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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBEL, Mbilia(b Mbilia Mboyo, 30 Aug. '59, Kinshasa, Zaire) African female singer-composer, dancer. Began in the chorus of leading Zairian female singer Abeta Masekini; asked by Tabu Ley to join his chorus, the Rocherettes. After several years and tours with Tabu Ley she emerged solo, taking turns with him fronting Afrisa International: first LPs Eswi Yo Wapi and Faux Pas '83 on Genidia label; shared honours with Ley on hit two-disc set Loyenghe; success confirmed by Ba Gerants Ya Mabala '84, tours of USA, the Far East, Australia. Radio France International poll '85 named her Africa's best female singer; excellent LP Kenya followed by first UK release Boya Ye on Stern's label, recorded in Paris '85: 'Tabu Ley's stage shows are basically step-perfect soul reviews, and Bel is his vivacious dancer-wife in that context ... but in his music she takes on a strangely otherworldly voice, keening angles and abstraction, and the music dancing round her' (Mark Sinker in The Wire). Album Bameli Soy on Shanachie USA. |