Founded in the early 1969 by D.V. Moanda, Marcelin Delo, Henry Mongombe, Olemi Eshar-Eshar dem'belina and Andre Bita, Zaiko Langa Langa survived into the 2000s (decade), and have been largely popular through the decades. Because of their "rebel" and "hippie" attitude, and their innovative approach to soukous, they became a symbol of the new generations of post-independence Zaire, and are sometimes compared to the Rolling Stones for their appeal on the Congolese youth.
The band has experienced several personnel changes, and a number of prominent soukous musicians have been in their lineup; examples are Bozi Boziana, Dindo Yogo, Evoloko Jocker, N'Yoka Longo and Bimi Ombale. Several soukous band formed as spin-offs of Zaiko Langa Langa; these include Isifi Lokole, Yoka Lokole, Viva La Musica, Langa Langa Stars, Zaiko Familia Dei, Basilique Loningisa, Choc Stars, Anti Choc, and Zaiko Nkolo Mboka. This large group of related bands is sometimes referred to as "Clan Langa Langa" (i.e., "the Langa Langa family").
In 2000, Zaiko Langa Langa were awarded by the Congolese Media Association as the best Congolese musical group of the 20th century.
The band was formed in 1969 with the provisional name "Orchestra Zaiko". The original lineup was composed of Papa Wemba, Mavuela Somo, Evoloko Lay Lay, Teddy Sukami, Oncle Bapius, Zamuangana le meilleur and Manuaku Waku (also known as Pépé Fely) and N'Yoka Longo. The band also had a pop section, which was playing before the soukous section, with Bimi Ombale, Mbuta Matima and Mashakado Mbuta. Moanda, Mongombe, Marcelin, Waku, Longo and Bita were all from a former band called Bel Guide National. They were mostly students coming from upper-class families of Kinshasa.
The sound of Zaiko Langa Langa was revolutionary with respect to the soukous tradition. They adopted a more up tempo beat, abandoned wind instruments and emphasized snare drums and lead electric guitars (and eventually also synthesizers). The percussion rhythms were adapted from traditional Congolese music and the sebene became more prominent. Their vocal lines made a large use of the call and response schemes. Their frenetic stage shows featured a frontline of four singers.
Because of these innovations, they are sometimes referred to as the founders of the "third school" of soukous. The "first school" is probably that of soukous bands of the 1950s, such as Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz and OK Jazz, while the "second school" could be that of Sam Mangwana's African Fiesta. While their "rebel" attitude, which resembled that of the hippie movement, earned them the sobriquet of "Zaire's Rolling Stones".
Zaiko quickly became one of the most popular groups of Zaire, and had a large fan base among Kinshasa's juvenile. In the 1970s, Zaiko's singers Evoloko "Lay Lay" Joker, Papa Wemba, Gina Efonge, Mavuela Somo, Nyoka Longo and Bimi Ombale popularized a dance known as cavacha, also spelled "kavasha, that was a decade-lasting craze in most East Africa.
In 1974, Zaiko Langa Langa were amongst the Zairean bands to be invited to play in Zaire '74, a huge musical event celebrating the Rumble in the Jungle.
In the mid 1970s the band lost some of its most important members. Papa Wemba, Bozi Boziana, Mavuela Somo and Evoloko left in 1974 to create Isifi Lokole; the same year, Papa Wemba, Bozi Boziana and Mavuela abandoned Evoloko after a conflict of leadership in the groupe between Evoloko and Papa Wemba to form Yoka Lokole in 1976. In 1980, guitarist Manuaka Waku also founded his own group, Grand Zaiko Wa Wa. After a brief period of inactivity, the band returned in 1975, and in the following years maintained a prominent position in the soukous scenes, while competing with its own spin-offs such as Isifi Melodia, Yoka Lokole and later on in 1977 Viva La Musica of Papa Wemba after he left Yoka Lokole after another conflict of leadership between him and Mavuela Somo. The outcome of the personnel changes in the band was the establishment of N'Yoka Longo as the new leader, and new entries such as Lengi Lenga, Bakunde Ilo Pablo and Likinga. Zaiko Langa Langa's production of the latter 1970s are particularly sophisticated both in terms of melody and orchestration, and the choreography of the live performance was also richer than it was in the early years. In 1975 too saw the establishment of the longest serving front singers of Zaiko in Nyoka Longo, Bimi Ombale, Lengi Lenga and Likinga Redo who will become for fourteen years the face of Zaiko and impose Zaiko as the ultimate heavy weight of youth music in Zaire. The success of the band was so huge and unprecedented in Zairian music history that all the presonnel that have left the band were queuing to return. In 1977, Bozi Boziana rejoined the group, followed by Mashakado Mbuta and Evoloko in 1980.
