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Bana OK
(Congo-Kinshasa)
Biography
Bana OK is one of the off-shoots of the legendary T.P. OK Jazz. After Franco's death in
October 1989, Lutumba Simaro Massiya, alias "le poète" who was the deputy bandleader of TPOK Jazz,
took over the leadership of that band. Several albums were recorded under his supervision.
An uncondoned solo project by Madilu caused first problems however, and Madilu
chose to leave the band. Further, the family of Franco demanded a higher share in the financial revenues
of the band which was unacceptable for the remaining members, who then created another band,
Bana OK. Prominent band members besides Simaro, were Rondot Kasongo wa Kasongo, Josky Kiambukuta,
and Ndombe Opetum.
From 1993 onward, Bana OK recorded many albums and performed in various countries, trying to carry on the heritage of the almighty TPOK Jazz.
Things have not always been easy for the band. Malage de Lugendo and Dizzy Mandjeku left to form OK International. In 1996, Ntesa Dalienst died, and in 2002, guitarist Jerry Dialungana passed away. In recent years, Simaro stayed in Kinshasa, where he has set up a Kinshasa based Bana OK wing, whereas Josky Kiambukuta, Makoso, Ndombe Opetun, Elba Kuluma and Shakembo stayed in Paris to sort out financial problems with Solfège Music, the producer of their latest two albums.
Despite all problems, Bana OK showed a remarkable continuity, which is pretty rare in the current Congolese music scene. The recent death of prominent members will probably change things. Joseph Kiambukuta Londa (Josky) died on 7 March 2021 in Clinique Ngaliema in Kinshasa, and Simaro Massiya Lutumba died 30 March 2019 in Paris.
From 1993 onward, Bana OK recorded many albums and performed in various countries, trying to carry on the heritage of the almighty TPOK Jazz.
Things have not always been easy for the band. Malage de Lugendo and Dizzy Mandjeku left to form OK International. In 1996, Ntesa Dalienst died, and in 2002, guitarist Jerry Dialungana passed away. In recent years, Simaro stayed in Kinshasa, where he has set up a Kinshasa based Bana OK wing, whereas Josky Kiambukuta, Makoso, Ndombe Opetun, Elba Kuluma and Shakembo stayed in Paris to sort out financial problems with Solfège Music, the producer of their latest two albums.
Despite all problems, Bana OK showed a remarkable continuity, which is pretty rare in the current Congolese music scene. The recent death of prominent members will probably change things. Joseph Kiambukuta Londa (Josky) died on 7 March 2021 in Clinique Ngaliema in Kinshasa, and Simaro Massiya Lutumba died 30 March 2019 in Paris.
Bana OK
Formed: 4 January 1994, in Brussels
Style: Congolese rumba, odemba
Discography
| Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
| Procès | 2004 | Solfège Universel 89802 | Simaro Massiya & Bana OK |
| Bula Ntulu | 2004 | Solfège Universel 89801 | Ndombe Opetum & Bana OK |
| Interpellation | 2001 | Compils Production | 3-track maxi-single CD |
| Top Overdose | 2000 | ||
| Show à Paris vol. 2 | 1999 | Air B.Mas Production/ Debs Music | Live |
| Show à Paris vol. 1 | 1999 | Air B.Mas Production/ Debs Music | Live |
| Ingratitude | 1999 | Ets. Ndiaye ND070CD | Lutumba Simaro & Bana OK |
| Dernier avertissement | 1999 | Sans Frontières SF011 | Josky Kiambukuta & Bana OK |
| Touchez jouer | 1998 | Jacko Productions JP00798 | |
| N'importe quoi | 1997 | Sonima | Shakembo & Bana OK |
| Tonnerre Show | 1997 | Sonodisc CD79811 | |
| Trahison | 1997 | Ets. Ndiaye ND043CD | Lutumba Simaro & Bana OK; also released on Stern's USA (1998) |
| Les quatre opérations | 1995 | Sonodisc CD65058 | Lutumba Simaro & Bana OK |
| Faute ya Commerçant | 1995 | Sonodisc CD65057 | Lutumba Simaro & Bana OK |
| Cabinet Molili | 1994 | Sonodisc | |
| Albums by Rondot (recorded before the creation of Bana OK but using its name): | |||
| Bakitani | 1993 | Stern's STCD 1042 | |
Sources
Page added May 2004