Johnny Bokelo

Jean 'Johnny' Bokelo Isenge was born in the (late) 1930s in then Congo Belge outside Leopoldville as a younger brother of Paul 'Dewayon' Isengo. Bokelo died in 1995 Soukous.com/Bokelo Blito, 13.3.2012. This source says that the Bokelo family emigrated to Belgium in 1964. This should be verified as Johnny Bokelo recorded in Zaire at least until the late 1970s. This same source about Bokelo's son Bokelo Blito is born in 1956 what means that the here earlier mentioned birth date in the 1940s not very likely..
=Biography=
==1950s to early 1960s==
Dewayon himself had a group called Watam, where a twelve year old Franco as well as Bokelo started to play guitar in 1950."In Watam Franco carried his new guitar alongside Dewayon and his brother Johnny Bokelo, backed by a rhythm section using patenge frame drums. ..."Ewens 1994, p. 59 After playing in his brother's follow up bands, Conga Jazz and Orchèstre Cobantu, Johnny Bokelo formed in 1958Ewens 1994, p. 93 his own group, Orchestre Conga Succès which was joined by Dewayon in 1960. "Their songs followed the usual themes of love and death, but stood out musically as harder-edged, at times raucious." Stewart 2000, p. 123 The brothers split "amicable" in 1962. "Bokelo continued to lead the musicians of Conga Succès, but with a self-restraint that smoothed out the sound and brought it even closer to Franco's. Bokelo's series of recordings entitled 'Mwambe' (No. 1, No. 2, etc.) voiced his concern with the direction society was taking."Stewart 2000, p. 123 The musical styles of Bokelo, Dewayon and Franco remained close. "Many of Bokelo's own compositions sounded uncannily like Franco's, and he often continued the themes or replied to Franco's subject matter."Ewens 1994, p. 93: "Having learned from the same teacher [Dewayon], Bokelo and Franco had similar playing styles and they also sometimes took part in each other's recording projects."
==Late 1960s==
In 1968 Johnny Bokelo renamed his group "Conga succès" "Conga 68" and he created his own label. As Gary Stewart tells the story, "the band members threatened to quit claiming they had received no money from the new venture."Stewart 2000, p. 146 Many singles from this period had been released in France on the African label.
==1970s==
In the period from 1972 to 1974 Bokelo Isengo "spent most of the time running his recording studio."Stewart 2000, p. 210When during the second half of the 1970s the manufacturing facilities in Kinshasa became worse, Bokelo Isengo was one of those producers who went to Nairobi with master tapes and to press the records in Kenya for re-import to Zaire. He was among those artist who blamed Belge company Fonior who controlled the only pressing plant (MAZADIS) for the problems. "Bokelo insisted that 'we must re-examine the contracts binding us with Fonior which, in my opinion, are colonial-style. Because Fonior only looks after us when we are producing.'" 
."Stewart 2000, p. 241; Stewart adds that the company may had to act that way because there was non more licence to import raw materials to obtain.
