Lokassa ya Mbongo: Family's agony as Congo legend lies in morgue for seven months

The family of the legendary Congolese guitarist Lokassa ya Mbongo finds themselves in a surreal nightmare.

They are grappling with “unbearable pain” and enduring excruciating “humiliation” while waiting for government assistance to lay him to rest, nearly seven months after his passing.

The Legendary guitarist and rhumba artist, Lokassa ya Mbongo in his element. Photo/Courtesy. Photo/Courtesy

Lokassa’s remains have been resting in a morgue in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following his wish to be buried in his homeland after being flown back from the US.

Despite the government’s promise to organize a “worthy and state” funeral for the music icon, it has failed to do so, causing immense distress for the family.

According to his son André Marie Lokassa, the family submitted a $75,000 budget request to cover funeral expenses, but the government has yet to approve it, leaving the family in a state of limbo.

Lokassa ya Mbongo's son, André Marie Lokassa (pictured) says the family is in a state of limbo after his father's remains lay in the mortuary seven months after his death. Photo/Courtesy — Lokassa ya Mbongo’s son, André Marie Lokassa (pictured) says the family is in a state of limbo after his father’s remains lay in the mortuary seven months after his death. Photo/Courtesy

The mounting morgue bill, which has already exceeded $4,000, has added to the family’s urgency, prompting them to consider alternative plans.

While disputes within the family have been cited as a reason for the delay by a local charity for artists, Artist in Danger, the family insists that it’s the government’s inaction that is causing this painful ordeal.

The Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage’s communication official, Magloire Paluku, declined to comment, passing the responsibility back to the family.

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Who is Lokassa ya Mbongo?

Lokassa ya Mbongo, also known as Denis Kasiya Lokassa, passed away at the age of 77 after battling diabetes and complications from a mild stroke.

He was renowned as one of DR Congo’s finest rhythm guitarists and had a prolific career, including leading the Soukous Stars band since 1984 and forming the African All Stars with singer Sam Mangwana.

The longtime rhythm guitarist for Kanda Bongo Man, Lokassa Ya Mbongo helped to transform the Soukous, a fast-paced fusion of traditional Congoese melodies and Afro-Cuban rhythms, into an international dance craze.

Mbongo showcased his energetic playing on tracks included on such multi-artist anthologies as Megamix, Vol. 1, and Soukous Stars and Gozando.

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Mbongo’s collaborations include work with Tshale Muana, the queen of Mutuashi, a dance style popular in the Kasai region, and Eurodisco-influenced vocalist Fode Baro of Guinea.

Prior to leaving his homeland and settling in Paris in 1983, Mbongo performed with Tabu Rochereau’s Afrisa and Sam Mangwana’s African All Stars.

This distressing situation echoes similar delays experienced by other Congolese musicians, highlighting the challenges faced by grieving families in their attempts to provide a dignified farewell for their loved ones.

While blame is placed on disputes within the family and government inaction, the pain of Lokassa’s prolonged absence persists, haunting both his family and fans alike.

Lokassa ya Mbongo will be remembered for popular compositions such as Bonne Annee, Monica, Marie-Josse, Lagos Night and Nairobi Night.