09 Oct 2016

Rhumba star, Biza Mupulu, will be missed by fans and artists alike.

The Democratic Republic of Congo national passed away in Malawi on September 30 due to heart failure.

He had made significant contribution to Botswana music with his unique voice and energetic performance.

Biza stayed in Botswana in the early 1990s and his music made hits, capturing the heart of many kwasa kwasa fans, with his skillful acts.

He worked with Alfredo Mos and Africa Sounds as a dancer and backup singer.

Biza and other members of Africa Sounds in 2001 formed a group called Extra Melody, which released O ba bone and Black Mampatile, which did well.

Those who worked closely with him, including Alfedo Mos described Biza having been an inspiration to other kwasa kwasa artists since as he knew the stage well, with the ability to control the stage and his eloquent rapping skills, which brought unique taste to the songs.

“It is about time we break the norm of complementing artist after they pass away. Biza was a responsible well behaved man; I have never had personal problems with him as an individual. I am pleased that he was able to inspire most artists in this country as there are some who evidently try to imitate him,” he said.

Indeed he had made a massive contribution towards development of other artists, with his selfless attitude and spirit of perseverance.

Biza’s long time dancer and vocalist, Badiri Matshebola said they began listening to Biza and adored him from his early age, thereby eventually becoming his dancer in 2008.

“Biza was a friend, a father and very caring and loving towards other people, more especially to people close to him and his fans. People loved his talent, boldness in stage, as he was very stern, up-close and personal while on stage. He was no afraid to show displeasure or satisfaction while on stage,” he said.

During his career as a solo artist Biza released about five albums, which made hits, transforming the rhumba cadre, his first album being Viva Botswana in 2001, Go tsamaya ke go Bona in 2002, then later Tobina in 2008, in 2010 he released Letheka, with the last one being Gape Gape.

“In 2013, Biza decided to go to Canada, but before he left, he insisted that his group should compose and then composed an album titled Tswa mo Tseleng, under the group name Dipoko Stars, which consisted of the late Caprio Limba and Polena Kuzere, both from DRC, Kumakili, Popae Wambota and Tawanda Jiyane from Zimbabwe, Moabi Tshiamo, and Myself from Botswana. This year we have released a single titled “I don’t Know”, still with his guidance and communicating with him after relocating to Malawi,” he said.

He said Batswana should not tire and should take comfort from the legacy that Biza has left during his time, as he the group was still in existence and was prepared to cover up for the loss of Bizza and Caprio.

Biza has worked with artist such Slizer, Havitha, Frankita, Samson, and Tumza and the big Bullets.

For his part, Tumza expressed sadness to the loss of the legend that Biza was, stating that as upcoming artist, they perceived Biza as a legend who has contributed immensely in Kwasa Kwasa. ENDS