Soki vangu biography

Classified alongside Zaiko Langa-Langa as one of the “youth bands” challenging established stars such as Franco and Rochereau, the band proved an instant success, not least for Soki Dianzenza’s charismatic stage presence. Although the brothers had formed the band under the patronage of Charles Pierre Loukelo’s Editions La Musette, they transferred their allegiances to Verckys Kiamuangana, signing to his Editions Veve label in 1971.

Verckys recruited two young singers for the band, Kabasele Yampanya, better known now as Pepe Kalle, and Nyboma Mwan Dido, who song on Mbuta, the band’s smash hit of 1972. The tensions between the brothers were evident, however. In 1972 Soki Dianzenza left to form Orchestra Bella Mambo, but reconciled with Soki Vangu the following year. By then, Bella Bella had split from Verkys to set up their own Editions Allez-y Freres Soki (Let’s Go, Soki Brothers) label, with Nyboma and Kinzunga Tonton Ricos quitting the band to form Orchestra Lipua Lipua. Despite these upheavals, in 1974 the band was at the peak of its powers, scoring hit after hit. Success, tho

•