Nico Kasanda

About

Composer and guitarist who was considered one of the pioneers of Soukous music. He was the creator of the Congolese finger-picked guitar style.

Before Fame

He played in the group Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz when he was 14 years old. He and singer Tabu Ley Rochereau later founded L'Orchestra African Fiesta, which garnered a huge following.

Trivia

His Belgian record label eventually fell apart, and he largely retired from music in the mid-1970s.

Family Life

His family was from Mikalayi, Belgian Congo. They were incredibly musical.

Associated With

He was visited by Jimi Hendrix while the legendary guitarist was touring Paris.