13 Facts About Bopol Mansiamina

Bopol Mansiamina, known as Bopol or Don Paolo, was a prolific and renowned Congolese musician.

Bopol Mansiamina recorded and performed extensively over four decades as a solo artist, as a member of leading African bands, and in support of many African musicians.

Bopol Mansiamina was born 26 July 1949, in Leopoldville as Paul Bopol Mansiamina Mfoko.

From 1969 to 1978 Bopol Mansiamina was based in Zaire and played in a series of bands.

Bopol Mansiamina joined many of the leading Congolese musicians of the past and next generations.

Bopol Mansiamina then joined Dr Nico's African Fiesta Sukisa in 1970.

Bopol Mansiamina continued to work musically with her until her death in 1990.

For example, Bopol Mansiamina played rhythm guitar on her 1987 album Partager, and three of its six songs were written by him.

Bopol Mansiamina recorded and performed with that band, as a solo artist, and in support of other artists through the 1980s and early 1990s.

Between 2000 and 2010, Bopol Mansiamina recorded and toured with other artists, notably Samba Mapangala's band, Virunga, and Ricardo Lemvo.

Bopol Mansiamina died on 7 November 2021, at his home in Paris, of a stroke.

Bopol Mansiamina contributed to much of the best Congolese soukous music made during its 1980s and 90s heyday.

Bopol Mansiamina has played on certainly dozens, and probably hundreds, of other artists' records.