One of the most underrated rhythm guitarists in the world has left us. It’s a pity. He deserved way more flowers to his contribution to not just Congolese music but his rhythmic playing alone. He would take a jazz chord, arpeggiated it and made it African and he was super clean and tasteful. A decade or so ago, a question was asked if you were in a Congolese band what instrument would you play? I said rhythm because of Gege Mangaya. There was a reason why he accompanied Franco on so many recordings. He added an element that made Franco’s songs a little more funkier. Something he needed to compete with younger bands who were heavily influenced by James Brown at the time.
Rest In Peace to the Guitar Guru
