This archive report was first published on 29 December 2021.
Congolese music fans are mourning the loss of General Defao, a legendary singer and songwriter who passed away on December 27th at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon, where he was receiving treatment.
Defao was born on December 31st, 1958, in Kinshasa, and began his music career in 1976 with a small music group in the city.
He was inspired by the likes of Papa Wemba, Nyoka Longo, Gina Efonge Evoloko, and the Zaiko group's singers in the 1970s.
Defao went on to form his own band, The Big Star, in 1991, and released over 20 songs, including 'Moski', 'Zouk', 'Famille Kikuta', and 'Madova', among others.
After fleeing Kinshasa for Nairobi in 2002, Defao spent over 15 years in exile before returning to the DRC on August 4th, 2019.
Following his passing, musicians Ferre Gola and Fally Ipupa paid tribute to the late artist, describing his death as a loss for Africa.
"Africa's great baobab just left us. I am devastated by this sad news hitting us. Deep regret for this huge loss for Africa, DRC and Congo-Central he was the only one left! Rest in peace old General Defao Matumona," Ferre Gola wrote on his Instagram account.