Despite new internal quarrels and personnel changes with the departure of Evoloko, Bozi and Djo Mali in 1981 to form Langa Langa Stars, Zaiko Langa Langa were successful throughout the 1980s. The band was touring Europe and Africa regularly and was the first Zairian band to visit Japan. At the end of the decade at the height of their glory and having establish themselves as legends in Zaire, the band experienced another major split, between the two leaders of the group Nyoka Longo and Bimi Ombale. The band was divided in two with every musician choosing his camp between the two leaders who were part of Zaiko since it creation. With Meridjo, Bapius, Matima, Zamuangana who were part of Zaiko from it creation staying with Nyoka Longo followed by Dindo Yogo and the band was called then Zaiko Langa Langa Nkolo Mboka, and was considered as the original Zaiko, to differentiate it from the band of Bimi Ombale which was called Zaiko Langa Langa Familia Dei and had Lengi Lenga, Ilo Pablo, JP Buse and the rest of the musicians that came in the 1980s. Later on, N'Yoka Longo's group reacquired the original name "Zaiko Langa Langa", which has maintained until today. N'Yoka Longo is still the leader of the group.
In 2002, Zaiko performed in the mythic arena Zenith of Paris, France. More than 6.000 fans attended. This was considered by many as the renaissance or rebirth of Zaiko. In fact, as earlier as 1988, Zaiko, being very popular at that time, made plan to perform in Zenith but the great split that occurred in the band stopped it for doing so.
Zaiko spent 6 and half years in Europe (2002–09). Its Headquarters ware based in Bruxelles, Belgium. But the band gave more concerts in France and other countries around Europe. During that time in Europe, Zaiko released three albums: Eureka (2002), Empreintes (2004), Recontres (2006). In the last album, Nyoka Longo invited many former Zaiko musicians like Malage, Beniko Popolipo; and a retired Congolese musician Tony Dee Bokito. He also recruited from Kinshasa, the son of late Dindo yogo, Lola Muana.
During the time the Band was in Europe, Nyoka Longo, in 2006, charged Lola Muana who was then in Kinshasa to form a group that would promote Zaiko music in D.R.Congo. Lola recruited and formed a subsidiary group of Zaiko called Les Ganers de Zaiko. Bapius Muaka, a longtime guitarist bass player who left the group during a minor split of 1999, joined the Ganers too.
The group returned in D.R.Congo in January 2009 with only five musicians: Nyoka Longo, Doudou Adoula, Shou Lay Evoloko, Gege Mangaya and Lola Muana. Other members of the group defected and stayed in Europe where they formed a new band named Les Stars de Zaiko under the leadership of Adamo Ekula. Couple years later, they renamed their new band Zaikas Kolo Mboka.
Since his recruitment in Zaiko, Lola Muana was regarded by many as the principal heir of Zaiko. But in 2009, he was forced to quit the group because of his proposal to have a valid work contract with the group. His request was denied by the President of Zaiko, N'Yoka Longo Mvula Jossart. The son of Evoloko, Shou Lay, who backed Lola's request left the group too. In November 2011, Lola Muana was reinstated in the group.
Zaiko Langa Langa were both influential in their own right and through their many spin-offs. Most of these maintained a strong link to the original formation, and this is often reflected by the names they adopted. The groups that somehow belong to the Zaiko Langa Langa "franchise" are collectively known as the "Clan Langa Langa". This includes:
Isifi Lokole - Papa Wemba, Bozi Boziana, Evoloko Jocker, Mavuela Somo
Yoka Lokole - Papa Wemba, Bozi Boziana, Mavuela Somo
Grand Zaïko Wa Wa (1975–?) - Manuaku Waku who was joined by successful singers like Shimita, Djo Poster among others
Viva La Musica (1977–?) - Papa Wemba, joined by Emeneya Mubiala, dindo yogo
Choc Stars - Bozi Boziana, Tshimpaka Roxy joined by Ben Nyamabo, Karlito Lassa, Defao
L'Orchestre Anti-Choc - Bozi Boziana, joined by Deyesse Mukangi, Jolie Detta, Dodoli, Walingonda, Fifi Mofude, etc.
