Docteur Nico

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Nicolas Kasanda. Kasanda Ya Mikalayi. L'eternel Docteur Nico. "Dieu de la Guitare." (b. July 7, 1939; d. September 22, 1985). Widely considered the greatest modern Congolese guitarist, perhaps the greatest modern African guitarist. Began playing at age 14. Played along with his elder brother, Dechaud, with Joseph Kabasele's African Jazz. Began Africa Fiesta with Tabu Ley Rochereau, which later split into two groups of that name. Then lead African Fiesta Sukisa. Created many dances--Kiri, Kono, and said to be the inventor of soukous, the dominant dance music from the Congo between 1960 and the present day.

His life is chronicled in the remarkable Rumba on the River, A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos by Gary Stewart and a brief biography plus extensive discography can be located at world music critic Muzikifan's webpage[1].