HIGH-OCTANE SOUKOUS & AFRICAN DANCE MUSIC
A native of Kisangani, Congo, and born in 1954 Diblo moved to Kinshasa at the age of six and started to play guitar at the age of 12. He quickly advanced on the instrument and within three years was playing well enough to compete with Zaire's top guitarist, François Luambo Makiadi (Franco) in a competition. Franco was so impressed by his playing that Diblo was invited to join his group, T.P.O.K. Jazz. Diblo stayed with the group for only a short period of time, going on to play with Vox Africa, Orchestra Bella Mambo and Bella-Bella
Leaving Zaire (The Congo) in 1979, Diblo temporarily settled in Brussels moving on to Paris 2 years later where he discovered a thriving Soukous scene and joined Kanda Bongo Man, playing a major role in the success of the 1981 album 'Lyole'. Later he assembled his own group, Loketo, which included the lead vocalist, Aurlus Mabele.
Leaving Loketo in 1990 Diblo recruited several former bandmates, additional musicians and vocalists to form the energetic group Matchatcha. Although the group has experienced a number of personnel changes over the intervening years, its sizzling-hot approach to African-inspired dance music has remained consistent into the 21st century under the leadership of Diblo Dibala. According to The African Encyclopedia, "To see Diblo and Matchatcha in concert is to experience a hot hot time. His scorching guitar lines will leave you breathless and when your hand is grabbed and you're swept up on-stage to dance with the band, you'll close your eyes and suddenly be transported to Kinshasa."
Diblo describes the influences reflected in the sound of Matchatcha as: "First from Franco, second from the Cuban rumba style popularized throughout Africa in the '50s and finally, George Benson." In addition to Dibala, the original incarnation of Matchatcha featured ex-Loketo members Freddy de Majunga (rhythm guitar), Miguel Yamba (bass) dancers Antoinette Yelessa & Joelle Esso with drummer Komba Bello Mafwala and vocalists Fede Lawu & Otis Mbute.
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