During his career, Tabu Ley composed up to 3,000 songs and produced 250 albums.
Pascal-Emmanuel Sinamoyi Tabu was born in Bagata, in the then Belgian Congo. His musical career took off in 1956 when he sung with Joseph "Le Grand Kallé" Kabasele, and his band L'African Jazz. After finishing high school he joined the band as a full-time musician. Tabu Ley sang in the pan-African hit Indépendance Cha Cha which was composed by Grand Kallé for Congolese independence from Belgium in 1960, propelling Tabu Ley to instant fame. He remained with African Jazz until 1963 when he and Dr Nico Kasanda formed their own group, African Fiesta.[6] Two years later, Tabu Ley and Dr. Nico split and Tabu Ley formed African Fiesta National, also known as African Fiesta Flash. The group became one of the most successful bands in African history, recording African classics like Afrika Mokili Mobimba, and surpassing record sales of one million copies by 1970. Papa Wemba and Sam Mangwana were among the many influential musicians that were part of the group. He adopted the stage name "Rochereau" after the French General Pierre Denfert-Rochereau, whose name he liked and whom he had studied in school.
In 1970, Tabu Ley formed Orchestre Afrisa International, Afrisa being a combination of Africa and Éditions Isa, his record label. Along with Franco Luambo's TPOK Jazz, Afrisa was now one of Africa's greatest bands. They recorded hits such as "Sorozo", "Kaful Mayay", "Aon Aon", and "Mose Konzo". They performed also at the Zaire 74 and therefore are in the documentary film Soul Power.
In the mid 1980s Tabu Ley discovered a young talented singer and dancer, M'bilia Bel, who helped popularise his band further. M'bilia Bel became the first female soukous singer to gain acclaim throughout Africa. Tabu Ley and M'bilia Bel later married and had one child together. In 1988 Tabu Ley introduced another female vocalist known as Faya Tess, and M'bilia Bel left and continued to be successful on her own. After M'bilia Bel's departure, Afrisa's influence along with that of their rivals TPOK Jazz continued to wane as fans gravitated toward the faster version of soukous.
After the establishment of Mobutu Sese Seko regime in the Congo, he adopted the name "Tabu Ley" as part of Mobutu's "Zairization" of the country, but later went into exile in France in 1988.
In 1985, the Government of Kenya banned all foreign music from the National Radio service. After Tabu Ley composed the song "Twende Nairobi" ("Let's go to Nairobi"), sung by M'bilia Bel, in praise of Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi, the ban was promptly lifted. In the early 1990s he briefly settled in Southern California. He began to tailor his music towards an International audience by including more English lyrics and by increasing more international dance styles such as Samba. He found success with the release of albums such as Muzina, Exil Ley, Africa worldwide and Babeti soukous. The Mobutu regime banned his 1990 album "Trop, C'est Trop" as subversive. In 1996, Tabu Ley participated in the album Gombo Salsa by the salsa music project Africando. The song "Paquita" from that album is a remake of a song that he recorded in the late 1960s with African Fiesta.
When Mobutu was deposed in 1997, Tabu Ley returned to Kinshasa and took up a position as a cabinet minister in the government of new President Laurent Kabila. Following Kabila's death, Tabu Ley then joined the appointed transitional parliament created by Joseph Kabila, until it was dissolved following the establishment of the inclusive transitional institutions. In November 2005 Tabu Ley was appointed Vice-Governor of Kinshasa, a position devolved to his party, the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) by the 2002 peace agreements. He also served as provincial minister of culture. In 2008, he was said to have fathered up to 102 children, including the French rapper Youssoupha, with different women.
He has been described as "the Congolese personality who, along with Mobutu, marked Africa's 20th century history." He was dubbed "the African Elvis" by the Los Angeles Times.
Tabu Ley Rochereau died on 30 November 2013, aged 76, at Saint-Luc hospital in Brussels, Belgium where he had been undergoing treatment for a stroke he suffered in 2008. He was buried on 9 December 2013 in the Cimetière Acropolic de la N'sele in Kinshasa, DR Congo, after receiving an official mourning ceremony at the Palais du Peuple.
Maze
Tabu Ley Rochereau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Motema Na Ngai Ekangami Motambo Na Yo, Bapekisa Batikala Na Soni O,
Aza Wamebaki Na Soni,
Elongi Nzoto Esangisa Bacharme Maze,
Oleka Nzela Bato Banso Bakobaluka.
