DISCOGRAPHY OF DOCTEUR NICO

Photo above copyright 1960 by Aboubakar Depara

DOCTEUR NICO & AFRICAN FIESTA

Hailed throughout Africa as "le Dieu de la Guitare," Nicolas Kasanda was born of Baluba parentage on 7 July 1939 in Mikalayi in the Kasai province of the then Belgian Congo. His father played accordion. In 1950, aged 11, Nico was introduced to Opika Studios by his cousin Tino Baroza and older brother Mwamba Déchaud who were session musicians there. At 14, he joined Joseph Kabaselle's African Jazz. In 1957 he took up electric guitar and can be heard playing electric guitar on 'Sophie ya motema,' recorded in 1960. In 1961 he temporarily split with Kabaselle and formed African Jazz Aile Nico before returning to Kabaselle in 1962 and 1963. (Vincent Luttman cautions that some of the early Surboum African Jazz recordings of this period thought to be featuring Nico are played by Tino Barozo. Luttman also points out, very perceptively, that Nico's later signature choppy guitar style when he is chording behind a vocalist, is based on Manu Dibango's piano technique: which was his own unique version of the montuno piano style he brought to collaborations with Kabaselle.) Young Nicolas Kasanda graduated with honours from high school and went on to college, while keeping his night job as Leopoldville's hottest young guitarist. He taught auto mechanics at the Christian Brothers school in N'djili district, Kinshasa, which earned him the nickname 'Docteur.'

Nico quit teaching and broke away from African Jazz to form African Fiesta in 1963 with Tabu Ley Rochereau, brother Déchaud, Kwamy, Mujos, Depuissant on conga and bassist Joseph Mwena. The band was joined by Roger's brother Faugus Izeidi on third guitar, with Paul Mizele and a Congolese woman singer (with a Greek name) Photas Myosotis ("Forget-me-not") on vocals; Dominique "Willy" Kuntima doubled Jeef Mingiedi on trumpet. [Information from Gary Stewart's book RUMBA ON THE RIVER.] When Rochereau split in 1965 to form African Fiesta National, Nico reformed his group as African Fiesta Sukisa, which existed until 1973. They ruled the roost in the late sixties, with endless hits. However, in 1969, the entire band, except his brother Déchaud, walked out because they felt they weren't getting their due. Nico quickly assembled a new band that included Josky Kiambukuta and Lessa Lassan on vocals. Bopol Mansiamina joined on guitar in 1970 and they kept it together for a few more years. Success eluded Docteur Nico in later life and he drank heavily, leading to his early death in a Belgian hospital on 22 September 1985. His improvisations are so surprisingly fluid and ecstatic that he truly earned the nickname 'God of the Guitar.'

AFRICAN FIESTA RECORDINGS: SINGLES

A partial list of AFRICAN FIESTA singles released on the VITA label through 1965. I have mostly retained the spelling from the VITA catalogue, kindly provided by Vincent Luttman. I plugged the Spanish titles (or variants of them) into the Descarga database and tried to guess which versions of songs were being covered if the original writer was not credited. I also notice in some later issues Rochereau taking credit for songs composed by other band members (VITA 60, 61, 104). Where a "B" side writer is not credited we assume it's the same as the author/composer of the "A" side.

Some of these singles were later reissued on albums credited to Rochereau et L'African Fiesta National. This is either Fonior screwing up, or, more likely, their being duped by Rochereau, Izeidi or others: to avoid royalty payments, or because the titles had been purchased by Rochereau/Izeidi from the original composer.

As there were no VITA singles issued after the split with Rochereau, I have added three of his albums to the discography which I believe were actually recorded with Nico. As the split was probably motivated by money it's certain that Rochereau wanted to establish his claim to future royalties on songs he had written (as well as some by Izeidi and others he thought he could get away with). Plus he undoubtedly continued to play the most successful African Fiesta songs with African Fiesta National, which is perhaps why later he assigns music composition credit to Modero.

