Congolese gospel singer Carlyto Lassa dies after collapsing in US

The death of Congolese gospel musician and preacher Carlyto Lassa in the United States has silenced one of the finest voices in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lingala rhumba music.

Carlyto, a born-again Christian and preacher, was a former member of the legendary TPOK Jazz band led by Franco Luambo Makiadi. He later joined the star-studded Choc Stars band.

According to his close associates, the pastor collapsed and died last Sunday at the home of a fellow preacher who had invited him for fellowship in Cincinnati. He had travelled to the United States from Kinshasa via Sweden.

Speaking to the Daily Nation, Brussels-based singer Nana Akumu said she had learnt of his sudden death from a close associate.

“It’s saddening to have lost Carlyto, who was an inspiration to many in music and preaching,” she said.

Carlyto was due to hold preaching sessions in Cincinnati and other states in the US.

Before switching to gospel music, he enjoyed a successful secular music career and is best remembered for his lead vocals on the 1984 TPOK Jazz hit “Maya”, composed by Lutumba Simaro Massiya. A rendition of the song’s introductory beat was later used by a Kenyan urban music group.

Carlyto also sang on several other TPOK Jazz compositions and provided lead vocals on “Bon Samaritan”, a popular song by former TPOK Jazz guitarist Nedule Papa Noel.

As Nana recalled, Carlyto left TPOK Jazz alongside fellow singer Jolie Detta when she joined the band in 1986. His place was later taken by another talented vocalist, Malage De Lugendo, whose singing style was similar to his.

Around the same period, Carlyto joined the star-studded Choc Stars, where he performed alongside Debaba, Nzaya Nzayadio, Djuna Djanana, Djo Mali and Roxy Tshimpaka.

Nana said the musicians met during a tour of Belgium in 1989, before their former TPOK Jazz bandleader Franco died in Brussels.

In the early 1990s, Carlyto went solo and later switched to gospel music while based in Paris, France, which became his gospel music base for many years.

Among his popular solo recordings were “Makolo ya Massiya”, “Reconnaissance”, “Osukola” and “Tala Muana na Mpate”.

Fans and fellow musicians have since Monday taken to social media to mourn Carlyto and celebrate his contribution to Congolese music and gospel.

Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.

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