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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BOKELO

Johnny ]/A[ (b Bokelo Isenge, Zaire) Guitarist, composer. Began with Orchestra Congo Success '50s formed by his brother DeWayon (Paul Ebengo). Honours shared on early Africain LP L'Afrique Danse Vol. 7, but Bokelo's virtuoso guitar overshadowed brother for top billing on '66 LP in series. Introduced new dance KiriKiri '67, quickly became a favourite; formed own band Johnny Bokelo and the Congo '68 for hit singles; then renamed band Orchestra Congo de Bokelo '70s as stardom faded, challenged by new generation in '70s; but with opening of new 24-track studio in Lome, Togo, Bokelo and several others (Mayaula, Dr. Nico) revived careers with records backed by Les Redoubtables D'Abeti: Bokelo LP Isabelle '84 was a hit on Tabansi label.