Richard Yende Abongy Balengola, best known as Richacha "Chacha" Balengola, is a

reggae Reggae () is a music genre that originated in Jamaica during the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its Jamaican diaspora, diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, "Do the Reggay", was the first ...

, Hip Hop, RnB,

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 ...

and

world music "World music" is an English phrase for styles of music from non-English speaking countries, including quasi-traditional, Cross-cultural communication, intercultural, and traditional music. World music's broad nature and elasticity as a musical ...

drummer 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 ...

, based in

Reims Reims ( ; ; also spelled Rheims in English) is the most populous city in the French Departments of France, department of Marne (department), Marne, and the List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, 12th most populous city in Fran ...

France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...

since 1987.

Biography

Born on December 22, 1964, in Mbandaka, a city on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo lying near the confluence of the Congo and Ruki Rivers, Balengola started his career as a drummer with a world music band called Ndoki Machine. A Bass player John Pepito Tshimanga (A young man living in the same neighborhood as

Papa Wemba Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba (14 June 1949 – 24 April 2016), known professionally as Papa Wemba (), was a Congolese singer and musician who played Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. Dubbed the "King of Rumba Rock", he was one of ...

; so they knew each other) was part of the band after coming back to Congo (DRC) from Paris, France where he stayed to study. Ndoki Machine's style of music and John Pepito Tshimanga's style of playing bass had nothing to do with soukous. Their style of music was similar to music played by a band from DRC Congo called "Bobongo Stars." Shakara Mutela, a well known bass player from DRC Congo, was among the Bobongo Stars Leaders. In 1980 Richacha joined "Les Frères Fataki" in a band called ''Touche pas'' as a drummer. A well-known singer from this band is Jose Fataki Ndoko who later became part of

Viva La Musica Viva La Musica is a popular band from Zaire (now DR Congo) founded by singer Papa Wemba in 1977. While Viva La Musica started out as a soukous band (essentially a spin-off of Zaiko Langa Langa), it eventually grew into a world music act, reachi ...

and La Nouvelle Génération. In 1982 most of the Viva La Musica Members broke away from Papa Wemba to create Victoria Eleison The Singers who left the band were:

King Kester Emeneya Jean Baptiste Emeneya Mubiala Kwamambu (November 23, 1956 – February 13, 2014) was a Congolese singer. Early life Jean was born in Kikwit within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While attending the University of Lubumbashi as a political ...

, Pepe Bipoli, Joly Mubiala, Debaba El Shabab, the drummer was also part of those who quit with Viva La Musica to form Victoria Eleison Band. Johon Pepito Tshimanga who later became Papa Wemba's bass player after Victoria Eleison had been created, was asked by Papa Wemba if he could bring along with him Ndoki Machine's drummer to join his band. Papa Wemba needed something new in Viva La Musica's style of music; that drummer was Richacha. He became known as a professional drummer in 1980, at the age of 16 when he joined ''Touche pas''. Despite the fact of having Congolese origins, Richacha had not had a chance of playing with a Soukous and Rumba band permanently until he joined ''Touche Pas''. His last recording session with Viva La Musica was in 1996. He has performed with several major world music, reggae singers and bands including The Hooligans,

Pierpoljak Pierre-Mathieu Vilmet (; born September 7, 1964), professionally known as Pierpoljak (), is a French reggae and pop singer. Biography Pierre Vilmet was born in Paris and grew up in the Parisian suburbs, first in Savigny-sur-Orge and then in Colo ...

Tonton David David Grammont (12 October 1967 – 16 February 2021), better known under his stage name Tonton David was a French Reggae singer born in Paris. He was renowned for his raggamuffin performances, but used influences of soul music, gro kâ (from th ...

Princess Erika Princess Erika (born Erika Dobong'na; 5 April 1964, Paris) is a French singer and actress with Cameroonian origins. She is particularly known for her reggae songs "Trop de bla-bla" ou "Faut qu'j'travaille". Biography In 1982, Erika formed with ...