Langa Langa Stars (1981–1984) - Evoloko Jocker, Bozi Boziana, Tshimpaka Roxy and Djo Mali
TPOK Jazz (1984–1983) - François Luambo Makiadi
Zaïko Langa Langa Nkolo Mboka - N'Yoka Longo, Meridjo, Dindo Yogo, Oncle Bapius, Zamuangana, Nono Atalaku and Matima. They were joined by Malage de Lugendo, Adamo, Baroza, Shiro Shiro,
Zaïko Langa Langa Familia Dei - Lengi Lenga, Ilo Pablo, Bimi Ombale, Beniko Popolipo, Petit Poisson, Djimi Yaba
Zaiko Universel (1999–2000)- Meridjo, Bapius Muaka
Langa Langa Rénové - Evoloko Jocker
Basilique Loningisa - Bimi Ombale
Ngwaka Aye- Dindo Yogo
Les Quatros de Langa Langa, Papa Wemba, Evoloko, Bozi Boziana, Gina Efonge
Les Stars de Zaiko, Now called Zaikas Kolo Mboka, Adamo Ekula, Petit Poisson, Tshanda, Papy Cocaine, etc.
Clan Petrole (1983–1940) - The Best Collections.
Discography
* 1970 : Pauline
* 1972 : L'amoureux decu
* 1973 : Mete la vérité, chouchouna
* 1974 : Liwa ya somo
* 1981 : Sarah Djenni
* 1983 : La Tout Neige
* 1985 : Zaiko Eyi Nkisi
* 1985 : Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss! Eh Ngoss!
* 1986 : Bongoville
* 1986 : Pusa Kuna... Serrez! Serrez!
* 1987 : Bongama Kamata Position
* 1987 : Subissez les conséquences
* 1988 : Nippon Banzai au Japon
* 1989 : Jetez l'Eponge
* 1990 : Zaiko Langa-Langa F. D.
* 1992 : L'Autentique Zaiko Langa Langa
* 1993 : Jamais sans nous
* 1993 : Zaire-Ghana (recorded in Accra in 1976, produced by Henri Bowane)
* 1995 : Avis de recherche
* 1995 : Zekete Zekete
* 1996 : Sans issue
* 1996 : Pacha labaran
* 1997 : Papa Omar
* 1997 : Onassis
* 1997 : Muvaro
* 1997 : Le beau temps
* 1997 : Bongo bouger
* 1997 : Bacline Lesson One
* 1997 : Poison
* 2000 : Etumba ya la vie
* 2001 : Legend
* 2002 : Anthologie
* 2003 : Sentiment Awa / Essesse
* 2003 : Eureka!
* 2004 : Empreinte
* Zaire Congo Dance
* Zaiko Langa Langa
* Saisie en Douane... 20 Ans Déjà
* Ici Ça Va... Fungola Motema
* Out of Africa
77 X 7
Zaïko Langa Langa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lelo e komi ya basangoo oh oh oh
Motema ya JP science etonda
Makambo lokola'oyanga ya vero kabese
Mpe bana mabe ba sala ye bandeko
Oyeba esika mayi etangaka ezali teee
Ponani nini mibali ba ndimaka biso basi
Te Bandeko et pourtant na sala mingi mpo lelo okoma boye
Elanga to lona ekola eta mbuma o préférer obuka yomoko na molili
Pasi eleki nga posa na zonga mboka na
Nzela na leka ba tala nga liso te
(Instrumentale)
Elanga to lona ekola eta mbuma o préférer obuka yomoko na molili
Pasi eleki nga posa na zonga mboka na
Nzela na leka ba tala nga liso te posa
Nami boma
(Instrumentale)
Oyo osalinga etikali elembo na motema
Nako bosana te ngayi na koma nanga
Lokola moto
Ba suwa ye nduma abanga bokila te
Tongo pokwa ngayi kaka losambo
Nasenga bolimbisi nzambe a limbisa yo
Mbala tuku Sambo na Sambo mbala
Sambo
Tuku Sambo na Sambo mbala
Sambo oooh
Kasi makanisi ya mabe boye ozwi wapi e papa oboya nga oyina nga lokola
Oyinaka mabele ya maman bokilo
Zongisa ndambo ya bolingo na pesaki
Yo
Otye wapiee tala nga na komi isolé tololoo
Mabeje tala ngayi leki nayo na bandeli
Vie à zéro likolo ya mobali oyoo
Noko JP ko lemba bana te fungola miso
Likambo famille ba pekisaki na boyaki
Ko Yoka oo mobali azali mbeto ya hôpital Maa
Lelooo oyo nay'ozwi yee obosani mobongo nyoso ngayi nayo to sala haa
O sekii olobi na betelayee photocopie
Na botela yo ekomisanga boye lumaa
Oyo osalinga etikali elembo na motema
Nako bosana te
Ngayi na koma nanga Lokola moto ba suwa ye nduma abanga bokila te
Tongo pokwa ngayi kaka losambo
Nasenga bolimbisi nzambe a limbisa yo
Mbala tuku Sambo na Sambo mbala
Sambo
Tuku Sambo na Sambo mbala
Sambo oooh
Kasi makanisi ya mabe boye ozwi wapi e papa oboya nga oyina nga lokola
Oyinaka mabele ya maman bokilo
Zongisa ndambo ya bolingo na pesaki
Yo
Otye wapiee tala nga na komi isolé tololoo
(Instrumentale)
The song "77 X 7" by Zaiko Langa Langa is a Congolese rumba song that speaks about forgiveness and reconciliation. The lyrics encourage listeners to forgive those who have wronged them, even if it means having to do so repeatedly. The repeated use of the phrase "77 X 7" is a reference to the biblical verse Matthew 18:22, where Jesus tells Peter to forgive his brother seventy times seven.
