Mose Fan Fan (Mose Se Sengo), a highly influential guitarist, composer, and bandleader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, died on May 3, 2019, at 75.
According to his producer, Tabu Osusa, he passed away upon arrival at a Kasarani hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Born on October 16, 1945, in Kinshasa, then Léopoldville, Belgian Congo (later Zaire, now DRC), Mose Se Sengo began his musical journey during his time at a boarding school in Kinanga. Upon his return to Kinshasa, he played as a featured guitarist in Rickem Jazz and then Revolution, performing primarily in low-key evening settings.
His talent caught the attention of Franco Luambo Makiadi, who invited him to join the legendary TPOK Jazz (Orchestre Tout Puissant OK Jazz). Mose remained with OK Jazz for several years, contributing significantly to their sound. He later co-founded Orchestre Somo Somo with fellow OK Jazz musicians, including Youlou Mabiala.
The band’s name, meaning “double dread,” was derived from Mose’s 1972 hit song “Djamelasi,” which he composed for OK Jazz. Orchestre Somo Somo disbanded following a car accident that injured Mabiala.
Following the dissolution of Somo Somo, Mose briefly rejoined Franco, while other former members joined Tabu Ley Rochereau’s Orchestre Afrisa International (then Orchestre Verve).
Mose subsequently left Zaire, establishing new iterations of Somo Somo in Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya. During his five-year tenure in Tanzania, he also contributed to Orchestre Makassy, writing notable songs such as “Mosese” and “Meloma.”
In Kenya, he met Robin Scott (of M’s “Pop Musik”), who facilitated his move to London. A contract with Stern’s Records led to the formation of a UK-based Somo Somo. The band released two albums, the second of which was recorded in Paris, before disbanding again. Upon his return to England, Mose initiated a project with Bana OK, featuring veteran OK Jazz musicians, but the project was abandoned due to visa issues.
After a brief period working as a civil servant with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Mose returned to music in 1995 with the album “Hello Hello.” This album featured members of Quatre Etoiles (Syran Mbenza, Bopol Mansiamina, Wuta Mayi, Nyboma, Miguel Yamba, and Komba Mafwala), as well as guest appearances by Sam Mangwana and Youlou Mabiala. The album was released under the Somo Somo name.
Mose Fan Fan is best known for his popular song “Papa Lolo.”
Source: AllMusic