Pamelo Mounk'a

Pamelo Mounk'a was a Congolese singer and songwriter. Born Yves Andre M'Bemba, he was also known as Pablito and Pamelo M'Bemba.

Career

Mounk'a got his start when he was hired by Jean Serge Essous as a singer in 1963 for Essous' band Les Bantous de la Capitale. He briefly crossed over the river in 1964 to play with Tabu Ley Rochereau's band African Fiesta, before returning to Brazzaville and the Bantous.
In 1972 Orchestre Bantou broke up, with Mounk'a and two other singers forming the group Trio CEPAKOS. In 1978 he rejoined Orchestre Bantou to perform at the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students, which he claims he did at the urging of then-president Joachim Yhombi-Opango.
After leaving Orchestre Bantou once more, Mounk'a travelled to Paris in 1981. There, he signed on with Eddy'Son records and recorded L'Argent Appelle L'Argent and Samantha, which were hits. According to Graeme Ewens of the Guardian, the former sold over 400,000 copies across Africa. At this point he began going by the name Mounk'a, which according to him is a Teke name meaning glory.
In 1986 he agreed to return to Orchestre Bantou a third time, now as the conductor, though in a few years he had to leave the role due to health issues.
He died in 1996 of diabetes.

Legacy

The Congolese Ministry of Culture erected a bust honoring Mounk'a, among others, in Brazzaville. Members of the band Extra Musica have cited Mounk'a as an influence.

Discography

Mansuwa L'Argent Appelle L'Argent Samantha Selimandja Propulsion Ca Ne Se Prete Pas 20 Ans De Carrière Camitana Metamorphose Assetou Diarabi L'Amour et La Danse Cynthia Bonne Chance L’incontournable L’essentiel L’indispensable

''Les Merveilles du Passé, vol. 2''