Soukous icon Kanda Bongo Man honoured with lifetime achievement award in UK
Congolese Soukous legend Kanda Bongo Man has received a Lifetime Achievement MTM Award in Bristol, England, recognising his role in promoting Soukous and Congolese culture in the UK and beyond.
A celebration in Bristol City has placed Congolese music legend Kanda Bongo Man back in the spotlight, with organisers honouring him for shaping global appreciation of Soukous and elevating Congolese culture in England.
According to the Saturday Nation, the ceremony, attended by artists from various communities living in the United Kingdom (UK), paid tribute to his influence both on stage and beyond.
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Bongo Man, who has lived in London for several years, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement MTM Award by the DR Congo Ambassador to the UK, Ndolamb Ngokwey.
The event, held in southwest England, formed part of this year’s MIM Awards, which were introduced in 2022 to recognise artists contributing to England’s cultural landscape.
Speaking in an earlier interview with the Saturday Nation, the celebrated musician did not hide his excitement about the recognition.
“It is encouraging to be feted, especially now that I am based in England, where I do most of my shows and music productions,” he said.
Bongo Man has long been regarded as one of the leading forces behind the Soukous rhythm and the energetic Kwasa Kwasa dance that became a continental sensation.
His catalogue includes hits such as Inde Monie, Sai and Muchana, which helped define a style enjoyed across generations.
His version of Sweet Elizabeth, adapted from My Lovely Elizabeth by Sierra Leonean artist Sooliman Ernest Rogers (S.E. Rogie), also earned praise for reviving the classic. Rogie, known for his palm wine guitar sound, died in South London in 1994.
His journey as a musician took him across several continents.
After leaving Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in pursuit of opportunities, he stayed briefly in Kampala in 1979 before moving to South Africa, France and later England.
He also travelled extensively, performing in Australia, the United States (US) and several other countries.
While living in Paris, he created some of his most loved recordings. Songs such as Liza and Sai were produced during this period, with guitarist Diblo Dibala adding his signature touch.
Later, Bongo Man teamed up with Dally Kimoko for Inde Monie and worked with Nene Tshakou on Isambe, further strengthening his sound.
His bond with Kenyan fans remains strong, with many still recalling his 1991 performance at Nyayo National Stadium. The show attracted huge numbers and remains one of the venue’s most packed concerts.
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