Tabu Ley RochereauCongo |1940| LingalaEmmanuel Pascal Sinamoyi, better known as Tabu Ley Rochereau, was a well-known African rumba singer-songwriter.
In addition to being the conductor of Orchestre Afrisa International, he was a very prominent performer and prolific songwriter in Africa.
By combining elements of Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American rumba with Congolese traditional music, Tabu Ley, together with guitarist Dr. Nico Kasanda, pioneered soukous, or African rumba, and expanded the reach of his music internationally.
Rochereau has composed almost two thousand songs since making his professional debut in Joseph "Grand Kalle" Kabasele's band, African Jazz, in 1954.
Sadly, Tabu Ley Rochereau passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His contributions to African music continue to be celebrated, and his music remains timeless.