Mwili Mzima Una* Upendo Maze,
Upitapo Njiani Watu Wote Wanageuka (Kukutazama)
Kitoko Etondi Yo Nzoto Maze, Bakoma Bayemba Vraiment Namona Te O
Mobimba Ya Moto Etonda Nzoto
N'Elegance, Ezali Likambo Bana Mibali Bakufae,
Bandeko Batela Maze Na Linetie, Leki Ya Shaguva (Moka T.P.) E Maze E,
Wandugu Leeni Maze Na *, Mdogo Wa Shaguva E Maze
Aleka Mibali Mitema Mikobeta, Mwana Ya Mama Ite Mama
Akipita Wanaume Mioyo Inawadunda, Mtoto Wa Mama Ite
Bolingo Ngai Na Ye Tokanga Na Libanga A, Tobwaka Na Ebale Ya Zaire,
Mapenzi Yangu Na Yeye Tulifunga Ndani
Ya Jiwe, Tukatupa Ndani Ya Mto Zaire,
Masua Madinda Kala Mabima Te O, Ebima Se Libanga Ya Bolingo Na Biso
Mashuwa Zili* Zamani Hazikutoka, Kilichotoka Tu Ni Jiwe La Penzi Letu
Kitoko Etondi Yo Nzoto Maze, Ongenga Mafuta Wolo Na Nzoto E,
Urembo Umekujaa Maze, Dhahabu Mwilini
Mobimba Ya Moto Etonda Nyoso Na
Botek, Kobanda Linzaka, Miso Na Suki E,
Abwaka Lokolo Oyo Nde Suka Ya Demarche,
Aluka Kinshasa Mobimba Bato Bakufa E.
A* Mguu Hiyo Ndiyo Mwisho Wa, Atafuta Kinshasa Yote Watu Wafa.
Maze Bakanisi Ngai Nakanga Yo Na Ndako Ya Nganga,
Maze Watu Wanafikiri Nimekufunga Katika Nyumba Ya Mchawi,(Nimekuroga)
Maze Basilisi Ngai Loposo Epai Namelaka,
Maze Wamenimaliza Ngozi Kule Ninakokunywa,
Maze Balobi Te Ngai Nakoki Na Yo Te Na Bolingo (Libala)
Maze Wanasema Kwamba Mimi Sikuwezi Na Mapenzi (Ndoa)
Ngoo Maze Nakoki Nayo,
Nalingi Se Yo, Suka Se Nakobala Yo, Nakolesa Yooo
Maze Ninakuweza, Ninakupenda Tu Wewe, Mwishowe Nitakuoa, Nitakulisha
Maze Baluki Bakimisa Yo Na Monde Ya Mosolo,
Maze Wanatafuta Wakutoroshe Ya Mshahara
Maze Balongoli Ngai Mosala Nakufa Na Ngelele (Nzala)
Maze Wameniondoa Kazini Nife Na Njaa
Maze Bakoseli Ngai Makambo Mpo Nakosa Na Wele,
Maze Wamenidanganyishia Mimi Mambo Ili Nidanganye *
Ngoo Maze Nazali Na Yo, Nakotika Te,
Suka Se Bakokamwa Ngai (Nakotika Te), Nakobala Yoo.
Maze Niko Na Wewe, Sitaacha,
Mwishowe Watanishangaa (Sitaacha), Nitakuoa
Maze Babekisi Yo Lokasa Ya Bushe Na Elongi Ya Senka,
Maze Wa* Jani La * Na Sura Ya *
Maze Otali Bango Pamba Mpo Makasi Ya Bolingo Na Ngai,
Maze Umewatazama Tu Kwa Sababu Ya Uzito Wa Mapenzi Yangu
Maze Olobelaka Ngai Nyoso Bango Bakolobaka Contre Ngai Oo,
Maze Huniambia Yale Yote Wao Husema Against Me
Soni Bateli Les Yeux, Bateli Les Yeux,
Suka Se Bateli Les Yeux, Bateli Miso Ee.
Aibu Wanatazama Tu Na Macho...
I Love You, Baby Touch Me, Oui, Je Suis A Toi,
I Love You, Baby Touch Me, Yes I Am Yours
Oui, Je Suis A Toi, Cherie Pense Moi...
Yes I Am Yours, Mpenzi Think Of Me...
