Kenyans pay tribute to rhumba music maestro

Tributes continued to pour in for fallen rhumba maestro Lutumba Massiya Simaro (pictured) who died yesterday.

Simaro died in Paris at the age of 81.

The cause of his death was not immediately known but reports indicate that he had been suffering from diabetes for some time.

Known for his songs with the TPOK Jazz Band led by Franco Luambo Makiadi where he was regarded as one of the greatest guitarists, Simaro also led a successful solo career.

He was among the first in a galaxy of talent that Franco enlisted to build into an iconic band that included such greats as Josky Kiambukuta, Sam Mangwana, Ntesa Dalienst, Empopo Loway, Wuta Mayi, and Biallu Madillu ‘System.’

Simaro’s songs were deeply spiritual and sometimes, deeply romantic. 

One of his most popular songs was ‘Bowule.’ Sang with Franco, the song was about Bowule, Simaro’s close and trusted friend. Reports indicate that Bowule’s sister requested Simaro to write the song.

Simaro wrote a song in the voice of Bowule’s sister.

In the song, the bereaved sister speaks about the last time she spoke with her sister, and how she requested her to prepare a meal. She took the dish to Bowule, only to find her dead.

His unmatched composition prowess and guitar skills earned Simaro the name Le Grand Poette (The Great Poet).

In Maya, Simaro pleads with a wife he accuses of mistreating him and laments against betrayal by his best friend who wants to take her away from him. He laments that the judge listening to a divorce case between them is in a relationship with her.

Simaro was a down-to-earth publicity-shy artiste who only appeared on stage for live performances, including one at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium in 1988 when fans brought down a perimeter wall after tickets sold out.

His Kenyan fans took to the social media to pay tribute to rumbas finest.

Musician Silvester Otieno from Kenyatta University said he was deeply saddened by the death of his favourite African popstar.

“He was one very inspiring songwriter, guitarist and vocalist who together with the late Madilu System not only contributed to the perfection of soukous genre, but also influenced my passion and great appreciation of Congolese music,” he said.

Kenan Miruka wrote: “Just the other day, we celebrated your 81st birthday. Le Grande Poete! You’ve traveled your journey and left an indelible mark in the world of music. Rest in Peace papa!”

“I can never enough of Simaro’s music. His duo with Franco Temperament Ya Bowule is my all-time favourite. I wonder what TPOK Jazz band music would have been like in terms of texture and tone without Simaro in the mix,’ said musician Evans Mbinji.

Simaro is immortalized in songs such as Mangassa, Mabele, Mauna Ndeke,, Verre Casse, Cedou, Okko Regretter  Ngai, Affaire Kitikwala and Eau Benite.