Catalog #

Title

Composer

On LP

On CD
VITA 1a Rendez-vous chez Labas Rochereau 360.051; 360.071 CD36535
VITA 1b Tremendo punto Rochereau 360.015 (credited to Roger Izeidi); 360.071 CD?
VITA 2a Bilombe ya Africa Nico 360.162 CD?
VITA 2b Mwasi abandaka Rochereau 360.162 CD?
VITA 3a Eso la vida Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 3b Naleli Léo Mujos 360.151 CD36512; CD36574
VITA 4a Angola siempre Roger Izeidi LP 360.015 CD?
VITA 4b Permission Rochereau 360.151 CD36512
VITA 5a Moto abungaka Nico 360.162 CD?
VITA 5b Rithmo ya Suka Rochereau 360.162 CD?
VITA 6a Bandimi ngai tata Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 6b Tembe nde tembe Mujos 360.071 CD36512
VITA 7a Camalée Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 7b Seli Kutu Rochereau 360.071 CD36512
VITA 8a En Guantanamo Juana Gonzales (orig: Septeto Nacional) LP? CD?
VITA 8b Keba Rochereau 360.151 CD36574
VITA 9a Pesa le tout Rochereau 360.162 CD STCD3027 2007 Stern's
VITA 9b Vivo Africa Roger Izeidi 360.015; 360.162 CD?
VITA 10a Toyei na sango Nico 360.162 CD?
VITA 10b Vidas O. Farres (orig: Orquesta Aragon's "Cuatro Vidas") 360.162 CD?
VITA 11a Air Congo Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 11b Kibali Ituri Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 12a African twist Nico LP? CD?
VITA 12b Ngai mobali nazongi Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 13a Nico azongi Nico 360.151 CD36574
VITA 13b Nkembo na nzambe Nico LP? CD?
VITA 14a Barumbu Nico LP? CD36593
VITA 14b Conseil monétaire Muena LP? CD36593
VITA 15a Boni Boye? Nico 360.151 CD36574
VITA 15b Mosala Esili Willy LP? CD?
VITA 16a Infanterie Union Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 16b Rose mosika Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 17a Bisengo na Capital Nico 360.151 CD36574
VITA 17b Sentimientos Rochereau (after Orquesta Aragon?) LP? CD?
VITA 18a Merengue Mathieu Nico LP? CD?
VITA 18b Willy Mopaya Willy LP? CD36578
VITA 19a Arsene Diongue Rochereau 360.141 CD?
VITA 19b Liwa ya likama Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 20a A. M. Decantonio Roger Izeidi 360.015 CD?
VITA 20b Yebisa ata na ndoto Nico LP? CD?
VITA 21a Africa Negra Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 21b Natuna Nani? Dechaud 360.163 CD?
VITA 22a Du froid au chaud Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 22b Kingo mwambe Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 23a Azongi na Bomengo Mujos LP 360.163 CD?
VITA 23b Diae Sirae [i.e. Dies Irae?] Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 24a Bilongi ya African Nico LP? CD?
VITA 24b Nalembi motungisi Nico LP? CD?
VITA 25a Godee Mujos LP? CD36578
VITA 25b Ngonga ebeti Depuissant 360.163 CD?
VITA 26a Ma kulutu Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 26b Yo Senora Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 27a African Jazz Lipopo Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 27b Mobembo Eleki Tata Roger Izeidi 360.015; 360.163 CD?
VITA 28a Biguine Willy Willy LP? CD?
VITA 28b Matulekele Fracasseur 360.141, where it is "Mabusele" credited to Fracassave CD?
VITA 29a Amor es amor Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 29b Sekele Oye Willy LP? CD?
VITA 30a Mwasi ya bangando Dechaud LP 360.163 CD?
VITA 30b N'sono pembe na Lipopo Mujos LP 360.163 CD?
VITA 31a Madina Rochereau 360.163 CD36574
VITA 31b Nalembi nalembi! Rochereau 360.163 CD STCD3027 2007 Stern's
VITA 32a Eleki ndelo Dechaud 360.163 CD?
VITA 32b Mitele ngo mama Willy LP? CD?
VITA 33a Nella negrita Mujos 360.151 CD36593
VITA 33b Nganda ya n'Somi Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 34a Cha cha wele Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 34b Libaku ya nguma Mujos 360.163 CD?
VITA 35a Ah! Congo Rochereau LP? CD36578
VITA 35b Amicale Lipopo Rochereau 360.141 CD?
VITA 36a Mamu wua mpoy Dechaud 360.011; re-recorded on Tabansi LP ANS 8404 WNL 402 CD "East of Africa" Dakar Sound (DKS018)
VITA 36b Vita Matata Jorrin LP? CD?
VITA 37a Mireille mwana Rochereau 360.141 CD "East of Africa" Dakar Sound (DKS018); STCD3027 2007 Stern's
VITA 37b Union Cienfuegera Jorrin LP? CD?
VITA 38a Beti José J. Mingiedi LP? CD?
VITA 38b Napelisi muinda Depuissant LP? CD?
VITA 39a Olingaki nde ngai Mujos LP? CD36593
VITA 39b Rithy mboka muzungu Mujos LP? CD36593
VITA 40a Batu ya Congo Rochereau (credited to Mujos elsewhere) LP? CD?
VITA 40b Donde Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 41a Espero Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 41b Prosabel Boyoma Rochereau LP? CD36578
VITA 42a Merengue bistrot Nico LP? CD?
VITA 42b Ndima maloba Nico 360.151 CD36574
VITA 43a Lipopo Kayou Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 43b Mua Lomeya Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 44a Eso querida Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 44b Paquita Rochereau 360.151 CD36574; "Salsa Mundo: Afro-Cuban Music from around the Globe" (Candela 42849002 1997)
VITA 45a Elofo Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 45b Nabanda kala Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 46a M. Felie Dechaud 360.011; Sonafric LP SAF 50.003 (credited to Nico) CD?
VITA 46b Saba Saba No. 1 Dechaud LP? CD?
VITA 47a Fonior twist Nico LP? CD?
VITA 47b Tokeseni te Rochereau LP? CD36578
VITA 48a Iyebo mama Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 48b Liliane yo nsomi Willy LP? CD?
VITA 49a Français ya Lipanda Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 49b Rumba Touloulou Mujos LP? CD?
VITA 50a Aura Moreno Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 50b Célibataire Niongo te Mujos LP? CD36593
VITA 51a Natiya zuwa Tina? Rochereau 360.141 CD36578
VITA 51b Seis Linda Cubana i.e. "Seis lindas Cubanas" by J. Pérez & G. Castillo, recorded by Melodías del 40 360.141 CD?
VITA 52a Agana Lako Photas LP? CD?
VITA 52b Towelli Nini? Nico LP? CD?
VITA 53a Ivi Rochereau 360.141, as "Iwi" CD?
VITA 53b Yo soy prisonero Samy, i.e. Sam Mangwana, which would make this an African Fiesta National recording 1964 LP? CD?
VITA 54a Ya Gaby Rochereau 360.141 CD?
VITA 54b L'age et l'amour Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 55a Fiesta na ngai Nico LP? CD?
VITA 55b Mwamba wa mamu Nico 360.011 CD?
VITA 56a Rochereau Pascal Rochereau 360.141 CD36501
VITA 56b Saoco Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 57a Fiesta kombo ya Sika Rochereau 360.071; 360.141 CD36512
VITA 57b Tozali kozila Rochereau 360.071 CD?
VITA 58a Cha cha cha Spaak Rochereau LP? CD?
VITA 58b Contentieux Belgo-Congolais Roger Izeidi 360.015 CD?
VITA 59a Mama Egée Roger Izeidi 360.015 CD?
VITA 59b Maria Chantal Rochereau LP? CD36593
VITA 60a Lucie Pablito 360.140, where it is credited to Rochereau CD?
VITA 60b Nadie no Puede Pablito 360.140, where it is credited to Rochereau CD?
VITA 61a Santa Rochereau LP? CD36578
VITA 61b Tokei Koyekola Nico 360.011; 360.141, where it is credited to Rochereau Ngoyarto CD 035, also credited to Rochereau
VITA 62a Anzio Pablito LP? CD?
VITA 62b No me Persigas Nico (originally by V. Gonzalez, it was recorded by Cuarteto Machin & Orquesta Aragon) LP? CD?
VITA 63a Asta boni Nico LP? CD?
VITA 63b Mi amor Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 64a Fiesta na Milano Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 64b Mwana ya Tabu Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 65a Sawa ayaka monzemba Rochereau 360.140 CD?
VITA 65b Sey Sey Rochereau 360.141 CD?
VITA 66a Madina 2 Nico LP? CD?
VITA 66b Nakokoma Nico 360.011CD?
VITA 67a Babill Oye (a.k.a. "Ba Bill oye") Nico LP?CD36574
VITA 67b Nin'zi Rochereau (actually composed by Pablito ([Pamelo Mounka]) 360.140CD?
VITA 68a Mukala Rochereau 360.140CD?
VITA 68b Natoli yango Pamba Nico LP?CD?
VITA 69a Que sabor E. de Veracruz [I don't know this composer, but it could be a song by Abelardo Barroso or Orquesta Aragon] LP?CD?
VITA 69b Ven Jose fina ven Vinagre LP?CD?
VITA 70a Oh esto y de orvaba cuambo E. de Veracruz LP?CD?
VITA 70b Quantanamera Vinagre (i.e. "Guantanamera" by Jose Fernandez Diaz with lyrics by Jose Martí) LP?CD?
VITA 71a Na landa Baninga Nico LP 360.152CD?
VITA 71b Tosa mpe Banga Nico 360.152CD?
VITA 72a Merengue Président Nico 360.011; 360.152CD?
VITA 72b Me voy a Cantar Pablito 360.152CD36512
VITA 73a Biantondi Kasanda Nico 360.011; Soundpoint (Nigeria) LP SOP 043CD?
VITA 73b Lolita Lolita Rochereau 360.152CD36512
VITA 74a Domingo o sabado Pablito 360.071CD36512
VITA 74b N'Daya paradis Rochereau 360.071; 360.140CD STCD3027 2007 Stern's
VITA 75a Madre Pablito LP?CD?
VITA 75b Moura Charlie Dechaud LP?CD?
VITA 76a Camalie Pablito LP?CD?
VITA 76b Kiboloso Dechaud 360.152CD?
VITA 77a Exhibition Dechaud mongala Dechaud 360.011CD36516; NETWORK29.076 Golden Afrique 2
VITA 77b Sabrosito Faugus (after original by Sonora Matancera?) LP?CD?
VITA 78a Mambo Nico Nico LP?CD?
VITA 78b P. B. Zonga Pablito 360.152CD?
VITA 79a Imana ya daring Rochereau 360.015 (credited to Roger Izeidi)Ngoyarto CD 035
VITA 79b Suavecito (orig by Ignacio Pinero) LP?CD?
VITA 80a Cuando yo te pienso Pablito LP?CD?
VITA 80b Tika na mipesa Rochereau LP?CD?
VITA 81a Au complet Faugus 360.152CD?
VITA 81b Rythmo Del'Congo Pablito LP?CD?
VITA 82a Libala nde Bisengo Averey 360.152CD36512
VITA 82b Naleli Godée Averey 360.152CD36512
VITA 83a, reissue of VITA 54b? L'age et I'amour Rochereau LP 360.140CD?
VITA 83b, reissue of VITA 54a? Ya Gaby Rochereau 360.141CD36578 (as "Ya Gaby 2")
VITA 84--99 HIC MULTUM DESIDERANTUR
VITA 100a Amartes Pablito LP? CD36574
VITA 100b Mingue rumba Fiesta Rochereau 360.009 CD?
VITA 101a Amasca rue Dima Rochereau 360.051 (as "Amasca rue Dima 2") CD36593
VITA 101b Makila Eyina Rochereau LP? CD36574
VITA 102a Alvoga Nico LP? CD?
VITA 102b Je pense et puis j'oublie Nico LP? CD?
VITA 103a A Mimeza Nico LP? CD?
VITA 103b Worried Charles Ray [Ray Charles' "Worried mind"] LP? CD36574
VITA 104a Indicatif African Fiesta Rochereau 360.015 (credited to Roger Izeidi) CD?
VITA 104b Nkulu mobongisi Averey LP? CD36574 (credited to Rochereau)
VITA 105a Ah si tu viere Nico (after "Si tu viera" by Sonora Matancera?) 360.161 CD36593
VITA 105b Molangi ya malasi Rochereau 360.009; 360.161 CD?
VITA 106a Foti ya ye Dechaud (a.k.a. "Foti ya te") 360.161 CD?
VITA 106b (Le chant de) Malori Rochereau (a.k.a. "Le chant de Malory") 360.161 CD?
VITA 107a Bonne année 64 Nico LP? CD?
VITA 107b Calabozo Dechaud (after "Calabozo" by Oscar Calle's Cuban Band 1939?) 360.161 CD36593 (where it is credited to Rochereau); also on DE DAKAR A CUBA ON DANSE LE RUMBA (Syllart 079.0001.020), 2005
VITA 108a Sukisa Nico 360.161 CD?
VITA 108b Tabalissimo Rochereau 360.161 CD36593; "African Salsa Rumba" (CDS 7037 Syllart/Sonodisc); STCD3027 2007 Stern's
VITA 109a Cubana vis-à-vis Rochereau 360.009; 360.161 CD?
VITA 109b Pablito Mizele 360.161 CD?
VITA 110a Café Rio Rochereau 360.009; 360.161 CD?
VITA 110b Majolina Rochereau 360.009 CD?
VITA 111a Alma blanca Grazi Armando LP? CD?
VITA 111b Jaloux jaloux Rochereau 360.009 CD?
VITA 112a Bolingo ya solo Nico LP? CD?
VITA 112b Titi na Annie Nico LP? CD?
VITA 113a Carolina Carolina Nico LP 360.011 CD?
VITA 114a Una sabroso Rochereau Decca 71.080 (45rpm) CD?
VITA 114b Mama Ida Rochereau Decca 71.080 (45rpm) CD Sterns 3027
VITA 118a Bolingo akenda Muena LP? CD?
VITA 118b Cine Zoe Mizele LP? CD?