The song "Maze" by Tabu Ley Rochereau is a love song that talks about the beauty and elegance of his lover. The song starts by praising the beauty of his lover's face and saying that it has left him astonished. He goes on to say that his heart is tied up with hers and that they have left others amazed. The song then emphasizes the importance of their love and mentions that it has been written and sung about, but true beauty is yet to be seen. The chorus repeats the line about being astonished by his lover's beauty and emphasizes that everyone turns to look at her when she passes by.
The song then goes on to discuss the effects of their love on others, with people (specifically men) being enraptured by his lover's beauty. Tabu Ley Rochereau emphasizes that their love is strong and mentions that they have locked it up in a stone and thrown it into the river Zaire. The song then shifts to describe various struggles they have faced in their relationship including accusations of witchcraft, being out of work, and being short on money. Despite these challenges, he declares his love for his partner and promises to stay committed to their relationship. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus.
Line by Line Meaning
Kitoko Etondi Yo Nzoto Maze, Namona Moto Nini Nameka Na Yo Te O
Your beauty impresses me so much, I can't keep my eyes off you. I see no other woman that can match your beauty.
Motema Na Ngai Ekangami Motambo Na Yo, Bapekisa Batikala Na Soni O
My heart is captivated by you, and I am falling deeper in love with you. People stare at us in envy.
Aza Wamebaki Na Soni, Elongi Nzoto Esangisa Bacharme Maze, Oleka Nzela Bato Banso Bakobaluka.
As they watch us, your grace and beauty leaves them speechless. They even forget their path and stumble as they try to get a glimpse of you.
Mwili Mzima Una* Upendo Maze, Upitapo Njiani Watu Wote Wanageuka (Kukutazama)
Your whole body radiates love, as people turn around to stare and admire you when you pass by.
Bakoma Bayemba Vraiment Namona Te O, Urembo Umekujaa Maze, Wameandika, Wameimba Lakini Kweli Sijaona,
Everyone talks about you and your beauty, and indeed I see it. Yet, amidst all the praises and songs, I haven't seen anyone that truly matches your beauty.
Mobimba Ya Moto Etonda Nzoto N'Elegance, Ezali Likambo Bana Mibali Bakufae, Bandeko Batela Maze Na Linetie, Leki Ya Shaguva (Moka T.P.) E Maze E, Wandugu Leeni Maze Na *, Mdogo Wa Shaguva E Maze
Your beauty shines with fire and elegance, making it difficult for other women to compete. Your friends envy you and even the little sister of Shaguva wants to be like you.
Aleka Mibali Mitema Mikobeta, Mwana Ya Mama Ite Mama Akipita Wanaume Mioyo Inawadunda, Mtoto Wa Mama Ite
As we pass by, men tremble and their hearts skip a beat at your beauty. You are a true reflection of your mother.
Bolingo Ngai Na Ye Tokanga Na Libanga A, Tobwaka Na Ebale Ya Zaire, Mapenzi Yangu Na Yeye Tulifunga Ndani Ya Jiwe, Tukatupa Ndani Ya Mto Zaire, Masua Madinda Kala Mabima Te O, Ebima Se Libanga Ya Bolingo Na Biso Mashuwa Zili* Zamani Hazikutoka, Kilichotoka Tu Ni Jiwe La Penzi Letu
Our love story is written in stone, locked forever in the depths of Zaire River. Our love is indestructible and has stood the test of time. The only evidence of our love are the canoes that have been carried by the waters of the river.
Ongenga Mafuta Wolo Na Nzoto E, Urembo Umekujaa Maze, Dhahabu Mwilini
Your body is oiled and shiny, and the beauty just keeps pouring out of you. Your body is like gold.
Mobimba Ya Moto Etonda Nyoso Na Botek, Kobanda Linzaka, Miso Na Suki E, Abwaka Lokolo Oyo Nde Suka Ya Demarche, Aluka Kinshasa Mobimba Bato Bakufa E.
Your beauty shines like fire and stirs up desire. Your hips sway gracefully, your smile seduces and drives the men of Kinshasa crazy.
A* Mguu Hiyo Ndiyo Mwisho Wa, Atafuta Kinshasa Yote Watu Wafa.
Your legs are everything, they can conquer all of Kinshasa and make people die for you.