=Discographymain source: africambiance.org=
==1960==
===78rpm===
*Orchestre Conga Succès: Esouchacha / Dragon Daring (Columbia ESN 195) Popsike, 1.3.2017 
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==1966==
===Singles===
*Alberto & Conga Success: Semeki nde ndeko / Alberto siempre conga (7": Tcheza 6)
*Alberto (Orchestre Conga Succès): Ko Banga Te Ata Balobi Yo Moloki b/w Tu M'avait Fait La Jalusie (7": Tcheza 15; (African 90.044 /Surboum Africaine) cdandlp, retrieved 13.7.2011 
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*Conga Success: Mwambe #4 / Camerade ya ndoki (7": Tcheza 21)
*Conga Success: Bana conga baleli liwa ya sinatra 3:59 / Mawa na biso basi' 5:02 (7": Tcheza 24)
*Jean Bokelo & Conga Succes: Baila Sofia // Okokufua Na Zua (7": African) cdandlp.com, 12.6.2012 
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==1960s/1970s==
===Singles on Ebale Mbonge===
*Semaine Conga Succes (7": Ebale Mbonge 6)
*Sole Monique oboyi ngai / Anne-Marie na ponto (7": Ebale Mbonge 13; 7": African 90.246)
*G.C. Dragon champion / Tika loly mobali ya leki (7":Ebale Mbonge 17; 7": African 90.247)
===Singles on Tcheza===
*Soki Olandi Bambanda Okoboya Ngai /Cherie k. Mathilde (7": Tcheza 27) 1968
*Orchestre Conga: unknwn b/w Santa Christina (7": Tcheza 302) year unknown 
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*Conga 68:Ndeko na ngai okeba / Tambola na mokili
===Singles on Landa Bango===
*Landa Bango 1 - Johnny Bokelo: Bolingo Na Ngi Cecile b/w Epai Semaki Epai Mobali candlp.com, 12.6.2012 
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*Landa Bango 4 - Don Pierro & Conga 68: Nalinga ya ngai cherie / Samy & Conga: Mabala ya Kinshasa (7": African 90.305)
*Landa Bango 13 - Don Pierro & L'Orchestre Conga 68 de Johnny Bokelo: Nango Moseka A Konga / Dyassi Ya Mama (7": African 90.295) cdandlp.com, 7.10.2012 
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*Landa Bango 15 - Orchestre Conga 68 de Johnny Bokelo: Jeanine / F.C. Dragons, 1969 Discogs, 1.3.2017 (other issues on: 7": African 90.325; 7": Congo-Decca CD. 130) 
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*Landa Bongo 20 - F C Dragons / Jeanine, 1969
*Landa Bango 20 - Catherine / Cis-ca (7": African 90.343) 1969
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*Landa Bango 22 - 69 annee de travail / navanda ndumba (7": African 90.344), 1969
*Landa-Bango 24 - Na leli samy / Na boyi koteka lopa (7": African 90.359)
* Mwana ya mboyo / Na kobala te Orchestre Conga de J. Bokelo (7": African 90.360)
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*Landa Bango ?? - Babuakeli ngai maladie / Naloba ndenge nini (7": African 90.421)
*Landa Bango 30 - Na Kende Mosala / Likambo Likweli Ngai - Johnny Bokelo & L'Orchestre Conga de Johnny B (7": ASL ASL 7-3107, Kenya) ebay, 1.7.2012
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*Landa Bango 42 - Nabomba Na Motema / Ngai Marie Nasala Nini (7": ASL ASL 7-3129, Kenya) ebay, 1.7.2012
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*Landa Bango 62 - Orchestre Conga de J. Bokelo: Bolingo Johnny b/w Ata mbonga te nalingi ye (7": African 90,494) cdand lp,com, 13.6.2012; cdandlp.com, 12.6.2012
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*Landa Bango 63 - Orchestre Conga de J. Bokelo: Nazwi Mobali Nalingi b/w Tolela Ba Oyo Bakenda (7": African 90.516) cdandlp.com, 12.6.2012
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*Landa Bango 64 - Orchestre Conga de J. Bokelo: Moke Nazwaka Ekoki / Cisca Naboyi Concurrence (7": African 90.524), 1971 cdandlp.com, 29.3.2012
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*Landa Bango 65 - Orchestre Conga de J. Bokelo: Emilie wa motema b/w Laurentine (7": African 90.530)
*Landa Bango 66 - Kala i ngangu / Cisca aboyi ngai (7": African 90.532), 1966 (?)
