The funeral ceremony of the illustrious son of Mokouango, in the Pikounda district, Sangha department, was attended by members of the government, notably the Minister of Technical and Vocational Education, Ghislain Thierry Maguessa Ebomé; the Minister of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Humanitarian Action, Irène Marie-Cécile Mboukou Kimbatsa; as well as the deputies and senators of the Sangha department (Michel Boyimbanda’s native department); and the office of the Union of Congolese Musicians led by its president, Pape God. The Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, as well as the office of the Union of Congolese Musicians led by its president, Adios Alemba, and the dean of the music, Jeannot Bobenga.
Delivering the funeral oration of the man he affectionately called “Vieux Bobo”, “Vieux Michaud”, the Sports Advisor to the Congolese Head of State, Pascal Akouala Goelot, emphasized at the start of his oration that “The tribute that brings us together this morning is a communion of heart and spirit. It is the solemn testimony of the recognition of the Republic of Congo to a monument of our culture, a beacon of our music, an artist whose name resonates with pride in the soul of our nation: the late Michel Boyibanda.declared the advisor, meaning that there are men who, through their talent and their passion, transcend the eras.
Michel Boyibanda, he said, was one of them. Through his works, he was able to capture the very essence of Congolese identity, that which dances to the captivating rhythms of various dances, which rise in the harmonies of the great musical formations of Congolese rumba, now intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Advisor Pascal Akouala Goelot said that Michel Boyibanda’s career, punctuated by collaborations with prestigious orchestras such as the Negro Band, the Tout-puissant Ok Jazz, Les Bantous de la Capitale or the Three Brothers who performed in different temples music from the two Congos as at the Bouya bar, testifies to an unfailing commitment to the Congolese musical heritage. Octogenarian at the time when the death knell of his life tolls, Michel Boyibanda leaves behind not only a musical legacy, but a true cultural legacy, a flame that will continue to illuminate future generations.
Michel Boyibanda, standard bearer of Congolese music
His art, his voice, his compositions, he continued, were the reflection of an era, “the mirror of our joys, our sorrows, and our hopes. He carried the voice of our people across the world, making our history, our struggle and our beauty heard. He didn’t just play music. He embodied the resilience and richness of our culture. He was the bridge between generations, a witness to the evolution of our society and a mentor for so many young artists who had the honor of learning alongside him. Today, as we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, his work and all that he represented.said the speaker.
Finally, for councilor Pascal Akouala Goelot, the memory and legend of his dear “Vieux Bobo” will remain eternal. “Michel Boyibanda, “Vieux Michaud”, you are not only a musician, you are the soul of our heritage, a source of inspiration which will continue to vibrate in the hearts of the Congolese and well beyond our borders. May your spirit find rest, may your legacy live forever in our hearts, and may each time we listen to your music, we feel your artistic presence which has given so much to the influence of our culture. Rest in peace, Michel Boyibanda, “Vieux Bobo”, your music will continue to guide us and bring us together. The drums will always sound in your honor, the voices will rise to celebrate your memory, and your legend will remain eternal.he concluded his oration in tribute to Michel Boyibanda.
One of the icons of Congolese and African music, Michel Boyibanda, known as “Vieux Bobo”, leaves a laudatory repertoire with songs such as “Let’s get off the hook”, “Valente Yoka”, “Forbidden direction At kumbi 12”, “My daughter is coming to see”, “You’ve reached M’Bemba”, “Bolingo in the middle or Miso in the field”, “Essous how to start”, “Mbinzo is talking to the motorcycle”, “Even with a door”, “Diallo”, “Nana”, “Selenga”, etc.
Remember that Michel Boyibanda suffered a stroke for the first time in 2015 before being struck down again on October 4, 2024. Admitted to the University Hospital, he died on October 9 of the same year, thus joining the beyond his late parents, Gabriel Boyibanda and Simone Ewè-Ekoué.
