Isifi Lokole


Isifi Lokole were a soukous band from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They were founded in 1974. The word "Isifi" is an acronym for "Institut du Savoir Ideologique pour la Formation des Idoles", while the lokole is a traditional Congolese drum. Since Isifi Lokole was mostly composed of former Zaiko Langa Langa members, it is sometimes said to be in the so-called "Langa Langa Clan".

History

Isifi Lokole were a creation of Papa Wemba, who left Zaiko Langa Langa in the mid-1970s together with Evoloko Jocker, Mavuela Somo and Bozi Boziana. Isifi Lokolo had a widespread success in Congo; their most famous hit was Amazone. Despite this, in 1975 Papa Wemba, Somo and Boziana left to create another band called Yoka Lokole. Evoloko continued Isifi Lokole for a while, eventually changing the name of the band to "Isifi Melodia".

Personnel

The original lineup of Isifi Lokole was: