–
RETRO. The most famous baritone in Congolese music passed away on August 20, 2016. The 4th anniversary of the death of “CELIO” allows us to look back on the brilliant career of this African star of song.
Célestin Kouka “Célio” died on Saturday August 20, 2016, at 1 a.m. at the Brazzaville University Hospital, at the age of 81. A great voice had died down, but it continued to whisper in our ears.
A memorable career
Célestin Kouka’s musical career began in 1952 in the orchestra of the Cultural Circle of Bacongo, cumulatively with his function of secretary at the British Consulate in Brazzaville.
In 1953, he is part of Marie-Isidore Diaboua’s Les Compagnons de Joy (CDJ) group, followed by the creation in 1954 of the Negro Jazz orchestra.
December 1956, Célestin Kouka joins Ok Jazz, at the same time as Edo Ganga and Nino Malapet. Particularly following the departure of Essous, Pandi and Lando Rossignol from Esengo editions.
August 15, 1959, Célestin Kouka participates in the creation of the Bantou orchestra, Chez Faignond in Brazzaville
In 1972, following the implosion of the Bantus, he created, with Pamelo and Kosmos, the Cepakos Trio and then the Le Peuple orchestra. The defections of Pamelo in 1978 and Kosmos in 1984 put an end to this wonderful musical experience. His return, in 1987, to the Bantu of the capital was inconclusive. He slams the door again.
In 1990, he created Bantous Monument with Ganga Edo and Passi Mermans. A short experience that will not last long. Then again, the orchestra Le peuple in 2000, but without success.
In 2004, Célestin Kouka is back in the Bantus. A historic return, as it will be followed by two triumphant stays of the Bantus in Europe, including a visit to the Olympia in Paris.
Died at the age of 81, Célestin Kouka was born on February 5, 1935 in Brazzaville, son of Bitambiki Benoît and Talantsi Madeleine. Célestin had not performed on stage with his group Les Bantous since 2011, and his eyesight had seriously declined, in addition to the real evil that had plagued him for several years.
Composer of great talent, he left to posterity legendary compositions, such as “Mawa ya Hotelet”, “Georgina wa bolingo” (OK Jazz), “Comité Bantou”, “Rosalie Diop” (Bantous), “Kouka ba dia ntseke “,” Caprices “,” The hour of truth “(Trio Cepakos) etc.
Clement Ossinondé
–
