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.
Muzina
Tabu Ley Rochereau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Muzina di tata,
e di mwana,
e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, muzina.
Babotama, bazala, bakufa, balamuka, basekwa ah
Kasi nkombo ya Nzambe ezali ya makasi boboto ya Yahwe ya nkembo,
bakolimbisa bango
Muzinaaaa
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Baluka moto na ngai, baluka ngai liwa
Bamekola basuka, bamema se mongambo eh
Lisolo oyo ya ngai, ekoma mosala
Na kati ya lisanga, na bandako na nganga
Kofingafinga ngai, kotongotonga ngai
Kokanakana ngai, epesa ngai bomoyi
Naboma moto te, nateka moto te
Nasimba nkisi te, mpo te nazwa bomengo
[Nzoto nangai nzoto oyo elelela kaka nzambe
Nkisi nangai banda bomwana, losambo na Yahweh
Banso oyo bayeba ngai na bomwana nangai
Ntango yango babenga ngai mwana ya basango oh
[Yebaka ah yebaka, liloba ya Nzambe,
Yeba bisengo ya nse
Tangaka, ah tangaka, tangaka Bible
Yeba bomengo ya nse
Muzinaaaa
Muzina di tata,
e di mwana,
e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Basoboli bankulu, bopesa biso kisankulu
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Basantu mpe banzelu, botombola nkombo ya nkolo
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Yemba yemba ah,
Yemba yemba ah
Boyakani banso mpo toyemba
Yemba yemba ah
Toyembela Nzambe nkolo na biso
Yemba yemba ah
Tosangana banso mpo boyani
Yemba yemba ah
Toyembela Nzambe nkolo abenisa biso
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina di tata e di mwana
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Yesu tokoyemba
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Nzambe tokosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina e di tata, e di mwana
Afrika mobimba yakani toyemba
Yemba yemba ah
Toyembela Nzambe abenisa mboka
Yemba yemba ah
Nkombo na Nzambe ezali likolo
Yemba yemba ah
Eloko moko eleki Nzambe ezali te oh
Yemba yemba ah
Baninga ya Zaire boyokani tosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo ya Nzambe asalisa biso
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Nzambe tokosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina di tata e di mwana
Yemba yemba ah
Botombola maboko mpo na Nzambe eh
Yemba yemba ah
Tobondela ye na motema moko
Yemba yemba ah
Nkombo ya Nzambe ezali monene
Yemba yemba ah
Nanoi akoki kotiya ntembe na Nzambe
Yemba yemba ah
Yelele, yelele
Yelele yelele
Ebeba eh eh botombola maboko
Bimisa mouchoir, litambala, liputa, ekoti, yembela Nzambe
Eeeh, Yahweh
Eh, Yahweh
"Muzina" by Tabu Ley Rochereau is a song full of spiritual references reflecting Congolese culture, which reinforces the relationship between the artist and Christianity. The term Muzina means "name" in Lingala language and the lyrics say that this name, which is the name of the father, son, and holy spirit, is significant to both young and old. It also refers to the impact of the gospel in the lives of people, as it gives them hope during difficult times. This is illustrated with some of the verses, such as "My story is a threat which is like a trap. In the midst of the danger, I knock, drum, and cry for attention so that life is given to me."
The second part of the song praises God in different ways, such as by mentioning the power of the Bible, the holy spirit, and the name of Jesus. The repetition of "Yemba" towards the end of the song is a popular Congolese chant that refers to praising God. It is also worth noting that the song is performed in the rumba style of music, which originated from Central Africa.
Line by Line Meaning
Muzinaaaaaaa
The name declared in admiration and respect.
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
The name of the father, son, and the Holy Spirit.
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, muzina.
The name of the father God, oh what a name.
Babotama, bazala, bakufa, balamuka, basekwa ah
The ancestors, descendants, dead, alive, all submit to the name.