, Max Romeo, Nèg' Marrons, Ijahman Levi,

Bisso Na Bisso Bisso Na Bisso () is a music collective originating from the Republic of the Congo. The group was formed in 1999 and consists of rappers and singers, including Ben-J, a member of Les Neg'Marrons; the duo Lino and Calbo from Ärsenik; Doc and G K ...

Secteur Ä Secteur Ä was a 1990s French rap association based in Sarcelles, France and named after a sector in the region. This music collective was created by the Ministère AMER, and artist Kenzy became its producer-manager. The association was made ...

, 1
The Wailers
1
Alpha Blondy">The Wailers
1
Alpha Blondy, Barrington Levy, R.M.I (Reggae Music International), Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, etc. Richacha's mentor was Mando (a former Rochereau Tabu Ley and Afrisa drummer) and was later most inspired by Carlton Barrett (Bob Marley’s drummer). That’s why some songs recorded with Viva La Musica in the late 1980s and beginning of the 1990s have that Reggae Root Snare sound. Richacha did not record a song in Afrisa with Rochereau Tabu Ley but he performed as a drummer during some live concerts in 1979; he was on Drums the day Mbilia Bel was doing her first appearance in Afrisa. Richacha is among Viva la Musica’s Musicians appearing in the movie ''La Vie est Belle (1987 film)">La Vie est Belle'' in which the main actor was Papa Wemba. He was acting as a shoe shiner, also as a guitarist during Papa Wemba rehearsal. The movie was released in 1987. With more than 40 years as a professional drummer, Richacha remains in demand as a session musician and stage performance in Europe. Creativity, versatility and speed are three of his most important skills and gifts as a Drummer. Along with Junior MacLier (former Jimmy Cliff bass player) they created a backing band called Reggae Music International (R.M.I); also based in Paris. They have backed various Reggae artists. As an experienced instructor and performer, Richacha provides private drum lessons to beginners and shows some drum techniques to experienced Drummers. Apart from the drums, Richacha plays all percussions and the bass. Its particular unique snare sound makes its identity. A book about Richacha has been released on September 5th 2024. The title is : "The journey of a versatile Drummer - Richacha Balengola". The book can be ordered from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGDQJ7VZ?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Discography

;As a Drummer # Max Romeo - Name of album to be determined (2022) # Romeo K (2021) # Tu shung peng - Dub of light (2020) # Isiah Shaka - Roots Reggae Revelation (2019) # Isiah Shaka - Jah Vit (2019) # Kali Kamga - Ready for Love (2019) # Natty Jean - On m'a dit (2018) # Kasö - De Paris à Maurice (2017) # Wach'da - Jeux de vérité Jeux de vérité (2017) # Désiré François - Millionnaire (2017) # Sebah - Unir nos forces (2016) # Typical Féfé - Reggae (2016) # Tu Shung Peng - Wise Stories from Vineyard Town (2015) # Lil Kante - Dewi (2014) # Scars - Plus aucun doute (2014) # Tiwony - Roots rebel (2014) # Kananga - No more (2014) # Princess Erika - Sur la route du reggae (2014) # Hosny and Good Morning Babylones - Every people (2014) # Brax - Levez Les Mains (2014 Single) # Kasö - Cool (2014 single) # Jean-Michel Rotin - (2013 recording session) # Ras Daniel & Tu Shung Peng - Ray of Light (2012) # Lusdy - (2012 recording session) # Tita Nzebi - Métiani (2011) # Jah Sidy Boy – Les Droits De La Femme (2011) # Elsa Martine Quartet - I Gen Wèy (2011) # Charles E. Brown - Ressource Humaine (2010) # Takana Zion - Rappel à l'Ordre (2009) # Blenda - Operationnel (2009) #

