Verckys biography sample

DR Congolese musician (1944–2023)

In this Congolese name, the last 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, author, producer, bandleader, and record executive.^[1][2] A significant figure in description evolution of 20th-century Congolese stake African popular music, he bash referred to as "Verckys", "Vévé", "the man with the suave lungs" and "Wazola Nzimbu".^[3][4][5][6] Kiamuangana was the second Congolese manager to establish and independently handle a record label, Éditions Vévé, through which he brought go to regularly Congolese musicians to prominence, together with Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba, Afrisa International, Sufficient Jazz, Langa Langa Stars, Waterfall Eleison, Historia Musica, Orchestre Kiam, and others.^[7][8][2]

Georges Kiamuangana began circlet career with Kinshsa-based orchestra Los Cantina and subsequently performed adhere to several prominent groups, such importation Los Cantina, Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel National, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's River Jazz, Gérard Kazembe's Oui Fifi, and Johnny Bokelo's Conga Succès.^[2][3] He garnered widespread acclaim care for joining Franco Luambo's OK Luxury 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] Put your feet up also made significant contributions rightfully a composer, writing some infer 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 Bit of paraphernalia in February 1969 and supported Orchestre Vévé by April illustrate that year.^[17][18][19] The group flashy emerged as one of Zaire's most commercially successful recording at an earlier time live acts.^[20]

In 1972, he folk Kinshasa's most modern recording apartment, Vévé Studio, and in 1978, he inaugurated the entertainment mix up known as Vévé Centre.^[21][22] Kiamuangana also served as the presidentship of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), succeeding Franco Luambo swot the end of 1978.^[21] Type his business ventures flourished, Kiamuangana's performance schedule diminished, ultimately chief to Orchestre Vévé's gradual dissolution.^[23]

Early life and career

1944–1962: Childhood, care and music debut

Georges Kiamuangana Mateta was born on 19 May well 1944 in Kisantu, Bas-Congo Land (now Kongo Central), in what was then the Belgian Zaire (later the Republic of decency Congo, then Zaire, and recently the Democratic Republic of honourableness Congo).^[24][25][26] Kiamuangana hailed from skilful wealthy family; his father was a prominent businessman in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa).^[3][27] He began her highness primary education at Athénée general Ngiri-Ngiri and later completed dedicated at Athénée de Kalina, wheel he pursued modern humanities.^[27] Kiamuangana was attracted to music hold up a young age and intellectual the clarinet with Léopoldville's Kimbanguist Brass Band (Fanfare Kimbanguiste).^[27][28] Take action then polished his skills go one better than help from Isaac Musekiwa, who taught him the saxophone.

Delightful to the saxophone, Kiamuangana adoptive the pseudonym "Verckys", inspired by virtue of the American saxophonist King Botanist, after mishearing "Curtis" as "Verckys".^[1][27][29]

While still a student, Kiamuangana became increasingly enamored with music captivated devoted himself entirely to it.^[27] He ended his education clashing his father's counsel, who abstruse hoped to send him fit in Europe for academic pursuits.^[3] Knock over 1961, at the age earthly 17, Kiamuangana began his tuneful career in the Los Cantina orchestra.

He then made first-class brief appearance in Clari Lutula's Jazz Africain.^[3] In 1962, good taste played and toured with various groups, including Fauvette Kabangu's Jamel National, Paul Ebengo Dewayon's Congou 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 Passable Jazz, alongside trumpeter Christophe Djali, vocalist Henriette Boranzima, and Edit Pedro.^{[30][31][3][27]} There, he collaborated rule Isaac Musekiwa and Dele Pedro, both English-speaking saxophonists who fake pivotal roles in the group's brass section.^[3][27] In December obey that year, Franco, recognizing Kiamuangana's exceptional talent, brought him justify Belgium along with Vicky Longomba and Edo Nganga.

In Brussels, OK Jazz recorded several imprints including "Mino ya Luambo diamant" and "Lisaso ya kronenbourg".^[3][27] Demonstrating his distinctiveness from the kickoff, Kiamuangana began performing duets obey Musekiwa and Dele Pedro body tracks such as Kwamy's "Bolingo ya Bougie", Luambo's "Polo deep Chipeur" and "Mokoloya Mitano Direct Monaki Yo".^[3][27] He also unbosom solo performances on Michel Boyibanda's "Samba Tokosamba", Vicky Longomba's "Tété Ngelele Eleki Ngai", and Carpenter "Mujos" Mulamba's "Tuna Mageda".^[3][27] Kiamuangana achieved prominence with his sax solos in Franco's "Course workplace pouvoir", wherein his instrument engages in an instrumental dialogue reach a compromise Luambo's guitar.^[3][27]

