Ardent Kenyan fans of great Congolese guitarist Papa Noel Nedule are mourning his death, which occurred earlier this week. Papa Noel succumbed at a hospital in France on Monday morning following a long illness.
Born Antoine Nedule Monswet, Noel was a former member of the legendary TPOK Jazz. Noel, who was one of the few surviving members of the legendary TPOK Jazz, is fondly remembered for the Tangawisi hit song.
The song recently took on a new life after a super rendition by Rhumba songbird Faya Tess, which has made it even more popular with many fans on social media.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, an ardent Rhumba fan, is among those who eulogised the fallen mercurial guitarist. In a post on a Facebook page, Mr Lusaka expressed his sorrow at the news of Papa Noel's death.
"It's with a heavy heart that I join the music fraternity, other Rhumba lovers, and fans across the globe in mourning the passing of the legendary Rhumba maestro, Papa Noel,” Governor Lusaka said.
The fallen artiste was also eulogised by Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who lauded him for his musical prowess.
”I'm saddened to learn about the death of Papa Noel, whom I regard as one of the greatest Congolese guitarists and composers, who played with Franco Luambo’s TPOK Jazz band, ” Atwoli said.
Mr Atwoli has previously arranged live concert tours to Kenya by Paris-based Congolese musicians such as Faya Tess, Nyboma Mwandido, and guitarist Caen Madoka, of the Wolo ya Misapi (golden fingers) fame.
”I have invited Faya Tess and others for an end-year special show where they will pay tribute to Papa Noel and other fallen rhumba icons," Atwoli said.
Speaking to Nation.Africa, Belgium-based Congolese musician Dizzy Mandjeku, described Papa Noel as a great guitarist and composer, who inspired many, including himself.
“Although often seemed to keep in the background, Papa Noel played a great role in musical arrangements,” Mandjeku said.
On Tuesday, Paris-based singer Balou Canta also hailed Papa Noel for his great efforts in music composition.
Since news of Papa Noel’s death broke, Rhumba fans have been sharing clips of some of his popular songs on TikTok and other social media platforms.
James Angana, a leading Nairobi-based online Lingala music translator, said: “I love his songs, especially Bon Samaritan , which is quite educative.”
Meanwhile, several Kenyan FM Radio and TV stations will in the coming days dedicate shows to Papa Noel.
Veteran radio and TV host Fred Obachi Machoka is expected to dedicate his weekend Roga Roga shows on Citizen Radio and TV to the fallen artiste.
Similar tribute shows have been lined up by DK Ken Ontuga (Le Grand Molakisi) of Inka FM, Francis Luchivya (Milele FM), Titi Nagwala (Radio Maisha) and Simeon Mfumu Kimbangu (KBC TV).
Papa Noel had been hospitalised in Grigny (Essonne), France where he had been living with his family.
Earlier this year, the 84-year-old shared a moving video clip online appealing for help from his fans.
During his heyday with the TPOK Jazz band, Papa Noel was among the top guitarists playing alongside the likes of Lutumba Simaro, Makos Kindundi, Gerry Dialungana, Thierry Mantuika Kobi, Mpudi Decca and Flavian Makabi.
He was known for several big songs, including Malou , Juliana , Lolita and Kizungu zungu .
Versatile singer Carlyto Lassa – now a gospel musician based in Paris – was the lead vocalist in many of Papa Noel's songs.
Before joining TPOK Jazz in 1978, he had performed with Leon Bukasa’s group. Bukasa was renowned for his Kiswahili's tracks.
Unknown to many, it was Bukasa, who coined the Papa Noel stage name. According to Dizzy Mandjeku, Bukasa gave him the 'Papa Noel' stage name, which was spelt in the reverse of his own Leon name. It had nothing to do with Christmas, as many have thought.
Papa Noel also had stints with Orchestre Rock-A-Mambo Jazz, Orchestre Les Bantous de Le Capitale, African Jazz, and Orchestre Bamboula.
Papa Noel’s demise is the latest tragedy for Rhumba fans, following the death of another former TPOK Jazz singer Michel Boyibanda last month. The Rhumba fraternity also recently lost former Orch Virunga solo guitarist Mokili Sesty.
The death of Papa Noel has left singers Wuita Mayi, Sam Mangwana and Nana Akumu, guitarists Michelino Mavatiku, Dizzy Mandjeku, Makos Kindudi, Flavian Makaba and Celi Bitchou as the only former TPOK Jazz band survivors.
