Gecko Bouro Mpela, also known as Bouro Mpela (born 5 August 1975), is a

soukous Soukous (from French '' secousse'', "shock, jolt, jerk") is a genre of dance music originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and the Republic of the Congo (formerly French Congo). It derived from Congolese rumba in ...

singer, dancer, and performer from the

Democratic Republic of the Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo (the last ambiguously also referring to the neighbouring Republic of the Congo), is a country in Central Africa. By land area, it is t ...

. He was a member of the

Quartier Latin International Quartier Latin International (QLI), or Quartier Latin, is a soukous band from the Democratic Republic of the Congo established in 1986. Location The band was formed in 1986 in Kinshasa. It plays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other ...

band, which was founded and led by

Koffi Olomide Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba (born 13 July 1956), known professionally as Koffi Olomidé, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, producer, and founder of Quartier Latin International. Often referred to as the "King of Ndombolo", he is not ...

Background

He was born to Jean Robert Yoka Mpela and Marie Bilepo. Bouro was overweight at birth, a problem that has persisted in later life. He was born to a musical family with grandparents, parents and siblings either with careers in the industry or talented and with a passion for the trade. He attended local schools and graduated with a university degree.

Career

The beginning

He was a member of his church choir. When his older brother Alain joined the band

Wenge Musica Wenge Musica (also known as Wenge Musica BCBG) were a Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congolese soukous band formed by Didier Masela in 1981 and led by JB Mpiana from 1986 until their breakup, in 1997. History Early years: 1979–1982 In 197 ...

, Bouro began rehearsing with him at home. He also rehearsed with Willy Bula, the younger brother of one of Alain's bandmates in Wenge. Circa 1995, Bouro began to sing and perform with several bands, while continuing with school. In 1996, Bouro graduated from university and a vacancy for a vocalist opened up at

, due to the departure of Willy Bula. Bouro asks for his father's permission to become professional musician and the father accepts.

With Quartier Latin

Between 1996 and 2006, Bouro would join and leave Quartier Latin three times. While here, he recorded and released several hits, including Washington and Calvarie. He also toured with the band in Africa and Europe. He left permanently when Koffi denied him permission to produce a solo album while a member of the group. In the group's hit Inchallah, Bouro is the second to sing his solo, beginning around 2:50 minutes, after

Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa N'simba (born 14 December 1977), known professionally as Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese musician and dancer. Often referred to as the "Prince of Rumba", he is known for his tenor vocals and his fusion of contemporary and traditional ...

On his own

In 2005, with his brother Alain Mpela, he produced the album Mortel Combat. He also has other solo products, including Vice De Procedure with singles like Ecole d'amour and Kwiti ya Lokoto among other hits.

Discography

A list of Gecko Bouro Mpela's Songs

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mpela, Bouro 1975 births Living people Musicians from Kinshasa Soukous musicians Quartier Latin International 21st-century Democratic Republic of the Congo male singers Democratic Republic of the Congo songwriters