Maze Bakanisi Ngai Nakanga Yo Na Ndako Ya Nganga, Maze Watu Wanafikiri Nimekufunga Katika Nyumba Ya Mchawi,(Nimekuroga)
I assure you that I searched for you everywhere, even consulting divine help from shamans. People think that I have trapped you in a house of a witchcraft. (They think I have cast a spell on you)
Maze Basilisi Ngai Loposo Epai Namelaka, Maze Wamenimaliza Ngozi Kule Ninakokunywa,
I have given up my royal position for you, and they have even bitten me where I drink from (they've hurt me at my source of happiness)
Maze Balobi Te Ngai Nakoki Na Yo Te Na Bolingo (Libala), Maze Wanasema Kwamba Mimi Sikuwezi Na Mapenzi (Ndoa) Ngoo Maze Nakoki Nayo, Nalingi Se Yo, Suka Se Nakobala Yo, Nakolesa Yooo Maze Ninakuweza, Ninakupenda Tu Wewe, Mwishowe Nitakuoa, Nitakulisha
They say that I am incapable of love and cannot marry you. But I am able to love you, I want you and I will marry you and take care of you. I can make it happen because I love only you.
Maze Baluki Bakimisa Yo Na Monde Ya Mosolo, Maze Wanatafuta Wakutoroshe Ya Mshahara Maze Balongoli Ngai Mosala Nakufa Na Ngelele (Nzala), Maze Wameniondoa Kazini Nife Na Njaa
They praise and pay you well, but they are also looking for ways to cheat you from your salary. They are causing me suffering to the point of death from hunger and hard work. They have fired me from work to the point of dying of hunger.
Maze Bakoseli Ngai Makambo Mpo Nakosa Na Wele, Maze Wamenidanganyishia Mimi Mambo Ili Nidanganye *
They have also taken away my belongings to the point that I have none left. They have deceived and led me astray.
Ngoo Maze Nazali Na Yo, Nakotika Te, Suka Se Bakokamwa Ngai (Nakotika Te), Nakobala Yoo. Maze Niko Na Wewe, Sitaacha, Mwishowe Watanishangaa (Sitaacha), Nitakuoa
I am with you, and I am happy. Don't worry, I stand with you. I will not leave you. Eventually, they will be shocked when we get married.
Maze Babekisi Yo Lokasa Ya Bushe Na Elongi Ya Senka, Maze Wa* Jani La * Na Sura Ya * Maze Otali Bango Pamba Mpo Makasi Ya Bolingo Na Ngai,
They pay tribute to your elegance and grace. They want to know your name and see your face. They have stripped their clothes just to feel the heat of our love.
Maze Umewatazama Tu Kwa Sababu Ya Uzito Wa Mapenzi Yangu Maze Olobelaka Ngai Nyoso Bango Bakolobaka Contre Ngai Oo, Maze Huniambia Yale Yote Wao Husema Against Me Soni Bateli Les Yeux, Bateli Les Yeux, Suka Se Bateli Les Yeux, Bateli Miso Ee.
You have attracted their attention with the weight of my love. They question and criticize me for loving you. They stare at us with envy, with eyes full of admiration and jealousy.
I Love You, Baby Touch Me, Oui, Je Suis A Toi, I Love You, Baby Touch Me, Yes I Am Yours Oui, Je Suis A Toi, Cherie Pense Moi... Yes I Am Yours, Mpenzi Think Of Me...
I love you, my baby touch me, yes, I am yours. I am yours, my darling, think of me.
Writer(s): Tabu Ley Rochereau
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@issifououedraogo4794
je suis Burkinabè d'environ 40 ans et la musique classique africaine me rend dingue j'aime!!!!!!
@samuelkabore9933
Issifou OUEDRAOGO, vous avez raison. J’en raffole et coule des larmes. Le grand Tabuley. Que Dieu ait son âme!
@divinensumbu4002
Aujourd'hui 18 Août 2021 à 13 heures en plein soleil de Paris, j'écoute MAZE la bonne musique de ma jeunesse. Que ton âme repose en paix TABU LEY.
@jeanpaulmakieleka9881
Que son ame reposes en paix
@pierretokpa2739
Amen Amen Amen
@mariakenya3696
Omg what a voice? I want to cry this is so perfect...RIP African legend
@kombokisaka5506
Nakumbuka uwezo wa mwili Kufuata mdundo wa mziki miaka.30.iliopita
@mabokolyamba3519
It's really thrue syster!!!!
@gabrielmzomkunda9487
maria kenya . ..can you give me your name in the Facebook please ..just want to check your whole body
@billyforty2896
1975