Lovers of Congolese music are mourning the passing of popular Congolese musician Francoise Lulendo Matumona popularly known as General Defao.
Defao passed away at 62 after a brief illness while he was on a tour in Cameroon.
Reports reaching Swala Nyeti desk indicate that Defao died on Monday night at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala where he was rushed in critical condition.
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Three days ago, the congolese crooner retired to his room after a performance when became unresponsive forcing the police to break the door before rushing him to the hospital
Unconfirmed reports from other sources say Defao may have succumbed to Covid-19 related complications.
General Defao debuted in 1976 in a small music group in Kinshasa. Growing up, he has musically inspired by Congolese musicians such as; Papa Wemba, Nyoka Longo, Gina Efonge Evoloko of the Zaiko group in the 70s.
He formed his own band, The Big Star in 1991, aiming at becoming an African star to shame his enemies. He has over 20 songs to his name, famous among which are; Sala Noki, Familie Kikuta, Animation, Nadine, Bolingo among others.
Defao was an accomplished singer, composer and stage performer. He also awed his fans with his great dance moves especially during the Ndombolo and Ekibinda Nkoi era.
The musicial was also known for his impeccable sense of fashion
Defao who made Kenya his second home was found himself in trouble with the law after his Nairobi promoter varnished into thin air leaving him with a huge hotel bill.
The bill accrued to Sh600,000 prompting the Palacina Hotel management to unceremoniously throw him out and saw the singer charged in court with fraud.
Defao who at the time was struggling with the English language languished in Nairobi's Industrial Area prison for six months following the saga until a well wisher bailed him out.
After his release, Defao stayed in Kenya for eighteen years until 2019 when he returned to Congo.
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