Basumuki baboya Nzambe batala ye mpamba ntango ya bisengo oh oh
Those who are against God are brought to their knees by the power of His name in times of trouble.
Kasi nkombo ya Nzambe ezali ya makasi boboto ya Yahwe ya nkembo, bakolimbisa bango
But the power of God's name is strong and the praises of Yahweh are forever sung, exalting His power.
Baluka moto na ngai, baluka ngai liwa Bamekola basuka, bamema se mongambo eh
They cast me, they wound me, they come to fight me, but they forget that I'm a soldier.
Lisolo oyo ya ngai, ekoma mosala Na kati ya lisanga, na bandako na nganga Kofingafinga ngai, kotongotonga ngai Kokanakana ngai, epesa ngai bomoyi
My story is controversial, but at the crossroads, in front of the witch doctor, they tried to intimidate me, but I never give up.
Naboma moto te, nateka moto te
I don't want to hate anyone, I don't want anyone to feel hurt by me.
Nasimba nkisi te, mpo te nazwa bomengo
I don't want to worship idols, but to praise the name of God.
[Nzoto nangai nzoto oyo elelela kaka nzambe
My soul clings to the name of God.
Nkisi nangai banda bomwana, losambo na Yahweh
I praise Yahweh, the deliverer of children.
Banso oyo bayeba ngai na bomwana nangai
They persecute me and my child.
Ntango yango babenga ngai mwana ya basango oh
The time foretold me, the child of promise will come soon.
[Yebaka ah yebaka, liloba ya Nzambe, Yeba bisengo ya nse
Sing, sing, the song of God, know the mystery of heaven.
Tangaka, ah tangaka, tangaka Bible Yeba bomengo ya nse Muzinaaaa
Read, read, the Bible, know the will of heaven. The name.
Basoboli bankulu, bopesa biso kisankulu
The ancestors teach us wisdom.
Basantu mpe banzelu, botombola nkombo ya nkolo
The saints and angels adore the name of the Lord.
Yemba yemba ah, Boyakani banso mpo toyemba
Dance, dance, oh let's dance together.
Toyembela Nzambe nkolo na biso Yemba yemba ah
Let's adore the Lord together.
Tosangana banso mpo boyani Yemba yemba ah
Let's meet each other to dance together.
Toyembela Nzambe nkolo abenisa biso Yemba yemba ah
Let's adore the Lord together and bless us.
Na nkombo na Yesu tokoyemba
In the name of Jesus, we dance.
Botombola maboko mpo na Nzambe eh
Let's raise our hands to God.
Tobondela ye na motema moko
Let's connect with our heart.
Nkombo ya Nzambe ezali monene
The name of God is great.
Nanoi akoki kotiya ntembe na Nzambe
Even ants acknowledge the presence of God.
Yelele, yelele Yelele yelele Ebeba eh eh botombola maboko
Sing, sing; raise your hands.
Bimisa mouchoir, litambala, liputa, ekoti, yembela Nzambe Eeeh, Yahweh Eh, Yahweh
Wave your scarf, stamp your feet, turn around, clap your hands, sing to God. Yahweh.