AFRICAN FIESTA RECORDINGS: LPs & CDs

1962-3
Docteur Nico et l'orchestre African Fiesta
L'Afrique Danse No 8 VITA
SonoDisc LP African 360.011 (P 1969)
orig: Editions VITA

A
Biantondi Kasanda (Nico) VITA 73a
Nakokoma (Nico) VITA 66b
Caroline Caroline (Nico) VT113
Exhibition Déchaud (Déchaud) VITA 77a [CD36516]
M. Felie (Déchaud) VITA 46a
B
Tokei Koyekola (Nico) VITA 61b [also on Ngoyarto CD 035: Rochereau & l'African Fiesta National 65-9, & on LP 360.141 Rochereau et l'African Fiesta "Belle epoque" vol 2, where it is credited to Rochereau]
Mamu wua mpoy (Déchaud) VITA 36a [also on CD DKS018 Dakar Sound East of Africa]
Alphonsine (Nico)
Mwamba wa mamu (Nico) VITA 55b
Merengue Président (Nico) VITA 72a


ND
Various Artists
East of Africa
Dakar Sound CD DKS018 (1999)

(track 7) African Fiesta: Mamu wa mpoy (Mujos) VITA 36a
(track 11) African Fiesta: Mireille Mwana (Rochereau) VITA 37a [360.141]

Note: "Mamu wua mpoy" is attributed to Déchaud on the original single & 360.011

1962-3
Orchestre African Fiesta
Merveilles du passé
SonoDisc LP African 360.015 (P 1970)
orig: Editions VITA 2.000

A
Mama Egee (Roger Izeidi) VITA 59a
Angola siempre (Roger Izeidi) VITA 4
Merengue President Roger (Roger Izeidi)
Vivo Africa (Roger Izeidi) VITA 9b [360.162]
Contentieux Belgo-Congolaise (Roger Izeidi) VITA 58b
B
Mobembo eleki tata (Roger Izeidi) VITA 27b [360.163]
A. M. Decantonio (Roger Izeidi) VITA 20a
Imama ya daring (Roger Izeidi) VITA 79a (credited to Rochereau) [also on Ngoyarto CD 035: Rochereau & l'African Fiesta National 65-9]
Tremendo punto (Roger Izeidi) VITA 1b
Indicatif African Fiesta (Roger Izeidi) VITA 104a (where it's credited to Rochereau)

Note: Most of the Merveilles du passé series up to & including this one were lifted straight from albums issued by Ngoma.


1962-3
Nico Rochereau Izeidi
Merveilles du Passé African Fiesta 1962 1963
SonoDisc LP African 360.162 (P 1986)
orig: Editions VITA

A
Bilombe ya Africa (Nico) VITA 2a
Mwasi Abandaka (Rochereau) VITA 2b
Pesa le tout (Rochereau) VITA 9a
Vivo Africa (Izeidi) VITA 9b [360.015]
B
Rythmo ya suka (Rochereau) VITA 5b
Moto Abungaka (Nico) VITA 5a
Vidas (Nico) VITA 10b (attr: O. Farres)
Toyei na sango (Nico) VITA 10a

1962-3
Depuissant Déchaud Rochereau Mujos Izeidi
Merveilles du Passé African Fiesta 1962 1963
SonoDisc LP African 360.163 (P 1986)
orig: Editions VITA

A
Ngonga Ebeti (Depuissant) VITA 25b
Natuna Nani? (Déchaud) VITA 21b
Mobembo eleki tata (Izeidi) VITA 27b [360.015]
Eleki ndelo (Déchaud) VITA 32a
Mwasi ya bangando (Déchaud) VITA 30a
B
Azongi na bombengo (Mujos) VITA 23a
N'soso pembe na Lipopo (Mujos) VITA 30b
Madina (Rochereau) VITA 31a [CD36574]
Libaku ya nguma (Mujos) VITA 34b
Nalembi Nalembi (Rochereau) VITA 31b

1963
Nico Rochereau Déchaud Mizele et African Fiesta
Merveilles du Passé 1963
SonoDisc LP African 360.161 (P 1987)
orig: Editions VITA 1963

A
A si tu viera (Nico) cha-cha-cha in Spanish VITA 105a [CD36593]
Calaboso (Arr: African Fiesta) VITA 107b [CD36593]
Tabalissimo (Rochereau) VITA 108b [CD36593]
Molangi ya malassi (Rochereau) VITA 105b
Cubana na Vis-a-vis (Rochereau) VITA 109a [also on LP 360.009 Rochereau et l'African Fiesta National]
B
Le chant de Malory (Arr: African Fiesta) sung in French by Rochereau VITA 106b
Foti ya te (Rochereau) VITA 106a (where's it's credited to Dechaud)
Pablito (Mizele) VITA 109b
Sukisa (Nico) VITA 108a
Cafe Rio (Rochereau) VITA 110a [also on LP 360.009 Rochereau et l'African Fiesta National]

Note: For once a pretty orderly arrangement of some VITA singles with predominant Latin beats. The lyrics are often pastiches of Spanish phrases, repeated, but there's ample room for Nico to weave his magic around the rhythm. However there are two tracks which appear on another SonoDisc album credited to Rochereau et l'African Fiesta National!


