Criticism
Congolese music hasn't had prestige since 2004. This is due to the late Tabu Ley's critic of Koffi. Unfortunately, this has dethroned the genre of Rhumba (Nkumba).
Congolese musicians should take caution of their mental health before going on stage. We have seen a lot of talented musicians of OK Jazz, Afrisa, Zaiko pass through numerous illnesses. Ya Chiro, Matima, Pompon Kuleta, Pepe Kalle, etc.
Polemic is fucking hilarious. Mon lingala eza petit. However, drama is futile. Competition is engaging and stimulates the creativity of musicians. Just look at Wenge Vs Koffi.
Most soloists are imitating Kapaya instead of discovering their own sound. Innovation is lacking. Creativity is lacking. Lack of catchy solo riffs are lacking. Listen to Nene Tchakou, Ya Luambo, Mboka Liya, Dally Kimoko, Bongo Wende just to name a few, they have memorable riffs. Bongo Wende is one of the special cases because he was inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Michelino was inspired by AA Jazz guitarists, noted on his Facebook.
The 1970s was the most creative era. Why? Because many bands were being created at once. Verckys were promoting like hot cakes mdrrr.
Lack of promotion. Musicians need to hire promoters that are consistent, charismatic, and focused. Congolese Music always had international potential: Afro Cuban Era, Cavacha, Dance era, Ndombolo, etc. It just lacks the proper promotion to take it further.
Sebenes aren't exciting as they used to be. The sebenes from the 1950s towards the early 2000s had a lot of fervor, passion, and rawness!!!!
Every artist wants to be a solo artist. Not everyone can be a solo artist. Luckily, Fally and Ferre had a stable promoter and took off.
The Afro Latin era produced some of the most simple and rich Congolese music. Listen to the works of the 1960s and '50s.
Bavon Marie Marie was on the road to being a superstar. Sad, he died so early. Michelino took his style.
Aurlus Mabele was the Likolo of Soukous. Toujours Likolo. He was actually a band leader in the 70's. Fronting a orchestra called "Ndimbola Lokole". His energy was unmatched. Plus, Aurlus played percussion. RIP
Congolese musicians should tour a LOT in Latin America and Asia. Why? Cause most Bantu descendants of the Kongo Empire (Congo, Angola, Gabon) were exported to Latin America (Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, Brasil). For instance, Tango comes from the Kikongo word - N'tangu. Merengue of DR is Angolan. Rhumba is Nkumba (dancing by the waist).
Franco was the greatest musician coming from Congo. Meaning he put his heart and soul into his passion.
Most Congolese people haven't known that Congolese music has been produced in East Africa and West Africa. Samba Mapangala, Les Mangelepa, Super Mazemba just to name a few aren't well known in Kinshasa. However, the music is delicious and arranged properly. Maybe because in East Africa, Swahili is king. While in Kin, Lingala is widely spoken. My sister-in-law told me this. However, there is more to Lingala and these languages should be promoted.
Vocalist Pompon Kuleta should've capitalized from the Soukous Vibration compilation in the '90s. His vocals played a major role due to producer Ouattara Mamouni. If Ouattara is still alive, I hope we can get an interview of him promoting a lot of Congolese musicians and also making Pompon Kuleta a superstar. Same with an interview of Geo Bilongo, Dr. Sakis (

)
Apart from Dr. Nico, Papa Noel "Ya Nono" is the greatest rumba guitarist. Pay attention to his fingers.
Lokassa Ya M'Bongo is one of the greatest rhythm guitarists Africa has produced. However, Dechaud (Nico brother) pioneered the mi-composed. But the first to play was Jhimmy Zakari of Central African Republic!
https://maziki.fr/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/jimmy2.jpgI long for the legacy of Zaiko.
Once Nyoka Longo is no more, who will continue the legacy? Lola Muana? Notice how Tabu Ley was gone Dino Vangu decided to reprise Afrisa in Europe. In the US, there was a mini-reunion with Huit Kilos, Dodo Munoko (RIP), Wawali Bonane but unfortunately, the death of Dodo Munoko was a huge blow.
Ageism suffers from generation vs generation. Does the youth even know musicians of the yesteryear? Do they even listen to the music of yesteryear? They may say it's old, but yet our parents are old, but we still listen to them
