A former member of the TPOK Jazz band Josky Kiambukuta has passed on at the age of 72 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Congolese crooner passed on on Sunday while being treated at the Ngaliema Hospital in Kinshasa, DRC where he had been admitted a couple of days ago after complaining of fatigue.
Josky's family announced his passing Sunday morning, indicating that until Saturday night he had still been in high spirits, as that was his usual demeanor.
Born Joseph Kiambukuta Londa on February 14, 1949, he was among the last remaining members of the mighty TPOK Jazz band under the leadership of Grand Maestro, Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi.
He was a member of L'Orchestre Continental, L'African Fiesta Sukisa band led by the late Dr Nico Kassanda prior to joining Franco’s TPOK Jazz in the 1960s.
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After Franco's death, Josky and other TPOK Jazz members, including the late Simaro Lutumba Massiya split and formed Bana OK band in 1994.
A dispute with Franco’s family occasioned the split of the famous and top-selling band over the leadership of the band and sharing of the band’s proceeds.
Josky was a talented composer, singer and stage entertainer acclaimed for his vocal range, from very deep bass to very high notes.
He composed and sang numerous melodies among them Nakobondela, Chandra, KSK, Bimansha and Nostalgie.