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@michaelmnico9968
Muzinaaaa
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, muzina
Babotama, bazala, bakufa, balamuka, basekwa Ah ah
Basumuki baboya nzambe batala ye mpamba
Ntango ya bisengo oh oh
Kasi nkombo ya nzambe ezali ya makasi boboto
Ya yahwe ya nkembo, bakolimbisa bango
Muzinaaaa
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Baluka moto na ngai, baluka ngai liwa
Bamekola basuka ah ah, bamema se mongambo Eh
Lisolo oyo ya ngai, ekoma mosala
Na kati ya lisanga, na bandako na nganga
Kofingafinga ngai, kotongatonga ngai
Kokanakana ngai, epesa ngai bomoyi
Naboma moto te, nateka moto
Nasimba nkisi te, mpo te nazwa bomengo eh
Nzoto nangai nzoto oyo elelela kaka nzambe
Nkisi nangai banda bomwana, losambo na Yahweh eh
Banso oyo bayeba ngai na bomwana nangai
Nytangho yango babenga ngai mwana ya basango Oh
Nzoto nangai nzoto oyo elelela kaka nzambe
Nkisi nangai banda bomwana, losambo na Yahweh eh
Banso oyo bayeba ngai na bomwana nangai
Nytangho yango babenga ngai mwana ya basango Oh
Yebaka ah yebaka, liloba ya Nzambe,
Yeba bisengo ya nse
Tangaka, ah tangaka, tangaka Bible
Yeba bisengo ya nse
Yebaka ah yebaka, liloba ya Nzambe,
Yeba bisengo ya nse
Tangaka, ah tangaka, tangaka Bible
Yeba bisengo ya nse
Muzinaaaa
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Basoboli bankulu, bopesa biso kisankulu
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Basantu mpe banzelu, botombola nkombo ya Nkolo
Muzina di tata, e di mwana, e di mpeve santu
Muzina di tata nzambe oooh, ya muzina
Yemba yemba ah,
Yemba yemba ah
Boyakani banso mpo toyemba
Yemba yemba ah,
Toyembela Nzambe nkolo na biso
Yemba yemba ah
Tosangana banso mpo boyani
Yemba yemba ah
ToyembelaNzambe nkolo abenisa biso
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina di tata e di mwana
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Yesu tokoyemba
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Nzambe tokosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina di tata e di mwana
Yemba yemba ah
Afrika mobimba yakani toyemba
Yemba yemba ah
Toyembela Nzambe abenisa mboka eeeehh
Yemba yemba ah
Nkombo na Nzambe ezali likolo
Yemba yemba ah
Eloko moko eleki Nzambe ezali te
Yemba yemba ah
Baninga ya Zaire boyokani tosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo ya Nzambe asalisa biso
Yemba yemba ah
Na nkombo na Nzambe tokosambela
Yemba yemba ah
Muzina di tata e di mwana
Yemba yemba ah
Botombola maboko mpo na Nzambe eh
Yemba yemba ah
Tobondela ye na motema moko
Yemba yemba ah
Nkombo ya Nzambe ezali monene
Yemba yemba ah
Nanoi akoki kotiya ntembe na Nzambe
Yemba yemba ah
Yelele, yelele
Yelele yelele
Ebeba eh eh botombola maboko
Bimisa mouchoir, litambala, liputa, ekoti,
Yembela Nzambe
Aleluya
Amen
Eeeh, Yahweh
Eh, Yahweh
Eeeh, Yahweh
Eh, Yahweh
Eeeh, Yahweh
Eh, Yahweh
@inosisaidi4091
Kumbe it's a gospel song... Kenyans love this song...wapi like za wakenya jamani
@tinameigo6736
i thot ni.ya clubu
@georgendiga
🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪mûcina
@vildonochieng3701
A song that starts my day 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪
@TheEzekiel85
Yeah, inakuwanga gospel
@jeanmusamba8448
ni gospel song nzuri sana,wakombo wana vipaji sana,na wanampenda Mungu sana,nimekaa Kongo japo me mtz,anasema tangu utoto tiba yangu ni kumuomba Mungu,wote walio nijua waliniita mtoto wa mchungaji,soma biblia upate jua utajiri wa dunia hii,soma biblia upate jua furaha ya dunia hii.......... ana akili sana Tabu, Ley.
@denisjohn8252
Safi sana kumbe kitu kizuri hivyo miaka yote nasikiliza bila kuelewa chochote,asante kwa aliye tafsiri, Mungu ni mwema aleluyaaaaa......
@harounjc6550
Hatimaye leo nami nimetambua 1 may 2021
@rhodamshana1794
Kama mm
@mamavkdh8056
Hahaha tupo wengi 2021