ND ca 1963-5
Rochereau Mujos & Nico et l'African Fiesta
"Maria Chantal"
SonoDisc African CD 36593 1998
orig: Editions VITA

Noulika (Rochereau)
Omeli mavi na tonga (Nico)
Fiesta suave rithmo (Nico)
Mayebo affaires étrangères (Rochereau)
Rythi mboka muzungu (Mujos) VITA 39b
Olingaki nde ngai (Mujos) VITA 39a
Amasco rwe dima (Rochereau) VITA 101a (i.e. "Amasca rue dima") [360.051]
Maria Chantal (Rochereau) VITA 59b
A si tu viera (Nico) VITA 105a [360.161]
Calabosso (Rochereau) VITA 107b [360.161]
Tabalissimo (Rochereau) VITA 108b [360.161]
Barumbu (Nico) VITA 14a
Conseil monetaire VITA 14b (Mwena)
Celibataire niongo te (Mujos) VITA 50b
Aura moreno (Rochereau)
Nella negrita (Mujos) VITA 33a [360.151]

Note: Wretched sound on this CD


ND ca 1963
Various Artists
Music from Zaire vol. 3
Soundpoint (Nigeria) LP SOP 041

(track A2) Yokolo by African Fiesta Sukisa (Sukisa 501)
(track A4) Mokili Makambo by Dr Nico & African Fiesta (Sukisa 93)

ND ca 1963
Various Artists
Music from Zaire vol. 5
Soundpoint (Nigeria) LP SOP 043

B
(track 1) Biantondi Kasanda by Docteur Nico (VITA 73a)
(track 2) Bana ya lipopo by African Fiesta National (Rochereau)
(track 3) Likala ya moto by African Fiesta National (Rochereau)

ND ca 1964
Seigneur Rochereau Tabu Ley & L'African Fiesta
Belle Epoque volume 1
SonoDisc AFRICAN LP 360.140

A
Sawa ayaka Mozemba (VITA 65a)
Fiesta na Milano (VITA 64a)
N'daya Paradis (VITA 74b)
Nin'zi (VITA 67b)
Nadie no puede (VITA 60b)
Mi amor (VITA 63b)
B
Mwana ya Tabu (VITA 64b)
Mukala (VITA 68a)
L'age et l'amour (VITA 54b)
Lucie (VITA 60a; credited to Pablito)
African Jazz Lipopo (VITA 27a)
Ma kulutu (VITA 26a)

Note: This Sonodisc album credits Rochereau as "Auteur/Compositeur" and states "titres proposés par Mekanisi Z.G. Modzro" (i.e. Rochereau's later guitarist Mekanisi Modero) to establish this as post-Nico material, but it's clearly the work of African Fiesta. "Nin'zi" and "Lucie" were both written by Pamelo Mounka who sang with the band for 6 months in 1964 as Pablito. He left when the Prime Minister threw out the Brazzavilleois in December 1964.


ND ca 1964
Seigneur Rochereau Tabu Ley & L'African Fiesta
Belle Epoque volume 2
SonoDisc AFRICAN LP 360.141

A
Rochereau Pascal (VITA 56a)
Fiesta Kombo ya sika (VITA 57a)
Iwi (VITA 53a)
Na tiya zua Tina (VITA 51a)
Seis Linda Cubana (VITA 51b)
Tokei Koyekola (VITA 61b, where it is credited to Nico)
B
Mabusele (VITA 28b, "Matulekele" by Fracasseur; here it is credited to "Fracassave")
Arsene Dionge (VITA 19a, "Arsene Diongue")
Ya Gaby (VITA 54a)
Mireille Mwana (VITA 37a)
Amical Lipopo (VITA 35b, "Amicale Lipopo")
Sey Sey (VITA 65b)

Note: See note to previous release. "Matuleke" name-checks the band, including Dechaud, Willy, Depuissant, Jeff, Mwena, Nestor, Fracasseur.


ND ca 1964-6
Seigneur Rochereau Tabu Ley & L'African-Fiesta National
Tango ya ba Vieux Kalle No 2
SonoDisc AFRICAN LP 360.009 {VITA 1.999}

A
Minge rumba Fiesta (VITA 100b)
Molangi ya Malasi (VITA 105b)
Cubana vis-a-vis (VITA 109a)
Cafe Rio (VITA 110a)
Majolina (VITA 110b)
B
Jaloux Jaloux (VITA 111b)
Suke
Dit Coco
Djeke
Mama Ida (CD STCD3027 2007 Stern's)

Note: Although credited to Rochereau and l'African-Fiesta National this appears to be a reissue of a VITA album. See also duplication of tracks from Nico and African Fiesta albums.


ND ca 1963-5
African Fiesta
African Fiesta Authenticité (Vol 2)
SonoDisc LP African 360.071

A
Rendez-vous chez Labas (Rochereau) VITA 1a [CD36535] [360.051] 1965
Tremendo punto (Rochereau) VITA 1b
Faux Millionaire (Kwamy) [CD36512]
Belinda (Kwamy) [CD36512]
Fiesta Kombo Ya Sika (Rochereau) VITA 57a [360.141; CD36512]
Tozali Kozila (Rochereau) VITA 57b
B
Seli Kutu (Rochereau) VITA 7b [CD36512]
Camalée (Rochereau) VITA 7
Bandimi Ngai Tata (Mujos) VITA 6
Tembe Nde Tembe (Mujos) VITA 6b [CD36512]
N'daya Paradis (Rochereau) VITA 74b [360.140]
Domingo o Sabado (Pablito) VITA 74a [CD36512]

1963-5
Docteur Nico et L'Orchestre African Fiesta
Merveilles du Passé Eternel Docteur Nico 1963-1965
SonoDisc LP African 360.151 (P 1985)
orig: VITA

A
Permission (Rochereau) VITA 4b [CD36512]
Naleli Leo (Mujos) VITA 3b [CD36512; CD36574]
El Guantanamo (Rochereau) VITA 8 (attr: Juana Gonzalez)
Keba (Rochereau) [Cuban style] VITA 8b [CD36574]
Nico azongi (Nico) [West African highlife] VITA 13a [CD36574]
Kembo na nzambe (Nico) [rumba]
B
Bisengo na capitale (Nico) [rumba] VITA 17a [CD36574]
Boni boye (Nico) VITA 15a [CD36574]
Bato ya Congo (Mujos) VITA 40a [CD36512]
Nella negrita (Mujos) VITA 33a [CD36593]
Ndima maloba (Nico) VITA 42b [CD36574]
Paquita (Rochereau) VITA 44b [CD36574]

1963-5
Docteur Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta
Merveilles du Passé Eternel Docteur Nico 1963-1965
SonoDisc LP African 360.152 (P. 1985)

A
Lolita (Rochereau) VITA 73b [CD36512]
Lakisa Bango (Pablito) [CD36512]
Au complet (Faugus) VITA 81a
Merengue Président (Nico) VITA 72a
Kiboloso (Willy/Déchaud) VITA 76b
PB Zonga (Pablito) VITA 78b
Mambo Hawaienne (Nico) [CD36512]
B
Me voy a cantar (Pablito) VITA 72b [CD36512]
Naleli godée (Averey) VITA 82b [CD36512]
Libala bisengo (Averey) VITA 82a [CD36512]
Tosa mpe banga (Nico) VITA 71b
Na landa baninga VT71a(Nico)
Na bendi nzoto (Nico)


ND ca 1963-5
Nico, Kwamy, Rochereau et l'African Fiesta
SonoDisc African CD36512 (1992)
orig: editions VITA

Permission (Rochereau) VITA 4b [360.151]
Naleli Leo (Mujos) VITA 3b [360.151; CD36574]
Bato ya Congo (Mujos) VITA 40a [360.151]
Lolita (Rochereau) VITA 73b [360.152]
Lakisa bango (Pablito) [360.152]
Mambo Hawaienne (Nico) [360.152]
Me voy a cantar (Pablito) VITA 72b [360.152]
Naleli godée (Avery) VITA 82b [360.152]
Libala nde bisengo (Avery) VITA 82a [360.152]
African Club (Kwamy) [360.145]
Belinda (Kwamy) [360.145]
Kele ya nini saka (Kwamy) [360.145]
Faux millionaire (Kwamy) [360.145]
African Fiesta Congo (Nico) [360.145]
Porti caliente (Rochereau) [360.145]
Tuson (Rochereau) [360.145]
Fiesta kombo ya sika (Rochereau) VITA 57a [360.071]
Seli kutu (Rochereau) VITA 7b [360.071]
Tembe nde tembe (Mujos) VITA 6b [360.071]
Domingo o sabado (Pablito) VITA 74a [360.071]

ND ca 1965
African Fiesta Nico / Rochereau
"Makita eyina nzoto"
SonoDisc African CD36574 (1997)
orig: editions VITA

Natali yango pamba (Nico)
Ba Bill oyé! (Nico) VITA 67a
Madina (Rochereau) VITA 31a
Makila eyina nzoto (Rochereau) VITA 101b
Nkulu mobongisi (Rochereau) VITA 104b (where it's credited to Averey)
Ami meza (Nico)
Amartes (Pablito) VITA 100a
Worriend (Charles Ray) VITA 103b
Paquita (Rochereau) VITA 44b [360.151]
Naleli Leo (Mujos) VITA 3b [360.125; CD36512]
Keba (Rochereau) VITA 8b [360.151]
Nico azongi (Nico) VITA 13a[360.151]
Bisengo na capitale (Nico) VITA 17a [360.151]
Boni boye? (Nico) VITA 15a [360.151]
Ndima maloba (Nico) VITA 42b [360.151]

Notes: "Nico azongi" is another instrumental cover of a Highlife tune; "Worriend" is a slow blues with Hawaiian guitar based on "Worried mind" by Ray Charles, sung in pidgin English by Rochereau.

