Legendary Congolese guitarist Lokassa Ya Mbongo dies in U.S

Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Lokassa Kasiya, popularly known as Lokassa ya Mbongo, is dead.

Lokassa died on Tuesday, March 14 night in the United States after a long illness.

Reports indicate that Lokassa has been battling with diabetes and was recuperating from a mild stroke he suffered a few years ago.

A nurse who has been taking care of Lokassa says he had breathing difficulties before he collapsed and died in Nashua, New Hamsphire. The nurse is said to have informed Mekanisi Modero, a fellow U.S-based Congolease musician, who in turn broke the sad news.

Lokassa: guitarist, composer par excellence!

The 80-year-old was the leader of the popular Soukous Stars band, formerly based in Paris. Initially, he has a stint with the famed Orchestra Afrisa International - headed by another legend Tabu Ley Rochereau - and later the All African Stars band.

Lokassa will be remembered for his more than 30 popular compositions such as 'Monica', 'Marie Jose', 'Bonne Année', and 'Angelique'. He has worked with great singers like Pepe Ndombe, Sam Mangwana, Kanda Bongoman and Michelino Mavatiku Visi.  

In early 1990s, Lokassa was part of the Soukous Stars band that organised shows in Nairobi, Kenya.