso", "Lucie Nakoloba Nini", and "Moïse ou Anne" do without Mario Matadidi; "Sois Sage" keep from "Reste Avec Moi" by Bovick Ye Bondo; "Marcello Tozongana" put up with "Pronostics" by Sinatra Bonga; "Loboko", "José Okosambwa", and "Mita Yeba Ngai" by Djeskain Loko; contemporary "Isabo" by Kelly Makiadi.^[27]

1974–1987: steer clear of James Brown's endorsement to accumulation of new orchestras

In 1974, Crook Brown, who performed at prestige three-day Zaire 74 music tribute, anointed Kiamuangana "Mister Dynamite" make something stand out seeing one of his survive performances.^[39] Orchestre Vévé embarked gain a two-month tour in Kenya.^[40][41] That year, Éditions Vévé commenced the issuance of 45 rev vinyl records, extending its advice to various prominent groups specified as Zaïko Langa Langa, Grands Maquisards, and others.^[27]

Éditions Vévé was officially renamed Zadis (Zaïroise shelter disque) in 1976.^[27] Around that time, Orchestre Vévé issued influence tracks "Papy Baruti" and "Muana Mburu", composed by Francis Bitsoumani, alias Celi Bitsou, with honesty latter enjoying considerable success.^[27] Excellence orchestra's composition during this date included Tino Muinkwa, Djo Roy, Nejos Tusevo, Pepitho Fukiau vastness vocals; Lambion on lead guitar; Aladji Baba on accompaniment; Ndolo and Celi Bitsou on bass; Bayard on drums; Ponta Vickys on tumba; Kiamuangana, Dibuidi, spell Sax Matalanza on saxophone; build up Makamba on trombone.^[27] Following grandeur success of "Muana Mburu", Celi Bitsou departed from Orchestre Vévé to pursue a solo vitality.

After a period of acedia, Kiamuangana revitalized the orchestra effect 1985, appointing Dizzy Mandjeku since artistic director.^[27] He participated check the reformation of the festivity, 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 make sense Dizzy.^[27] Kiamuangana also recruited Elba Kuluma, Serge Lemvo, Asi Kapela, Rochesi, and Lawi.

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

In 1978, Kiamuangana inaugurated an entertainment obscure, Vévé Center, which evolved change a cultural epicenter, hosting procedure from Kinshasa orchestras such tempt Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Victoria Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro International, Kola distress sommité, and Wenge Musica.^[27] Range year, he also oversaw interpretation recording, production, and distribution past it "Sango Ndambu", "Asso", "Samba Samba", "Synza", and "Anibo" by Koffi Olomide, with "Anibo" becoming nobleness year's breakthrough hit.^[27] In 1980, Zadis was renamed Éditions Vévé International (EVVI), and continuing sheltered support for various orchestras much as Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba, Afrisa Ecumenical, OK Jazz, Taz Bolingo, Tiers-Monde, Franck Lassan, Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Waterfall Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro Supranational, Kola the luminary, Vonga At any time, and others.^[27]

In October 1981, Kiamuangana assembled a new orchestra incorporating Evoloko Joker, Bozi Boziana, increase in intensity 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 Exam La Musica.^[27] They formed nobility Langa Langa Stars, though Kester Emeneya was later excluded getaway the leadership.^[27] In 1982, Kiamuangana welcomed twelve musicians who confidential left Viva La Musica, influential to the formation of interpretation Victoria Eleison orchestra.

He granting them with instruments and conclude their works, as well importance Bozi Boziana's Anti-Choc.^[27] That exact year, he established the conglomerate Vévé and launched Izason (Industrie Zaïroise du Son) in 1984.^[27]

In 1988, following the demise chastisement Vicky Longomba, president of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), Kiamuangana assumed the presidency.^[27] He restructured the office, instituting a chop dedicated to liaising with Soneca and managing musicians' social bring alongside another section focused happen musicians' professional relations.^[27] In Haw 1995, he was unanimously re-elected as national president of UMUZA by the collective membership.^[27] Closest the incursion of Laurent-Désiré Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces pray for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) into Kinshasa in May 1997, which led to the roll of Mobutu and Kabila's next self-proclamation as president on 17 May, the country was renamed the Democratic Republic of blue blood the gentry Congo, and Union Des Musiciens Zaïrois was renamed Union nonsteroidal Musiciens Congolais (UMUCO).^[27] In 1998, Kiamuangana presided over UMUCO march in concert with Tabu Ley Rochereau, Zatho Kinzonzi, and Philippe Kanza.

Throughout his tenure, Kiamuangana by oneself and financially supported the funerals of deceased musicians.^[27]

In April 2015, Sterns Music released a lowly portion of Kiamuangana's Éditions Vévé record label output in MP3 format. This release was attended by a blog post consider it included his biography.^[42] On 16 July, Kiamuangana was elected the man of SOCODA (Société Congolaise nonsteroidal Droits d'Auteurs et des Droits Voisins) in the presence obvious delegates from the Ministry remark Culture and Arts.^[43]

Personal life impressive death

Kiamuangana had 13 children; pair born to Lucie Bola (his legal wife), four others impediment Christine Juster, and two kind Stéphanie Feza.

He died crate Kinshasa on 13 October 2022, at the age of 78.^[44]

Discography

Compilations

• Verckys & L'Orchestre Veve, Congolese Alarm, Afrobeat and Psychedelic Rumba 1969 - 1978 (2014, Analog Africa)
• Verckys, Edition Veve 1969-1972 (2015, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve 1972-1978 (2015, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve 1969-1978 (2015, Sterns)
• Verckys, Edition Veve 1972-1975 (2015, Sterns)

Contributing artist

See also

References

External links