1965
Kwamy Nico Rochereau
Les Merveilles du Passé 1965
SonoDisc LP African 360.145 (P 1984)

A
African Club (Kwamy) (Rumba Lingala) [CD36512]
Belinda (Kwamy) (Rumba Lingala) [CD36512]
Kele ya nini saka (Kwamy) (Rumba Lingala) [CD36512]
Faux millionaire (Kwamy) (Rumba Lingala) [CD36512]
B
African Fiesta Congo (Nico) (Rumba Cubain) [CD36512]
Porti caliente (Rochereau) (Cha-Cha-Cha Cubain) [CD36512]
Pablo Gonzales (Nico) (Cha-Cha-Cha Cubain) [CD36512]
Tuson (Rochereau) (Son Cubain) [CD36512] [dated 1966 on 360.051]

Note: Entire disc except "Pablo Gonzales" retained (in original sequence) on [CD36512] 1992
Also African label 45 rpm 90018:
Kele ya nini saka b/w Pablo Gonzales

ca 1965
Nico Rochereau Kwamy & L'African Fiesta
"Sangana"
SonoDisc African CD36578 (1997)
orig: editions VITA

track 01 African Fiesta [Nico]
track 02 Ah! Congo [Rochereau] (VITA 35a)
track 03 Godee [Mujos] (VITA 25a)
track 04 Mabusele [Rochereau]
[360.141] track 05 Betty [Mujos]
track 06 Mwanza Distinguée [Kwamy]
track 07 Prosabel Boyoma [Rochereau] (VITA 41b)
track 08 Sangana [Rochereau]
track 09 Santa [Rochereau] (VITA 61a)
track 10 Television [Nico]
track 11 Tokeseni Te [Rochereau] VITA 47b
track 12 Willy Mopaya [Willy] (VITA 18b)
track 13 Ya Gaby 2 [Rochereau] (VITA 83b) [360.141]
track 14 Natiya Zuwa Tina [Rochereau] VITA 51a [360.141]
track 15 Linga Mbala Moko [Rochereau]

Notes: Generally poorly mastered sound. Rochereau and Kwamy Munsi get credited but the album is named SANGANA -- the name of another African Fiesta singer.


1965-6
Various Artists
Succes d'Hier
SonoDisc LP African 360.051

A
(track 1) Rendez-vous chez Labas (P 1965) VITA 1
(track 3) Amasco Dima No 2 (P 1965) same as VITA 101a? [CD36593]
(track 5) Tuson (P 1966)
B
(track 1) L'Age et l'amour (P 1966) VITA 54 b [360.140]

Note: Album showcasing Rochereau from African Jazz to African Fiesta Nationale le Peuple

In 1965 Nico fired band manager Roger Izeidi for allegedly pressing records on another label (ASL) in Kenya and hinted that Rochereau would also be dealt with. After failing to reason with their leader, Rochereau & Roger Izeidi left to form a rival group. Nico created African Fiesta Sukisa [African Fiesta Stop] adding Valentin Sangana, Victor "Bovic" Bondo and Etienne "Chantal" Kazadi on vocals, alongside Dominique "Apôtre" Dionga, Paul Mizele, and Lambert "Vigny" Kolamoy. The other members (according to RUMBA ON THE RIVER by Gary Stewart) were
bass: André "Zorro" Lumingu
drums: Adjos
trumpets: Jeef Mingiedi, Pedro "Cailloux" Matandu
flute & sax: Michel Ngwalali
mi-solo guitar: Mwamba Déchaud, Pierre "De la France" Bazetta
lead guitar: Nicolas Kasanda "Dr Nico"
(Kwamy and Mujos joined Orchestre Révolution in 1967)
African Fiesta National consisted of Rochereau, Roger Izeidi, Faugus Izeidi, William Mbembe (Willy), Mwena, Seskin Moleka, Biolo, Philo Kola, René, Kassanda, Saki, Guvano Vangu, Zoé, Sam Manguana, Lokassa ya Mbongo.


1967
Docteur Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta [Sukisa]
Merveilles du passé Eternel Docteur Nico 1967
SonoDisc LP African 360.159 (P. 1986)
orig: Editions Sukisa

A
Bougie ya motema (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36524]
Runeme mama (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda et African Fiesta) [Cha-cha en espagnol]
Yaka toya mbana (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36558]
Tour d'Afrique (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en espagnol] [CD36558]
Chantal (Chantal) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36524]
Yo soy tu dolor (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda et Africa Fiesta) [Pachanga en espagnol]
Sule (Franchard) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36558]
B
Para bailar (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda et Africa Fiesta) [Pachanga en espagnol]
Pauline (Nicolas Kassanda) [Bolero en lingala] [CD36524]
Saouda (Paul Mizele) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36524]
Impercoque (Chantal) [Cha-cha en espagnol]
Mwa Kasanda (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36558]
Pokwa Paris (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36558]
Note: "Sule" & "Para bailar" re-released as a 45 rpm on the African label (90.193); originally SUKISA 50


1967
Docteur Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta
Merveilles du passé - Eternelle Docteur Nico 1967
SonoDisc LP African 360.160 (P. 19??)
orig: Editions Sukisa

A
Yo canto (Nicolas Kassanda) [Cha-cha en espagnol] [CD36589]
La jolie bébé (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36589]
A follow te sun (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Jerk en anglais]
Je m'en fous (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD35424]
Mbandaka (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD35424]
El tonto de mi lugar (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Cha-cha en espagnol] [CD36589]
B
Marie-Pauline (Paul Mizele) [Rumba en lingala] [CD35424]
Eramorando (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Charanga en espagnol] [CD36589]
How my closen (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Jerk anglais]
Nakendeki koyekola na poto (Nicolas Kassanda) [Rumba en lingala] [CD36589]
Si te que moura casa (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Jerk en anglais]
When a man loves woman (Arrangements Nicolas Kassanda) [Slow en anglais] [CD36589]

Note: A low point in Nico's career with the 'jerk' version of the Beatles' "I'll follow the sun" & the equally jerky version of Buddy Holly's "Words of Love" (i.e. "Hold me close and..."). The Percy Sledge cover isn't bad musically, but the vocals in pidgin English have to be heard to be believed.
Also African label 45 rpm 90187:
El tonto de mi lugar b/w Mbandaka

1967-9
Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa
SonoDisc African CD36524 (1992)
Editions Sukisa

Bougie ya motema (Nico) [360.159]
Chantal (Chantal) [360.159]
Pauline (Nico) [360.159]
Saouda (Mizele) [360.159]
Je m'en fous (Nico)
Mbandaka (Nico) [360.160; SAF50042]
Marie Pauline (Mizele)
Mokili ya nzambe (Nico) [360.005; 360.024]
Bea okeyi wapi? (Nico/Lassan) [360.005]
Mira (Nico) [360.005]
Kamunganzi ko (Lassan) [360.024]
Echantillon ya pamba (Lassan) [360.020; 360.024]
Bolingo ya sens unique (Josky Kiambukuta) [360.024]
Asala malekoun (Nico) [360.020; CD36589]
Bolingo ezali mpo na kisi te (Josky Kiambukuta) [360.020]



ND ca 1967
AFRICAN FIESTA sous la direction du Docteur Nico
Ngoma 01 LP

reissued as Docteur Nico & l'Orchestre African Fiesta
Sonafric LP SAF 50007 (P 1975)

(with sides reversed)

A
Zadio (Dr Nico) [CD36600]
Nalingi yo na motema (Chantal)
Nazali eloko te (Dr Nico) [CD36600]
Suavilo (Dr Nico) [CD36516]
Sookie (Bovic)
B
Sanza zomi na mibale (Sangana) [CD36516]
Angele ozali wapi? (Dr Nico)
Canshita (Ngalali/Michel)
Marie Nella (Dr Nico) [CD36516]
Save Me (Bovic)

Note: On this outing the band tries on the proto-garage sound of Them on "Save Me" and "Sookie," without much success. Other cuts, like "Angele ozali wapi?" and "Zadio" are gems, with the "dry" stylings of Nico. "Save me" released as B-side of "Tu m'as deçu chouchou" on Surboum African.

