Exclusive: A journey to stardom in Lingala music- Congolese star Koffi Olomide

Koffi Olomide arriving with his dance crew on Friday

By Caroline Nyanga

Renowned Congolese rumba Lingala kingpin Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba popularly known as Koffi Olomide is in Kenya, for Koroga festival that is taking place today, Sunday.

Coming a long way to stardom, he is a mentor to Ferre Gola and Fally Ipupa among others. He joined Papa Wemba’s Viva La Musica in early 1970s as a singer songwriter and later a lead vocalist. He made history as the first Congolese musician to receive four Kora Awards on a single night in 2002 and 2003 and sang about it in one of his songs.

Koffi explains he has taken him so long to come to Kenya despite the fans love for his music due to the fact that he had not gotten invitation by local promoters to do so.
He has also been busy with various shows across the world, his latest tour being in Angola earlier this week.

The star sat down with our very own Caroline Nyaga for an exclusive interview. Here is what he had to see on some issues in the music industry.
Did you plan to quit music for politics?
KO: Politics is a good thing and I don’t see anything wrong in one wanting to venture into other fields.
Critics are of the opinion that you have been on the low musically? What do you have to say on that? 

KO: I believe that is a ploy by my rivals to finish me through bad press. Anyone is entitled to their opinion though which is a good thing. Truth is I am still the reigning king of Rumba music.
Do you think that rumba music has been diluted by the new breed of Congolese artistes?
KO: It is important for young Congolese musicians to strive to do music for passion as opposed to being in it for fame and money. Rumba will always be rumba and no one can change that.
Who is the biggest Congolese artiste?

KO: They are quite a number. Everyone is good in their own right.
Is it true that top Congolese musicians are known to use black magic for fame to remain relevant? 

KO: Those are mere rumors. Don’t believe everything you read or hear. There are a section of people who will never say anything positive about you as long as you are doing well. Despite this there is no denying that Congo has music talent.