*Landa Bango 69 - Johnny Bokelo et son Orchestre Conga: Bana Bakokunda Ngai b/w Ah Ngai Tete Mawa (7": African 90.493) cdandlp.com, 12.6.2012; cdandlp.com, 12.6.2012
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*Landa Bango LB78 - Bolingo Cecile b/w Libala Eponi Ekolo Te (7"), 1972
*Landa Bango LB79 - Marceline Pauni b/w Basi Mawa Te (7": African 90.617)
*Landa Bango LB80 - Orchestre Conga de la Capitale: Kolinga Etumba Te b/w Mbuta Munta (7": African 90.618), 1972 cdandlp.com, 4.2.2012
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*Tokolukaka Nini 1&2 (7": Landa Bango LB82) 1973
*Landa Bango 85 - Thete Basuka Yo Te Landa / Bango de Johnny Bokelo (7")
*Landa Bango 99 - Chance ya kobotama / Bombana (7": African 90.738)
*Landa Bango 100 - Bongolo / Batela mibeko (7": African 90.750)
*Landa Bango 121 - Ab Ebi Motema b/w Tapale Mabe (7": African 90.851), 1974 cdandlp.com, 16.1.2012; Discogs, 26.2.2012; Dial Africa blog, 26.2.2012, 26.2.2012
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*Landa Bango 124 - Nayebi Te Soki Koloko b/w Oyanganakangai (7": African 90.852), 1974 cdandlp.com. 16.1.2012
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===LPs===
*track on Tcheza LP 2 003: Mwambe #5 (1968)
*L'Afrique Danse No. 7 (LP: African 360 007), 1969 - A: Johnny Bokelo avec l'Orchestre Conga 68: Catherine / Cis-Ca / 69 Annee De Travail / Navanda Ndumba / FC Dragons / Jeanine // B: Orchestre Cobantou: Youyou / Skol / Dewayon: Succes ya Toyota / Orchestre Vox-Negros: Bolingo Ya Mbonga / Francisca
==1970s==
===Singles on Edition Conga===
*Conga 1 - Basanga / Ngoya (7": Conga CN-01) 1972
*Conga 3 - Ndaya 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 3; African 90.787)
*Conga 6 - Likambo ya moto 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 6 Bis; 7": African 90.998), 1975 cdandlp.com, 3.11.2012 
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*Conga 7 - Lomba 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 7; 7": African 90.987)
*Conga ? - Lomba motema / Vango mabanzo (7": African 90.871)
*Conga 13 - Orchestre Conga: Okendeki Zando (Kalanzaya) // Fuakuingi (Makaya), (7": African 91.046 B), 1975 Dial Africa blog, 6.7.2012, 7.7.2012 
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*Conga 14 - Orchestre Conga: Yebisa Nga Part 1 & 2 (7": African 91.047), cdandslp.com, 10.2.2012
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*Conga 15 - Orchestre Conga: Mokili Mawale 1 & 2, 1975 (7": Editions Conga 15; 7": African 91.101) cdandlp.com, 11.6.2012; Dial Africa blog, 6.7.2012, 7.7.2012
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*Conga 16 - Sala Mosala 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 16; 7": African 91.102)
*Conga 21 - Bilima Oye 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 21; 7": African 91.180)
*Conga 24 - Moseka 1 & 2 (7": Conga CN 24) 1975
*Conga 27 - Otiki Ngai Ma Mokumba 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 27; 7": African 91.326)
*Conga 28 - Batela baleki 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 28; 7": African 91.327)
*Conga 29 - Banga Makambo // Likambo Oleka te (7": Editions Conga 29; 7": African 91.328)
*Conga 30 - Pasi ya Mokili 1 & 2 (7": Editions Conga 30; 7": African 91.389)
==1976/1977==
Editions Mbonda Global Groove blog, 3.6.2012, 12.6.2012 with Nos. 21, 22, 30, 24, 29 and 26. were released in Kenya.
*EMB 1 - Nalibala Oyo Pt.1 & 2
*EMB 2 - Mwana Mpuka Pt.1&2
*EMB 3 - ?
*EMB 4 - Balola Motema Pt.1&2
*EMB 5 - Senga Ngai / Sepela
*EMB 6 - ?
*EMB 7 - Bolobo Pt.1&2
*EMB 8 - ?