1966-8
Various Artists
African Party (Volume 1)
SonoDisc LP African 360.089

A
(track 2) L'age et l'Amour (Rochereau) Rochereau & l'Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1966) VITA 54 b [360.140]
(track 8) Y a martes (Pablito) Pablito & l'Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1966)
B
(track 1) Eh bien mon ami (arr: Bovick) Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1968)
(track 2) La palomar (Dr Nico) Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1967)
(track 6) Damela que tu la tiennes (Nico) Dr Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1967)

1966-8 Orchestre African Fiesta
Eternel Docteur Nico Merveilles du Passé 1967
SonoDisc African CD36516 (1992)
orig: Editions Sukisa

Sanza zomi na mibale (Sangana) [SAF50007]
Suavilo (Nico) [SAF50007]
Olga (Nico) [SAF50003]
Exhibition Déchaud (Déchaud) VITA 77a [360.011]
Kiri-Kiri mabina ya sika (Nico) [360.090]
Doris (Chantal)
Nakeyi Abidjan (Chantal)
Ozali suka ya mobali (Nico)
Talaka na miso (Sangana) [SAF50003]
Nico alekaki (Nico)
Sizarinne (Nico) [360.024]
Moni mambo (Sangana)
Okosambwisa ngai (Mizele)
Aruna (Nico)
Marie Nella (Nico) [SAF50007]

In January 1969 the entire band quit, but Nico quickly formed a new group with Josky and Lassan on vocals, and William "Serpent" Kabamba on mi-solo guitar.



[alternate cover]

1969
Docteur Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa
L'Afrique Danse Nƒ 9
SonoDisc LP African 360.020 (P 1970)

A
Afrique de l'Ouest (Nico) [CD36589] An instrumental cover of Rex Lawson's "Tamuno bo ibro ma"
Asala malekoun (Babalou - Arr. music-paroles Dr Nico) [CD36589] [CD36524]
Ruguia (Lassan - Arr. music-paroles Dr Nico) [Danse Kono enregistree en Sierra Leone] [CD36589]
Lucifer (Dr Nico) [CD36589]
B
Adieu Freetown (Dr Nico) [CD36589] An instrumental cover of Arsenio Rodriguez' "Bruca Manigua"
Echantilon Yapamba (Dr Nico, Lassan) [CD36524]
Chérie Julie Nalingaka (Nico, Josky) [CD36589]
Bolingo ezali mpo na kisite (Josky, Nico) [CD36524]

1968
Various Artists
African Party (Volume 2)
SonoDisc LP African 360.090

A
(track 1) Tu m'as deçu Chouchou (Nico) Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1968) [360.024; CD36558]
(track 2) Kiri Kiri mabina ya sika (Nico) Dr Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta (P 1968) [CD36516]

ca 1968
Various Artists
Hit Parade No 1
Tcheza 10001 LP

A
(track A1) "Mokili Matata" Docteur Nico & son Super African Fiesta Sukisa [CD36548]


ca 1968
Various Artists
Hit Parade No 2
Tcheza 10002 LP

A
(track B2) "Olekaki awa" [Nico] Docteur Nico & Son Super African Fiesta Sukisa

1967-70
Nico & l'African Fiesta Sukisa
"Tu m'as deçu chouchou"
SonoDisc African CD36558 (1996)
orig: Editions Sukisa

Tu m'as deçu chouchou (Nico) [360.090; 360.024]
Sadi naboyi masumu (Josky) [360.024]
Ntumba (Lassan) [360.024]
Fanta diara (Nico) [360.024]
Nazali se mobali na yo (Babalou) [360.024]
Yaka toya mbana (Nico) [360.159]
Tour d'Afrique (Nico) [360.159]
Sule (Franchard) [360.159]
Mwa Kasanda (Nico) [360.159]
Pokwa Paris (Nico) [360.159]
Sukisa miziki ya lokumu (Anticos) [360.005]
Aimé zonga (Balabou) [360.005]
Julienne importée (Lassan) [360.005]

Note: Most of three LPs strung together.



[alternate cover]

1969
Docteur Nico et son Orchestre [i.e. African Fiesta Sukisa]
L'Afrique Danse No. 5
SonoDisc LP African 360.005 (P 1969)

A
Mokili ya nzambe (Nico) [Rumba Lingala] [CD36524]
Sukisa miziki ya lokumu (Nico/Anticos) [Rumba Lingala] [CD36558]
Aimé zonga (Nico/Balabou) [Rumba Lingala] [CD36558]
Julienne importée (Nico/Lassan) [Kiri-Kiri] [CD36558]
B
Bea okei wapi? (Nico/Lassan) [Rumba Lingala] [CD36524]
Mira (Nico) [Rumba Lingala] [Swahili-Luba] [CD36524]
Adelina (Nico/Lassan) [Rumba Lingala]
Oluki likambo obangi (Déchaud) [Folklore Lingala]


1968-70
Docteur Nico et L'Orchestre African Fiesta Sukisa
L'Afrique Danse No. 10
SonoDisc LP African 360.024 (P 1968-70)

A
Sadi naboyi masumu (Josky, arr. music, paroles Dr. Nico) P1970 [CD36558]
Kamunganzi ko (Lassan, arr. music, paroles Dr. Nico) P1970 [CD36524]
Ntumba (Lassan, Nico) P1970 [CD36558]
Mokili ya nzambe (Nico) P1969 [CD36524]
Fanta diara (arr. music, paroles Dr. Nico) P1970 [CD36558]
B
Echantillon ya pamba (Lassan) P1970 [CD36524]
Sizarine (Nico) P1968 [CD36516]
Nazali se mobali na yo (Babalou, arr. music, paroles Dr. Nico) P1970 [CD36558]
Tu m'as deçu chouchou (Nico) P1968 [CD36558]
Bolingo ya sens unique (Josky) P1970 [CD36524]

Note: "After 6 months tour of West Africa [in 1969], Docteur Nico returns with a new hit dance: the Kono, several of which are included on his latest album."- Liner note. This album recorded after the new formation with Lassan and Josky. "Tu m'as deçu chouchou" also released as a 7" on Surboum Africain.

ND ca 1970
Docteur Nico & Josky Kiambukuta / African Fiesta Sukisa
DOUBLE DOUBLE
P.A.V. Diffusion CD PAV 100070 (P 2007)

1. Doublé Doublé (Nico)
2. Anna Maria (Kiambukuta Josky)
3. Cherie Julie (Kiambukuta Josky) [CD36589; 360.020]
4. Sadi motema "Naboyi matuma" (Kiambukuta Josky) [Sukisa 112; 90.448; 360.024; CD36558]
5. Motema se likolo (Kiambukuta Josky) [90.414]
6. Bolingo ezali mpo na kisi te (Kiambukuta Josky) [CD36524; 360.020]
7. Bolingo ya sens unique (Kiambukuta Josky) [360.024; CD36524]
8. Nico azongi (Dr Nico) [Vita 13a; 360.151]


ND ca 1968
Toute l'Afrique danse avec le Docteur Nico et l'orchestre African Fiesta
Sonafric LP SAF 50.003 (P 1974)

