Werrason rules the Lingala world

By Harry Sagara A journalist friend of mine who met him when he recently had a Kenyan tour describes him as a youthful individual with a neat-shaven head and looks that would melt a heart of rock. He stood in the lobby of Jomo Kenyatta airport surrounded by gigantic security guards clad in black attire enhanced by shades. Mbu he appeared like any other of our African dictators. Speaking of dictators, meet Congolese music impressario Werrasson a.k.a Ngiama Makanda the man who single handedly dictates the Congolese music scene. His name sends shivers down the spines of Koffi Olomidde, J.B Mpiana, Alain Makaba and even Awilo Longomba. Little wonder he won the KORA award for best musician in Central Africa. Werrasson was one of the brains behind the now defunct ensemble, WENGE MUSICA. Together with the likes of JB Mpiana, Blaise Bula, Didier Masela and Titina they had formed this group while still mere students in Paris France. In their hey days, Wenge Musica the group ran rings round more established groups like Zaiko Langa Langa, TPOK Jazz and Bozi Boziana. Just put your mind in reverse gear and recall songs like hi ho ha, Kalai boeing, surprise kapangala, Ndombolo ya solo and the like. Now that is Wenge musica we are talking about. Well, like fate would have it, this popular ensemble broke apart and Werrasson formed a break away group aptly called WENGE Maison Mere. His other colleague, JB Mpiana also formed another group called WENGE BCBG (wonder what that means). Werrasson’s biggest hit so far is Solola Bien where they make non-connoisseurs of rumba music convert and want to learn the ‘helicopter’ dance instantly. Yes I mean that song that begins with some guy screaming “Heliiii.....Helicopter, Ezaaaa....Ezagoya” (The helicopter is coming here). The song has got exciting vocal arrangements and a gutsy, driving guitar and bass that make it even more exciting to listen to. Solala Bien is a kicking album, full healthy bass and strong animations, direct guitar work and sometimes dangerous vocals. Enough to get the blood pressure moving up, and up, and up. Ask guys who go to Angenoir on Fridays! It is said that Werrason is an African hero who draws capacity crowds wherever he goes. During his hey days, President Mobutu Seseseko is rumored to have had a very soft spot for him. Whenever Wenge Musica was going to perform for Mobutu (and they did this numerous times), Werrasson would arrive at the scene riding on the back of Mobutu’s adored white horse as opposed to the rest of the band members who would come driving. people adore him mainly because of his flashy lifestyle that consists his trademark leopard skin suit, Gabana belt and gyrating his huge potbelly. However some pundits say that Werrason is not a true musician but a man who is out to fleece the audiences with crap! Congolese legend, Tabu Ley Rochearou is quoted as saying that Werra is not a musician but a business man. Mbu he is not interested in conveying any message other than the pleasure he takes in his fat belly, his fast girls and even faster departure. Well, whatever you opine, I think Werra is the best thing to come out of Congo apart from Gold and women! ends