*EMB 9 - Eensoni Pt.1&2
*EMB 10 - Olinga Olingate Pt.1&2
*EMB 11 - Nayoki Lisolo Nayo Pt.1&2
*EMB 12 - Nasuana Mpoya Mobali Pt. 1 & 2, 1977 Dial Africa blog, 10.12.2013 
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*EMB 13 - Moto Libanga Pt.1&2
*EMB 14 - Ngai Nalingi Ye Pt.1&2
*EMB 15 - Bokilo Na Ngai Pt.1&2
*EMB 16 - Pasi Ya Mokili Pt.1&2
*EMB 17 - Likambo Clera Te / Banga Makambo
*EMB 18 - Muana Muaba Pt.1&2
*EMB 19 - Motorola Pt.1&2
*EMB 20 - Sakina Pt.1&2
*EMB 21 - Bokilo Senga Pt. 1 & 2 cdandlp.com, 10.12.2013 
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*EMB 22 - Bino Basi Pt.1&2
*EMB 23 - Kisita Bolingo Pt.1&2 cdandlp.com, 10.12.2013 
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*EMB 24 - Moninga Oboyi Ngai Pt.1&2
*EMB 25 - Ntunti Pt. 1 & 2
*EMB 26 - Buana Minapenda Pt. 1 & 2 cdandlp.com, 10.2.2012: Kenyan pressing from 1970s 
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*EMB 27 - Nabeleli Yo Pt. 1 & 2
*EMB 28 - Limbisa Ngai Pt. 1 & 2 Dial Africa blog, 10.12.2013; http://www.cdandlp.com/item/2/0-181002-0-1-0/2300197599/sam-manguana-orchestre-conga-international-limbisa-ngai-part-1-2.html cdandlp.com], 10.12.2013 
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*EMB 29 - Se Maloba Pt. 1 & 2 cdandlp.com, 21.8.2012 
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*EMB 30 - Nabazi Mingi Pt. 1 & 2
*EMB 31 - Mamanga Naleli Pt. 1 & 2
==1977==
===45rpm Singles===
*Toli Ya Libala 1&2 (7": Conga CGA 4)
*Mboka Mopaya 1 & 2 (7": Playa sound E.I.T.Kenya PS 13001)
*Orch. Conga Internationale: unknown b/w Nakupenda Sana (7":Ed. Nana 1) Afro7.net, 20.12.2011, 25.3.2012. According to this source the track was re-released in France as Orch. Kouloukoko du Zaire on Sonafrique 50068 (see: Groove Collector, 25.3.2012).
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===33rpm LPs===
*Johnny Bokelo ‎– Okasa Ngai Na Libala (LP: Editions Nana Nana 001 Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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==1980==
*Mbongo Mopaya 1&2 (Yes Bokis CY 47)
==1981==
===Singles===
*Melo 1&2 (7": Conga Bok CG50)
===LPs===
*Le Formidable Johnny Bokelo (LP: Afric Music AFMS 008); Tracks: Nalingi Yo Mingi / Ozokisi Ngai Motema // Motors Ekoti Poto / Obebisi Ngai Motema AfriColombia's Blog, 24.3.2012, 25.3.2012; Global Groove blog, 1.9.2009, 25.3.2012 
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*Au Revoir 81 (LP: Star / Shakara Music SHA 0018); Tracks: - M’’Bongo = L’Argent / Ngai Nakokufa // Ngalulawa Wa Mama / Yayo Nini Yaya Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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==1982==
===Singles===
*Sangolo Zaku (7": Conga Bok CG51)
===LPs===
*Foudre Depuis Kinshasa (LP: Shakara Music SHA 019) – Na Kobala Yo / Osiliki / Na Sambue / Na Bebi 
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*Johnny Bokelo (LP: Production BOK BOK 009) – Tout Ça C’Est La Vie / Kosuana Ya Kuiti / Polygame En Danger / Tu Veux Ou Tu Veux Pas Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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*Sakina (LP: Shakara Music), tracks: Sakina / Une parole méchante peut blesser / Sangolo zakué / Melo Global Groove blog, 21.4.2013, 1.3.2017 
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==1983==
*Les Productions JBI Vous Présentent (LP: JBI 001); Tracks: Liwa Ya Ndika Somo / Reparer Cette Affaire // L’Amour Sans Frontière / Moi Pas Comprendre Toi
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==1984==