A
Sukisa liwa na ngai (Nico/Chantal) [Kiri-Kiri]
Talaka na miso (Nico/Sangana) [Kiri-Kiri] [CD36516]
Maria Maria (Nico/Mizele) [rumba lingala] [CD36600; also on LP 360.149 Rochereau/Sam Manguana "Belle epoque volume 4" where it is credited to Rochereau]
Capacité ya bolingo (Michel Ngwalali) [rumba lingala]
Jeanine (Nico/Mizele) [rumba lingala]
B
Olga (Nico) [rumba lingala] [CD36516]
Munka (Nico) [rumba lingala]
Pergola (Nico) [rumba lingala]
Sanduku Etundi (Nico/Sangana) [rumba lingala]
Felie (Nico) VITA 46a (credited to Dechaud) [rumba lingala] [360.011]

ND
Nico et l'African Fiesta
"Zadio"
SonoDisc African CD36600 (1998)
Editions Sukisa

Zadio (Nico) [SAF 50007]
Maria-Maria (Nico) [SAF 50003; also on LP 360.149 Rochereau/Sam Manguana "Belle epoque volume 4" where it is credited to Rochereau]
Comono (Nico) [also on AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6]
Fusée (Nico) [also on AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6]
Cimetière (Kwamy) [also on AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6]
Zonga na mbeto na yo (Kwamy) [also on AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6]
Nasali eloko te (Nico) [SAF50007]
Nabeyi yo (Nico)
Olimwa libels lokols mungwa (Nico)
Nzongo (Nico)
Sasonando (uncredited)
Suzana (Sangana)

Note: The scraping sound you hear is Sonodisc in the bottom of the barrel looking for another Nico collection! A miscellaneous collection of songs: tracks 3 to 6 are slightly muffled, sounding like they was taken from a poorly recorded tape (they were on a Pathé-Marconi compilation called AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6; tracks 7 to 9 have surface noise from scratched discs; track 10 ("Nzongo") is "out of round" so the speed changes constantly, making it unlistenable. The last two tracks are excellent. "Sasonando" which is a Monguito composition (I believe) originally done by Johnny Pacheco on VIVA AFRICA (Fania 1972) has been included (in 2005) on a compilation DE DAKAR A CUBA, ON DANSE LE RUMBA.


1967-9
Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa
"Asala Malekoum"
SonoDisc CD36589 (1998)
Editions Sukisa, except 5, 7, 9

Asala malekoum (Babalou/Nico) [360.020; CD36524]
Afrique de l'Ouest (Nico) [360.020] An instrumental cover of Rex Lawson's "Tamuno bo ibro ma"
Ruguia (Lassan) [360.020]
Lucifer (Nico) [360.020]
Yo canto [360.160]
La jolie bébé (N. Kassanda) [360.160]
El tonto de mi lugar [360.160]
Adieu Freetown (Nico) [360.020] An instrumental cover of Arsenio Rodriguez' "Bruca Manigua"
Eramorando [360.160]
Chérie Julie Nalingaka (Nico/Josky) [360.020]
When a man love a woman (Nico) [360.160] Wobbly version of the Percy Sledge classic
Na kendeki na poto (Nico) [360.160]

Note: The three uncredited songs are presumably covers of Cuban originals but I haven't been able to identify them; Tito Nieves and Jerry Rivera both did songs called "Enamorando." The cover of Arsenio Rodriguez' "Bruca Manigua" is most interesting as it contrasts the greatest African guitarist with the greatest Cuban tres player. Rodriguez was descended from Congolese slaves and this song is partly in Abacuá, the language of a secret society, incomprehensible to most Cubans.


1968-73
Nico & l'African Fiesta Sukisa
SonoDisc African CD36548 (1995)
Editions Sukisa

Mandona (Nico)
Bolingo ya kobomba (Muzu)
Celina (De la France)
Mwika (Nico)
Mobali akolimbisa ka mwabi (Lassan)
Mbelu (Déchaud)
Banoko (Lassan)
Est-ce que tekele? (Nico)
Okosi ngai libala (Nico)
Ishele wa motema (Nico)
Mokili matata (Nico)
Adeline (Lassan)
Lassan yembila ngai (Nico)
Boya kobina (Lassan)

1977
LES PLUS GRANDS SUCCES ZAIROIS VOLUME 1
(No artist credited, no writing credits; although released in 1977, two of the tracks (at least) were recorded a decade earlier) SonAfric SAF 50042 (P) 1977

A
Bandake Mboka [i.e. "Mbandaka"]
Charlotte
Tima Nabeyi
Cisa [i.e. "Sizarinne"]
Aka osali
B
Muvasi ya mobali
Semek [i.e. "Semeki ... Christina?"]
Soy del Siboney [i.e. "Soy hijo del Siboney" by Juan Marino]
Pauline ya prepace
Namona makambo


1977?
Various Artists
AFRICAN RETRO VOL 6
Pathé-Marconi EMI2 C064-15978

Tracks A1-4
Cimetière (Kwamy) by African Fiesta [also on CD36600 ZADIO]
Fusée (Nico) by African Fiesta [also on CD36600 ZADIO]
Comono (Kwamy) by African Fiesta [also on CD36600 ZADIO]
Zonga na mbeto na yo (Kwamy) by African Fiesta [also on CD36600 ZADIO]

1979?
Various Artists
DU SENEGAL AU CONGO
Pathé-Stenco STX224

Tracks B2, 3
Compagnon disparu by Nico & l'African Fiesta [a classic haunting slide guitar ballad with tons of echo]
Chandra by Mizele et l'African Fiesta

1980
Various Artists
Stars of Zaire Verse Two
Blackspot (Nigeria) LP B-Spot 008

Track B4, "Dragon le montre" is credited to Dr Nico & L'African Fiesta, but this scorching tribute to the soccer team is by Johnny Bokelo.

ND
ZAIRE VOLUME 2
The Kinshasa United Artists featuring Dr Nico et l'Orchestre African Fiesta - Orchestre Bana Mambo (Side B)
Makossa International LP MA 7073 (P Brooklyn 1981)

A
Mpiaza (Mpiaza Adelar)
Sama (Bayuba)
Fidelité (Chandala)

[A rocking set, with a very "live" feeling, featuring a big horn section, great harmonies and snaking guitar lines.]


ND
Africa Fiesta
Sonafric LP SAF 61008

A
Bunga (Dr Nico)
Tuna Bango (Lusukamu ya Rex)
B
Mama ya makambo-tukala (Toupie)
Samayel (N'Koy Moba)

ND
Africa Fiesta
Sonafric LP SAF 61009

A
Afrique Tayokana (Dr Nico)
Lukau (Lusukamu ya Rex)
B
Nakondi nzoto (Ya Ndombe Zamoke)
Tumba la Zairoise-Tukala (Toupie)

In 1983, after a hiatus of many years, Nico attempted a "come-back" backed by Les Rédoubtables d'Abeti in a studio in Togo. Though he still has some chops the drum programming and synthesizers dominate the sound and remind us how bad the 80s became for African music.

ND
Docteur Nico (Kassanda wa Mikalay)
LPKR 1003

A
L'amour sans frontière (Dr Nico)
La ville endormie (Franck-Lassan)
B
Vempol (Dr Nico)
Saperli Popette (Franck-Lassan)

ND ca 1983
Docteur Nico Dieu de la Guitare No 1 "Mikalay"
Tabansi LP ANS 8404 WNL 402

A
Mikalay
Obandi Lisusu
B
La vie est un combat
Mamu wa mpoyi (VITA 36a) i.e. "Mamu wua mpoy"

Note: recorded at Africa New Sound, Togo; All songs composed by Kasanda wa Mikalay backed by Les Rédoubtable d'Abeti.

