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Defao & The Big Stars |
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| Biography | |
| Le Général Defao has become increasingly
popular as a singer, dancer and band leader especially during the 1990s.
He started singing in local bands in Kinshasa as early as 1976, for instance in Orchestre Suka Movema,
Fogo Stars, Korotoro and Somo West.
Defao was influenced by Zaiko Langa Langa singers of the early years, Papa
Wemba, Nyoka Longo, Gina Efonge and Evoloko,
but Tabu Ley Rochereau was and still is his main inspiration. In 1981, Defao enters Grand Zaiko Wa Wa, the band of guitar wizzard Felix Manuaku. Between 1983 and 1991, he is part of the Choc Stars, led by Ben Nyamabo. In 1991, he created his own band, les Big Stars and recorded a number of albums since. A gifted singer and dancer, Defao has become quite famous in Central Africa. He was one of the first Congolese musicians who valued the importance of TV appearances and videoclips as a means to gain success. Defao is known for his exuberant lifestyle, always well dressed and apart from being a singer he is also a gifted dancer. In search for a representative appearance, he has been struggling with a weight problem for years and was trying to lose some of his 115 kilogrammes. He is nowadays based in Nairobi, Kenya. After 2000, he was sometimes written off by the critics and the public as he wasn't able to continue his successes from the 1990s, but his latest album, bearing the curious title « The Undertaker » proves he still has the talent to make people dance. Born: as Defao Matumona, 31 December 1958, in Kinshasa Style: soukous, ndombolo. |
 Defao - Anthologie |
| Discography |
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| The Undertaker vol. 1 | 2011 | Editions Kaluila / Debs Music | |
| Pur encore | 2010 | Sound Africa | CD |
| Anthologie | 2008 | Babi Editions 000205 | CD & DVD |
| Nzombo le soir | 2006 | Roma Productions | |
| Nessy de London | 2000 | JPS Production | |
| Ambiance Plus: Bana Congo vol.2 | 1999 | Roma | |
| Bana Congo vol.1 Made in America | 1999 | Roma | |
| La guerre de cent ans | 1999 | Simon Music S.I.P.E. 29336 | |
| Tremblement de terre | 1999 | Simon Music S.I.P.E. 29327 | With Le Big Stars |
| Les Big Stars & les 2 Charlots | 1999 | Micson 50 001 | |
| Copinage | 1998 | Ets. Ndiaye ND046CD | |
| Sala Noki | 1997 | Ets. Ndiaye ND041CD | |
| Fan Fan dans Phily Mbala | 1996 | ANC 095 | Benson + 2 |
| Amour interdit | 1996 | ANC 1957 / Ngoyarto | |
| Famille Kikuta (Pitié mon amour) | 1996 | DEF001 | |
| Alvaro | 1995 | Blue Silver 50392-2 | |
| Dernier album 95 | 1995 | ATB 03 | Orchestre Big Stars |
| Benson | 1995 | TON 001 | With Les Big Stars |
| Pitié mon amour | 1995 | MJ 01 | |
| Apo / Didi Kikuta | 1994 | FDB 300191 | |
| Donat | 1994 | FDB 300187 | |
| Africa Richesse | 1994 | Kaluila KL 073 | With Les Big Stars |
| Système D | 1993 | CBC CD 20 | With Les Big Stars |
| La Saga de Defao | 1993 | FDB 300 101 | CD reissue of « Chagrin dimone » and « La Force Tranquille » |
| Djem's | 1992 | Sonodisc CD 65052 | |
| Amour scolaire | 1992 | Sonodisc CD 60330 | |
| Engunduka | 1992 | FDB 300 071 | CD - with Les Big Stars |
| Hitachi | 1990 | AN 0908 DF | LP |
| Aime la Congolaise | 1989 | RMU 900 | LP |
| La Force Tranquille | 1989 | ANC 1198 | LP |
| Niki et José | 1988 | Sacodis LS 93 | LP |
| Chagrin dimone | 1988 | Kaluila KL 013 | LP - with Choc Stars |
| Sources |
| Thanks to Dolf Motz for his help in compiling this discography |
Copyright © 1997-2012 Frank Bessem | The Netherlands
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