- Africa (2009) # Kayans Reggae - Revelation Time(2009) # Touré Kunda - Santhiaba(2008) # Alpha Blondy - Jah Victory (2007) # Hosny and Good Morning Babylones - Rasta Rebel (2007) # Princess Erika - A l'épreuve du temps (2006) # I-Trinity-I - Ca R'Commence (2005) # Saël - Ma vision (2005) # Touré Kunda – Nité Humanisme # Tim Ray Brown - Tradition # Touré Kunda – Le Joola, Liaison Ziguinchor-Dakar (2003) # Karl Zero and Bob Marley's Wailers - Hi-Fi Calypso (2003) # Hosny and Good Morning Babylones - Unité universelle (2002) # Various Artists - African Chill (2002) # Jacky & Ben J de Nèg' Marrons - Le Bilan (2000) # Bisso na Bisso - 15 mai 1999 (1999 ive CD # Bisso na Bisso - Racines (1999) # Djamatik - Roots Connections (1999) # Bob Marley's Wailers - Live in Jamaica (1999 ive CD # Metal Sound - DJ au top (1998) # Secteur A - Secteur A à l'Olympia (1998 ive CD # Hosny - Radical fighters (1997) # Pacha and Viva La Musica - Voyage ya poto (1996) # Gloria Tukadio and Viva La Musica - History no change (1996) # Jose Fataki and La Nouvelle Génération (1996) # Papy Ipepi and Viva La Musica (1994) # Stino Mubi and Viva La Musica - Romeo et Juliette (1993) # Reddy Amisi and Viva La Musica - L’injustice (1993) # Espérant Kisangani and Viva La Musica - Paris Match (1993) # Malo Kélé Et Les Matouloulous – Le Rythmes De La Brousse (1993) # Soukous Stars - Fifie (1991) # Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Examen(1991) # Modogo GFF and Viva La Musica - Statue de la liberté (1991) # Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Biloko ya moto (Addida Kiesse) (1990) # Comme à l’école with Bipoli, Spraya, Luciana and Lidjo Kwempa (1989) # Orchestre Rumba Ray (1986) # Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Lipanda (1986) # Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Beau gosse ya Paris (1986) # Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Ma Bijoux (1985) # Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Rendre à César (1985) # Maray-Maray and Rumba Ray - Musulman (1984) # Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Eliana (1984) # Maray-Maray and Viva La Musica - Nana Efiye (1984) # Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Libonza (1983) # Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Ceci cela (1983) # Luciana Demingongo and Viva La Musica - Ozia (1983) # Reddy Amisi and Viva La Musica - Petite Gina (1983) # Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Mujingile (1982) # Les frères Fataki and Touche pas - Mondeke (1980)

Tours

* On tour with Max Romeo in Europe and Africa (2024) * On tour with Linval Thompson (2023) * On tour with Max Romeo in Europe (2022) * On tour with Linval Thompson in France (2019) * On tour with Anthony B in France (2019) * On tour with Abdou Day in Europe (2019) * On tour with Cedric "Congos" Myton in Belgium (2019) * On tour with Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel in Europe (2015) * On tour with Barrington Levy in Europe (2011 to 2014) * On tour with Pierpoljak and Vin Gordon in France (2013) * On tour with the Wailers in America, Europe and Australia approximately for ten years * On tour with Alpha Blondy in America and Europe for three years (2003 to 2006) * Backed various Reggae Artists with R.M.I (Reggae Music International) band in Europe * On tour with Ijahman Levi in Europe in 2002 and 2015 * Bisso na bisso (1998 to 1999) * Princess Erika * On tour with the Neg Marrons in France (1998) * On tour with the Hooliganz reggae band in Europe and Jamaica * On tour with Papa Wemba in Africa, Europe and JapanPapa Wemba et Viva La Musica au Japon en 1989
/ref>(1982 to 1996) * Rochereau Tabu Ley & Afriza (1979)

References

External links

* French version of the biography *http://rfimusique.com/anglais/musique/articles/060/article_6372.asp *http://www.rfimusique.com/musiquefr/articles/060/article_13073.asp
Richacha's Youtube channelInterview
{{DEFAULTSORT:Balengola, Richacha Democratic Republic of the Congo musicians Soukous musicians 1964 births Living people