The song starts with the line "Na kanga yo na ba photos ya mbanda na Limbisaaa, ndaka to pesanaaa," which translates to "I kept your photos with me when I left Limbisa, but I didn't give up." This suggests that despite a past conflict or hurt, the singer has chosen not to let go of the relationship altogether. The song then continues to plead for forgiveness and understanding, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and that the only way to move forward is through reconciliation.
Overall, the message of the song is a powerful one, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and taking responsibility for one's actions. It speaks to the human condition and our never-ending struggle to connect with others and overcome differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Na kanga yo na ba photos ya mbanda na Limbisaaa, ndaka to pesanaaa
I took pictures with you at Limbisa and promised to give them to you later.
Lelo e komi ya basangoo oh oh oh
Today marks the arrival of the chosen one.
Motema ya JP science etonda
JP's heart is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Makambo lokola'oyanga ya vero kabese
These issues resemble the weariness of a warrior.
Mpe bana mabe ba sala ye bandeko
His own children betrayed him, his own brothers.
Ndako oyo ovandaka te maman moyen
That place where my mother was not able to give birth.
Oyeba esika mayi etangaka ezali teee
You know that place where the water doesn't flow.
Ponani nini mibali ba ndimaka biso basi
Why do our neighbors keep attacking us?
Te Bandeko et pourtant na sala mingi mpo lelo okoma boye
We are brothers, yet we have so many problems today.
Elanga to lona ekola eta mbuma o préférer obuka yomoko na molili
It's better to work and sweat here on earth than to go to hell.
Pasi eleki nga posa na zonga mboka na
The road is long and I have to return to my country.
Nzela na leka ba tala nga liso te
The path is difficult and I don't have good companions.
(Instrumentale)
Oyo osalinga etikali elembo na motema
What you desire is deeply rooted in your heart.
Nako bosana te ngayi na koma nanga
I won't give up, even if it kills me.
Lokola moto ba suwa ye nduma abanga bokila te
Like a wounded animal, they pursue him relentlessly.
Tongo pokwa ngayi kaka losambo
I will dance alone without a partner.
Nasenga bolimbisi nzambe a limbisa yo
I pray to God to heal you.
Mbala tuku Sambo na Sambo mbala Sambo
The drum beats, Sambo, Sambo, Sambo.
Kasi makanisi ya mabe boye ozwi wapi e papa oboya nga oyina nga lokola
But where are the riches you promised me, Father? I'm still poor.
Oyinaka mabele ya maman bokilo
You crave the cassava of Maman Bokilo.
Zongisa ndambo ya bolingo na pesaki Yo
Connect the threads of love and sew them up.
Otye wapiee tala nga na komi isolé tololoo
You left me alone and now I'm lost.
Mabeje tala ngayi leki nayo na bandeli Vie à zéro likolo ya mobali oyoo
I'm like you, wandering aimlessly with no hope for a better life.
Noko JP ko lemba bana te fungola miso Likambo famille ba pekisaki na boyaki
JP doesn't neglect his children, but family issues often cause misunderstandings and quarrels.
Ko Yoka oo mobali azali mbeto ya hôpital Maa
Find out, my friend, if he's still in MAA hospital.
Lelooo oyo nay'ozwi yee obosani mobongo nyoso ngayi nayo to sala haa
This thing I'm trying to explain to you, I don't know how to say it clearly.
O sekii olobi na betelayee photocopie Na botela yo ekomisanga boye lumaa
Don't make me run around like a photocopy machine. Give me what I've been asking for.
(Instrumentale)
Contributed by Alice L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.