Bakunde Ilo Pablo

Bakunde Ilondjoko (January 5, 1951 – September 20, 2011), known as Bakunde Ilo Pablo, was a Congolese drummer, musician and composer best known for being a long-time member of Zaïko Langa Langa. His drumming was characterized by his powerful hitting and mastery of the hi-hat.^[1]

Paul Bakunde Ilondjoko was born on January 5, 1951, in Kinshasa (then-called Léopoldville) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He attended primary school at the Sainte-Marie school in the commune of Lingwala.^[2] He received his secondary education at the Athénée de la Gombe (then-called Kalina). Pablo's interest in music blossomed, with a fascination for jazz and pop music during his formative years and through his early exposure to artists like Johnny Hallyday and Claude François.^[2] His debut into music composition came in 1965 with his song "Oiseau De L'Amour," inspired by a personal romantic experience. Despite his interest in jazz and pop, he transitioned to Congolese music in 1971, spurred by an invitation to join the orchestra Les Corsaires by his friend Oscar Diabanza. Subsequently, he journeyed through various musical groups, including Chem Chem Yetu^[3] and Orchestre Stukas, where he released his first single, "Mangenge."^[4]

In 1974, he joined Zaïko Langa Langa to replace Meridjo Belobi, their main drummer, who was imprisoned in Ekafela.^[5] They shared the post after his release. He had known them long before, rehearsing with their guitarist Mbuta Matima when he was in the band's pop section. His debut song with the band, "Ndonge," recorded at Johnny Bokelo's recording studio^[2] and released in October 1974, emerged as a monumental hit, marking the onset of a flourishing career. Subsequent releases such as "Ando," "Eboza," "Mangobo," "Feti," and "Matata" solidified his stature as a distinguished songwriter in the band.

In 1978, he was part of the delegation of Zaïko Langa Langa musicians on the band's first European tour, at the invitation of the JMPR (Jeunesse du Mouvement Populaire de Révolution). Pablo shined in 1984 with the release of his first solo album, "Rencontre," featuring Bozi Boziana on lead vocals.^[6] This album showcased "Azo," a studio rendition of his initial composition, "Oiseau De L'Amour." In 1985, alongside bandmate Meridjo Belobi, Pablo pioneered the technique of double-drumming in Congolese rumba.

1988's month of May witnessed a leadership dispute within Zaïko Langa Langa led to the formation of Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei, with Pablo as a prominent member.^[5] Their eponymous debut album, released in December 1989, featured the classic hit "L'Oiseau Rare," another rendition of Pablo's debut composition, which garnered international acclaim. At the same time, he became president of UMUZA (Union des musiciens zaïrois), succeeding Franco Luambo following his death.^[7]

Throughout the 1990s, Pablo continued releasing solo albums such as "Songa Fiele" (1990) and "Kenya Safari" (1991). His contributions continued within Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei, with compositions like the titular track of the album "Au Revoir Prince" (1991) and "Les Riches et Les Pauvres" (1992) from their third album, "Bako Bandela."

In 1994, Bakunde Ilo Pablo withdrew from the music scene, redirecting his focus towards other endeavors. However, he later started hosting a radio show titled "Bana Léo."^[2]

He died on the morning of September 20, 2011 at the age of 60 in Kinshasa, at the Candeur polyclinic in the commune of Limete.^[3][2]

• Rencontre (1984)
• Songa Fiele (1990)
• Kenya Safari (1991)

• Plaisir de l'Ouest Afrique (double album, 1976)
• Nkolo Mboka (double album, 1982)
• L'Orchestre de tous les Âges (1983)
• Muvaro / Etape (1983)
• On Gagne le Procès (1984)
• Tout-Choc Anti-Choc Zaïko Langa Langa en Europe (1984)
• Oldies And Goodies (compilation album, 1985)
• Zaïko Eyi Nkisi (1985)
• Tala Modèle Echanger (1985)
• Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! (1986)
• Pusa Kuna... Serrez Serrez! (1986)
• Nippon Banzai (1986)
• Papa Omar (1987)
• Subissez les Conséquences (1987)

• Zaïko Langa Langa F.D. (often referred as L'Oiseau Rare, 1989)
• Au Revoir Prince (1991)
• Bako Bandela (1992)