General Defao Matumona isan all-round artist that is truly one of a kind!
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo,he is famously known for his glittery costumes and flamboyant demeanor! The soukous ambassador has popularized the Congolese sound beyond his native home and has won legions of fans all over Africa, Europe and America.
Defao started singing in local bands in Kinshasa as early as 1976, in famed groups such as Orchestre Suka Movema, Forgo Stars, Korotoro and Somo West.
By comparison, he belongs to the younger guard of soukous artists although his composition and vocal skills are truly honoured among the artistic fraternity of Congo. A descendant of the Bas (Lower) Congo province, like Franco, incidentally, Defao sung with the Choc Stars band - an offshoot of Zaiko Langa Langa – and is a true luminary of the soukous tradition. ZLL complemented the brass group in the traditional rumba orchestra with shouts, yells and whistle pipes, and alternating tempos that give the guitar a more central role in the music. They also added the signaturesebene; the more funky but folk-inspired climaxes of modern Congolese rhumba.
Defao has more than six albums to his credit that include some timeless hits such as Sala noki, Claude Mulele, Nzombo Le Soir and ‘JP Kabolo’. While most Congolese musicians have made Paris their musical base, Defao has taken residence in Nairobi from where he tours across Africa and Europe.
Pur Encore, his latest release by Soundafrica, is vintage Defao — the smooth voiced master of the alto that is evidence of a seasoned musician who has bridged the gap between the younger generation and the older Afro music lovers!