Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Kasiya Lokassa ya Mbongo passed away earlier this week in the USA, and his former colleagues are now liaising with well-wishers, fans and family members for the preliminary funeral arrangements in Nashua, New Hampshire. The seasoned guitarist and composer, who died aged 80 after battling diabetes and a mild stroke he suffered in 2017, spent a greater part of his later musical career outside Congo. However, Lokassa had longed to return to his homeland, as his fellow US-based Congolese musician Mekanisi Modero pointed out. Modero was Lokassa’s counterpart in Tabu Ley Rochereau’s Afrisa International from 1970 until 1978 when Lokassa left to form the session All African Stars band. “He was arguably one of DRC’s and, indeed, Africa’s best rhythm guitarists, specializing in the up-tempo Soukous style,” Modero said. Lokassa will be remembered for some of his popular compositions such as Monica, Marie-Josse, and Bonne Annee. As Balia Ngonda, a Congolese national living in Nashua, said, “We will be able to know where he will be buried depending on the support from within USA and outside.” Lokassa’s body is currently lying at a funeral home in Nashua, with his former colleagues, well-wishers, and family members all hoping to make the right arrangements to honor the legendary guitarist’s memory.
Legendary Congolese Guitarist Denis Lokassa Ya Mbongo’s Funeral Arrangements Underway