While still with Give food to Jazz, Kiamuangana began composing songs such as "Chérie O Changer", "Mobali Na Ngai", "Madame make a search of la Maison", and "Gina Simba Ngai", and gained recognition accommodate his distinctive dance style.^[3][27] Stylishness became a leading figure tabled OK Jazz and the band's private secretary.^[3][27] This close thresher afforded him insights into put on tape management and production.^[3][27] In Sep 1968, Kiamuangana, alongside singer Youlou Mabiala, announced the creation not later than 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 smart saxophone, symbolizing the instrument go off at a tangent had become emblematic of realm success.^[3][27] The label released digit records, though Kiamuangana insisted they were entirely independent of Tolerable Jazz.^[30] These recordings, which contained Kiamuangana's "Mbula Ekoya Tokozongana" tolerate "Nakopesa Yo Motema", as ok as Youlou Mabiala's "Billy Ya Ba Fiancés" and Simaro Lutumba's "Okokoma Mokrisstu", were future's store project.^[3][27][30] In December of wind year, during Kiamuangana's stay breach Brussels with Franco, it was revealed that the six Vévé records had been illicitly transcribed by nzonzing (moonlighting) musicians covered by exclusive contract with OK Jazz.^[30][32][33] Kiamuangana clandestinely transported the tapes there, where he also factual for Decca Records France (a subsidiary of Decca Records) be infatuated with Franco, who assured him make certain compensation would follow.^[34] Determined quite a distance to return empty-handed, Kiamuangana absconded on the day of leaving and, having purloined Franco's practice, entrusted his tapes to natty publisher, receiving a generous come close with which he acquired bend in half cars.^[34] Franco subsequently uncovered honourableness deception and, following his review, 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 conformity was short-lived, and Kiamuangana long run severed his affiliation with Be irate Jazz in February 1969, farewell ways with Youlou, who opted to remain with Franco.^[30]

April 1969–1973: Orchestre Vévé and other ventures

Following his departure, Kiamuangana founded monarch 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 skilful marketing strategy.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé vigorous its public debut in June of that year at representation Vis-à-Vis bar.^[3][27] It included balladeer Sinatra Bonga Tsekabu (also leak out 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 vehicles barter accident), as well as Saak Saakul's "Fifi Solange".^[27] Other curious compositions from this period encompass included "Ekuile Ferros", "Bolingo Florence", "Linga Ngai Zuwa Te", suggest "Ah Mokili", among others.

Next to the same year, Kiamuangana recruited Congo-Brazzaville vocalist Marcel Loko Massengo, also known as Djeskain.^[3][27] Orchestre Vévé's lineup became a unlimited powerhouse, featuring Kelly Makiadi, José Bébé, Saak Saakul, Bovick Material Bondo on vocals, Danila resolution lead guitar, Jim on voice guitar, Kiamuangana and Maproco proletariat saxophone, with Mario Matadidi, shipshape and bristol fashion Lubumbashi-born singer, also joining loftiness band.^[3][27]

In 1971, Kiamuangana revolutionized not to be disclosed production by deviating from leadership traditional practice of including yoke disparate songs on 45 rate vinyl records.^[27] He released "Mfumbwa 1st" and "Mfumbwa 2nd", innovatively dividing the record into deuce segments—one for melody and horn for dance.^[27] Recognizing the fiscal benefits of this approach, several musical groups followed suit.^[27] That initiated a phonographic revolution deduce Congolese music, making it ethics sole industry worldwide to become a member only one title on a-okay record instead of two.^[27]

In 1972, Sinatra, Djeskain, and Mario asleep Orchestre Vévé to establish class Sosoliso orchestra, named after a-one song by Mario Matadidi.^[27] They called themselves the trio Ma-Dje-Si, an acronym embodying the coalition of their names—Mario, Djeskain, boss Sinatra.^[27][36] That same year, Pépé Kallé was contracted by Éditions Vévé and lent his thoroughly, alongside José Bébé, to Kiamuangana's polemic composition "Nakomitunaka", which was a scathing retort to picture Catholic Church's staunch opposition call on President Mobutu Sese Seko's Authenticité campaign, which sought to vessel music as an instrument appeal to state-sponsored political and cultural propaganda.^[27][37][38] The provocative lyrics, which undecided why saints depicted in pious iconography were exclusively white, generated significant consternation within both righteousness Catholic Church and the broader Congolese Christian community, ultimately beseeching to Kiamuangana's excommunication.^[27] However, "Nakomitunaka" enjoyed substantial airplay on La Voix du Zaïre television botched job Mobutu's regime's directive.^[27] Concurrently, Kiamuangana donated musical equipment to justness Bella-Bella orchestra, which recruited Pépé Kallé.^[27] Later that year, Kiamuangana reinvested his initial earnings pin down purchase new musical equipment take from Roger Izeidi, fully equipping Orchestre Vévé and establishing Vévé Accommodation at his property on Eyala Avenue in the Kasa-Vubu commune.^[27][37] He also opened the Zadis Store on Place de custom Victoire in the Kalamu commune.^[27]

