The family of the late legendary Congolese guitarist Lokassa ya Mbongo is experiencing immense pain and humiliation as they continue to wait for the government’s assistance in burying him. Lokassa’s body has been lying in a morgue in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, since his return from the United States, where he had expressed his desire to be buried in his native country.
André Marie Lokassa, Lokassa’s son, shared with the BBC that the government had promised to organize a funeral that would be fitting for the renowned musician’s legacy, but has failed to do so thus far. However, a local charity for artists contradicted this claim, stating that internal family disputes have been the cause of the delay. When contacted for comment, Magloire Paluku, a communication official in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, declined and redirected all inquiries to the family.
The Lokassa family submitted a budget request of $75,000 to cover funeral expenses to the government, but this request has yet to be approved. Consequently, the family is left in a state of uncertainty and turmoil. Mr. Lokassa described the situation as humiliating and expressed his concern over the growing tension within the family. Despite the lack of government assistance, the family hopes to bury Lokassa by mid-October, even if it means resorting to their backup plan.
Lokassa ya Mbongo, whose real name is Denis Kasiya Lokassa, passed away at the age of 77 after battling diabetes and complications from a mild stroke. He was widely recognized as one of the best rhythm guitarists in the DR Congo and had a successful career leading the Soukous Stars band in Paris since 1984. Later on, he formed the African All Stars in Ivory Coast with singer Sam Mangwana. Some of his popular compositions include Bonne Annee, Monica, Marie-Josse, Lagos Night, and Nairobi Night. In 1996, he relocated to the United States, where he lived until his death in March 2021. His body was transported back to DR Congo the following month.
Artist in Danger, a charity group for artists in DR Congo, countered the accusations against the government, attributing the delay to differences within Lokassa’s family regarding who should take charge of the burial arrangements. Tsaka Kongo, the head of the organization, disclosed that the family must submit a letter to the authorities confirming their agreement to resolve their disputes and allow the government to proceed with organizing the burial. Mr. Kongo expressed his shock at the prolonged delay and urged for a swift resolution.
In a similar incident earlier this year, the body of another prominent Congolese musician, Saak Sinatra Sakul, was flown from Paris to Kinshasa for burial. Despite the family’s hope for government assistance, they ultimately decided to bury Sakul independently due to concerns that his body had been kept in a casket for approximately ten days, potentially resulting in decomposition. Sakul was a member of the Kinshasa-based band, Orchestre Sosoliso Trio Madjesi.
Lokassa ya Mbongo is not the only musician to face significant delays in receiving a proper burial. Kiamuangana Mateta Verckys, a renowned composer and saxophonist, passed away in October of last year but was not laid to rest until December. Similarly, jazz star Lutumba Simaro Masiya died in March 2019 and was only buried in May of the same year. Lokassa’s niece, Nicole Londala, also pointed fingers at the government, alleging that they had not fulfilled their promise to finance the funeral. She expressed her frustration over the extended wait period, emphasizing the pain of having to wait since April 15th for the funeral to proceed.
These instances raise concerns about the government’s role in handling burials and providing assistance to grieving families. The prolonged delays not only add emotional distress but also financial burdens, as the morgue bill has already reached $4,000. The Lokassa family’s plea for government support serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and reliable assistance in facilitating dignified burials and honoring the legacies of beloved individuals. The disputes within Lokassa’s family highlight the need for effective communication and resolution, as internal conflicts should not hinder the grieving process and the fulfillment of the deceased’s final wishes.
It is crucial for the government to address these issues promptly, ensuring that policies and procedures are in place to handle funeral arrangements efficiently and to provide support to bereaved families. Timely intervention can alleviate the pain and humiliation experienced by families, preventing further tension and anguish. Preserving the dignity of the deceased and supporting their loved ones during difficult times should be paramount in the pursuit of a compassionate and empathetic society.