*Isabelle (LP: Africa New Sound ANS 8403); Tracks: Isabelle / Kakese / Lily / Zonga Nandako Global Groove blog 14.3.2010, 1.3.2017 
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==1985==
*Johnny Bokelo Isenge et son Orchestre Mbonda Africa Music (LP: Disques D’Esperance ESP 8420); tracks: Mwan' Ansel / Olingui Ossambua // Mwasi Ya Moto / Ekossala Rien; auteur compositeur: Bokelo Isenge 
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==1986==
*Orchestre Mbonda Africa Ngonga (LP: Disques D’Esperance ESP 8436); tracks: Sandoka / Toko Welanini / Nzako / Mariage Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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==1987==
*Johnny Bokelo Isenge avec son Orchestre Africa Mbonda - Africa Danse (LP: Bemba Records-Polygram Kenya KVL5007)
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==1996==
*Anti Balle (LP: Espera 26989/94); tracks: Anti Balle / Super Sandoka / Bijou / Mungina Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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===CD reissues===
*Johnny Bokelo and Mbonda Africa (CD: Sonodisc CDS7009); tracks: Alice (8:21) / Micheline (8:32) / Bikunda (6:48) / Anti-Balle (7:33) / Super Sandoka (7:33) / Mwana Sele (7:48) / Pesa Kilo Na Nzoto (8:00) / Mwasi Ya Moto (9:33) / Ekosala Rien (8:20) Discogs, 1.3.2017 
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==year unknown==
LPs
*Orchestre Mbonda-Africa de Johnny Bokelo Isenge (LP: Edition J.B.I.C. 001); tracks: Sandokan doudou / Nzako / Ba deuxieme bureau / Mariage Global Groove blog, 3.12.2016, 1.3.2016 
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*BOKELO ISENGE et CONGA INTERNATIONAL (LP: Edition Mbonda); tracks: Moninga Oboyi Ngai / Mama Nga Naleli / Nayoki Lisolo Na yo / Nabeli yo / Limbisa Ngai / Pasi ya mokili / Nasuana Mpoyo Mobali (Auteur/Compositeur: Bokelo Isenge)
*Hommage ÀJOHNNY BOKELO ISENGE et LE CONGA SUCCES (CD: ?); tracks: Muambe No8 / Chouchou / Moi Je N'Ai Rien / Commissionnaire / Mwasi Na Ngai / Ntina Ya Libala / Sala Malamu 1 / Sala Malamu 2 / Ormba Ya Bana Conga / Soki Olingi Loli / Tete / Rendez-Vous / Sadina
*Johnny Bokelo & Conga Success: Mosolo Ya Biso Basi Tambola Na Mokili; tracks: Bolingo Ya Bomuana / Edo / Fifi / Jannie Jamile / Likambo Te Coco / Mosolo Ya Biso Basi / Nabangi Makambo / Oh Motema / Tozongana / Tambola Na Mokili / Weekend Tonima Pt. 1 & 2 
===CD-reissues===
*Bokelo Vol I (CD-R /Nairobi); tracks: Mabe Enonani I / 2 Mabe Enonani II / 3 Nangai Nzoto I / 4 Nangai Nzoto II / 5 Nayobi Masolo I / 6 Nayobi Masolo II / 7 Muasi Ya Mibale I / 8 Muasi Ya Mibale II
*Bokelo vol 2 (CD-R: melodica /Nairobi); tracks: 1 "bwana minapenda" (Orch. Conga International - Buana Minapenda Pt. 1&2, EDITIONS MBONDA EMB26) / 2 nabeleli yo / 3 mawa na ngai / 4 na mokili kowela te / 5 & 6 motolora pt 1 & 2 / 7 & 8 sakina pt 1& 2
=References=
=Bibliography/Sources=
*Graeme Ewens: Congo Colossus. The Life and Legacy of Franco & OK Jazz, North Walsham, 1994
*Gary Stewart: Rumba on the River. A History of the Music of the two Congos, London, New York 2000
*africambiance.org, URL: http://www.africambiance.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=341&sid=5eff154c7e4391b3e8c87331c53e5e04, retrieved 25.1.2011
*Kentanzavinyl: Editions Mbonda, URL: http://kentanzavinyl.com/Kentanzavinyl/EDITIONS_MBONDA.html, 20.3.2012
*Jhonny Bokelo Isenge (sic!) at Akabolamusic blog, 4.10.2009, URL: http://akabolamusic.blogspot.de/2009/04/jhonny-bokelo-isenge.html, retrieved 25.3.2012
Category:Congo