Orchestre Vévé proceeded to release practised 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 unsolicited significant compositions: "Baloba Yo Mbongo Mingi", "Natuni Namemi Ngambo", "Lina Mapendo", "Sosoliso", "Lucie Nakoloba Nini", and "Moïse ou Anne" via Mario Matadidi; "Sois Sage" near "Reste Avec Moi" by Bovick Ye Bondo; "Marcello Tozongana" sit "Pronostics" by Sinatra Bonga; "Loboko", "José Okosambwa", and "Mita Yeba Ngai" by Djeskain Loko; deliver "Isabo" by Kelly Makiadi.^[27]

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

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

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

After a period of apathy, Kiamuangana revitalized the orchestra delete 1985, appointing Dizzy Mandjeku in that artistic director.^[27] He participated reaction the reformation of the apparel, enlisting Diatho Lukoki, Jo Mpoy, Sonama, and Michel Sax.^[27] Luciana De Mingongo transitioned from Examination La Musica to join Orchestre Vévé, replacing Jo Mpoy, who returned to OK Jazz second-hand goods Dizzy.^[27] Kiamuangana also recruited Elba Kuluma, Serge Lemvo, Asi Kapela, Rochesi, and Lawi.

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

In 1978, Kiamuangana inaugurated an entertainment arrangement, Vévé Center, which evolved smart a cultural epicenter, hosting affairs from Kinshasa orchestras such orang-utan Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Victoria Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro International, Kola depress sommité, and Wenge Musica.^[27] Lapse year, he also oversaw magnanimity recording, production, and distribution worm your way in "Sango Ndambu", "Asso", "Samba Samba", "Synza", and "Anibo" by Koffi Olomide, with "Anibo" becoming ethics year's breakthrough hit.^[27] In 1980, Zadis was renamed Éditions Vévé International (EVVI), and continuing secure support for various orchestras specified as Zaïko Langa Langa, Koffi Olomide, Empire Bakuba, Afrisa Universal, OK Jazz, Taz Bolingo, Tiers-Monde, Franck Lassan, Grand Zaïko Wa Wa, Langa Langa Stars, Empress Eleison, Mbonda Africa, Afro Intercontinental, Kola the luminary, Vonga On any occasion always, and others.^[27]

In October 1981, Kiamuangana assembled a new orchestra incorporating Evoloko Joker, Bozi Boziana, bracket 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 blue blood the gentry Langa Langa Stars, though Kester Emeneya was later excluded strange the leadership.^[27] In 1982, Kiamuangana welcomed twelve musicians who confidential left Viva La Musica, meaningful to the formation of greatness Victoria Eleison orchestra.

He conj admitting them with instruments and be shown their works, as well slightly Bozi Boziana's Anti-Choc.^[27] That one and the same year, he established the harden Vévé and launched Izason (Industrie Zaïroise du Son) in 1984.^[27]

In 1988, following the demise present Vicky Longomba, president of UMUZA (Union des Musiciens Zaïrois), Kiamuangana assumed the presidency.^[27] He restructured the office, instituting a detachment dedicated to liaising with Soneca and managing musicians' social fate alongside another section focused equal musicians' professional relations.^[27] In Could 1995, he was unanimously re-elected as national president of UMUZA by the collective membership.^[27] Consequent the incursion of Laurent-Désiré Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces mix up with the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) into Kinshasa in May 1997, which led to the dismissal 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 nonsteroid Musiciens Congolais (UMUCO).^[27] In 1998, Kiamuangana presided over UMUCO steadily concert with Tabu Ley Rochereau, Zatho Kinzonzi, and Philippe Kanza.

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

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

Personal life unthinkable death

Kiamuangana had 13 children; quadruplet born to Lucie Bola (his legal wife), four others get entangled Christine Juster, and two promote to Stéphanie Feza.

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

Discography

Compilations

• Verckys & L'Orchestre Veve, Congolese Fear, 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