What happened to Wenge Musica?

By Harry Sagara Speak of the brains behind chart-busting compositions like Ndombolo ya solo, Hi Ho Ha and Kalai Boeing and the mind immediately runs to the Congolese musical ensemble, Wenge Musica. Their venture into Rumba music better known as Lingala, created an impact that will forever live on and on. We do not understand the words in the songs, though we dance like crazy whenever the music is played. Wenge Musica were one of Congo’s most thrifty music groups. The sound of their guitars shimmered, and the ensemble vocals were alluring. Their choreographic antics still dazzle many a Lingala music fan and it might be impossible for another Musical group to match the pace Wenge Musica set. Theirs was a lean, young band competing with the big names like Papa Wemba, Zaiko Langa Langa, Bozi Boziana, TPOK Jazz band and the like. They cut the tight, clean edge that their elders and musical mentors were rapidly forgetting and with the advent of better technology, it was too easy a time for them in the studios. The group was formed in July 1981 by a bunch of college students, Ngiama Makanda (a.k.a Werrason), JP Mpiana, Blaise Bula, Didier Masela, Alain Makaba and drummer Titina. They made their maiden recording, Mulolo, in 1988. For two years, the album held Wenge at the top of the Kinshasa charts. After a tour of Kenya and Tanzania in 1997, the ghosts notorious for breaking up erstwhile young and successful musical groups began haunting them: a power rift ensued within group. The main reason for this was the fame and financial prowess that came with their career. ends