ND ca 1983
Afro Dance Music presente Vonga Ayé (la nouvelle revelation) Docteur Nico & Deyesse
LP AMR103

A
Suki sa
Problème èlèki
Anita
B
Bolingo mobesu
Merengue kas
Mayalalele

personnel
vocal - choeurs: Vonga Ayé
vocal - choeurs: Mayos
guitar accompagnement: Chico
guitar solo: Docteur Nico - Chico
guitar basse: Vangu
saxo: Empompo Deyesse
coordination: Richard Dick

ND ca 1983
Dr Nico Adieu
LP African Music Gallery AMG008 VAL002

A
Makiadi
Fausses promesses
B
Nakomi boye
La roue qui tourne

Recorded in Togo at African New Sound

ND ca 1983
Derniere Memoire Docteur Nico & Empompo Deyesse
LP Voix d'Afrique 013

A
Afrika mokili mobimba (Nico/Déchaud)
Boninga (Empompo Deyesse)
Je suis presse (Dr Nico)
B
Boujie ya motema (Dr Nico)
Bonne fete souci (Empompo Deyesse)

personnel:
guitar: Docteur Nico, Chicko, Souzi Souza, Empompo Deyesse
bass: Vangu Simba
tumba: Jean Marie Bolongassa
drums: Denis Hekimian
saxo: Empompo Deyesse
choeurs: Mayos, Vonga Aye, Empompo Deyesse
studio: Nel Oliver, Cotonou, Benin

PART THREE: REISSUE SINGLES

NGOMA LABEL SINGLES (serie luxe) from 1968
Ngoma J 5125 Dit egee (rumba) 4:26 b/w Camino mas (charanga) 2:17
Ngoma J 5126 Mwasi azali mopaya (rumba) 4:00 b/w Alto songo (charanga) 2:54
Ngoma J 5127 Mobali nakobala (rumba) 3:40 b/w Chauffez African Fiesta 3:14
Ngoma J 5128 Campeon (cha cha cha) 3:20 b/w Nita banga bokila (rumba) 3:48
Ngoma J 5129 Semeki etali yo te b/w Olga
Ngoma J 5130 Nalingi no ya motema b/w Ozalisuka ya mobali
Ngoma J 5131 Munka b/w Angele ozali wapi?
Ngoma J 5149 Nalafi b/w Adieu Sophie
Ngoma J 5150 Merengue Nico b/w Manzedi Regine
(Note: A third reworking of the merengue that Nico had performed with African Jazz and African Fiesta. This version is by African Fiesta Sukisa.)

unknown label: Libala makambo
unknown label: Suzanna

AFRICAN SUKISA s.110 n.d.

Lucifer (Nico) b/w Okosuka wapi? ("Danse kono" by Josky)

Courtesy: Nostalgie ya Mboka


EN DIRECT DE KINSHASA: Dr Nico & l'African Fiesta no 1
45 RPM Extended Play on the PHILIPS label (PHILIPS 438.700 BE)

a) Matilde / Deliciana (Dr Nico; chant: Sangana, Chantal, Mizele)
b) Doris / Marie Nella (Kiri Kiri) (Dr Nico; chant: Sangana, Chantal, Mizele)

PHILIPS 45 346.511

Tu m/as deçu chouchou b/w Nalapi

PHILIPS 45 346.512

Canshita b/w Nalapi

Courtesy: Nostalgie ya Mboka

Stray 45, no doubt one of many, issued on Decca's subsidiary CONGO label of "Nakei Abidjan" b/w "Semeki Etali Yo Te" (Congo 24, ca. 1969)


 DECCA (France) 460.902M 7" EP 1965:

Sey Sey; Sawa Ayaka Monzemba; Me voy a cantar, Merengue President


DECCA (France) 460.921M 7" EP 1965:

Calabozo; Bonne Année 64; Tabalissimo, Sukisa

45 rpm singles from the Sukisa label, reissued by AFRICAN (i.e. Sonodisc in Paris)


AFRICAN SUKISA 136 1973

a) Silence on juge (Dr Kassanda) b/w A Bas les jaloux (Flujos)

Courtesy: Nostalgie ya Mboka


[AFRICAN 90.018] "Kele ya nini saka" (Kwamy) b/w "Pablo Gonzales" (Nico) (VITA 123; also on LP 360.145)

[AFRICAN 90.041] "Guajira" b/w "Tabou"

[AFRICAN 90.187] "El tonto de mi lugar" b/w "Mbandaka" (also on LP 360.160)

[AFRICAN 90.193] "Sule" b/w "Para bailar" (Sukisa 50; also 360.159)

[AFRICAN 90.245] "Ah mokolo wana" b/w "Charlotte" (Sukisa 68)

[AFRICAN 90.256] "Nzongo" Nico & Orchestre African Fiesta b/w "Suzanna" by Sangana & Orchestre African Fiesta (Sukisa 63) also "Nzongo" on CD 36600 where it is out-of-round

[AFRICAN 90.258] "Nasali elokote" b/w "Sasonando" (Sukisa 61) (a) on Sonafric 50007 & both on CD 36600


[N'GOLA NGI 1015] "Exhibition Dechaud" (Dechaud) b/w "Nansha Nkayende" (Folklore Tshiluba by Nico) (possibly Sukisa 71 A & B]
An Angolan reissue from 1973 but pressed by AFRICAN label in Paris

[AFRICAN 90.311] "Nabatela ebonga ya bana" b/w "Cumbre pachanga" (Sukisa 81)

[AFRICAN 90.329] "Yokolo pt. 1" b/w "Yokolo pt. 2" (Sukisa 501)


[AFRICAN 90.341] "Manzedi (Mizele) (Rumba-Lingala)" b/w "Libaku Eponi Te (Apôtre)" (Rumba-Lingala) (Sukisa 89)

[AFRICAN 90.350] "Mokili makambo" b/w "Cumbre pachanga" (Sukisa 93) N.B. "Cumbre pachanga" also the B side of Sukisa 81?

[AFRICAN 90.358] "Baoule" b/w "Patricia" (Sukisa 99)


[AFRICAN 90.371] "Lassan yembela ngai" (Lassan) b/w "Boyakobina ("Charanga Lingala" by Lassan) (Sukisa 95, 1969)

[AFRICAN 90.374] "Sukisa miziki ya lokumu" b/w "Aime Zonga" (both also on LP 360.005, CD 36558)

[AFRICAN 90.389] "Capacité ya bolingo" b/w "Guachinango" (Sukisa 91; A-side on LP SAF 50.003)


[AFRICAN 90.414] "Motema se likolo" (Josky-Nico; rumba Lingala) b/w "Kilimanjaro" (Aragon-Nico; charanga) (Sukisa 114)


[AFRICAN 90.420] "Asala Malekoun" b/w "Mbanda Peugeot" (Sukisa 105) (a) on 360.020; CD 36524; CD 36589.

[AFRICAN 90.424] "Obebisi ngai lokumu" b/w "Caminito" (Sukisa 106) 1970

[AFRICAN 90.427] "Beauté" b/w "Okosi" (Sukisa 101)


[AFRICAN 90.448] "Sadi na boyi masumu" b/w "Ruguia" (Sukisa 112) (a) "Danse kono" on 360.024 and CD 36558 (credited to Josky) (b) on 360.020 and CD 36589 (credited to Lassan-Nico)

[AFRICAN 90.449] "Adieu Freetown" b/w "Afrique de l'Ouest" (Sukisa 109) both on 360.020 and CD 36589


[AFRICAN 90.457] "Nazali se mobali na yo" b/w "Tokendeki to zongi" (Sukisa 113) (a) on 360.024 and CD 36558


[AFRICAN 90.517] "Bokomona ngai pamba" b/w "Souzi" (Editions Sukisa 117) 1971

[AFRICAN 90.521] "Meta fua mudia" b/w "Obebisi ngai lokumu" by Dr Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa (Sukisa 118)


[AFRICAN 90.539] "Bolingo" b/w "Adios" (Editions Sukisa 119)

[AFRICAN 90.546] "Naboyi" b/w "Kosuana" by Dr Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa (Sukisa 120)

[AFRICAN 90.547] "Libala se libala" b/w "Nalingi preuve" by Dr Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa (Sukisa 121)

[AFRICAN 90.604] "Nameka motema" b/w "Naboti poison" by Dr Nico et l'African Fiesta Sukisa (Sukisa 121) 1972


[AFRICAN 90.898] "Kamwamiya" (Balu) b/w "Makambo" (Kassanda) Sukisa 1975


[AFRICAN 90.XXX] "Sukisa kufua kuanga" b/w "San Francisco" Sukisa n.d.


[AFRICAN 90.967?] "Limbisa ngai" b/w "Eh bien mon ami" 1968

[additions more than welcome]
mail to contact[at]muzikifan[dot]com
Alastair Johnston