Rido Bayonne is one of the most influential artists on the African and international music scene, but little known in his native country. His music was a mixture of Congolese rumba, Cameroonian makossa, jazz, classical music and others, a truly unique fusion of styles.
Born on March 7, 1947, in Pointe-Noire, he left his native country at the age of 10 for Douala, Cameroon, where he was welcomed into a new family and very quickly developed his musical talents. He rubbed shoulders with great figures of Congolese music such as Tino Baroza and Albert Elenga alias Ndinga who became his mentors. Rido begins to make a name for himself through playbacks in prestigious clubs in Douala: Castel and Saint Hilaire.
At 13, the artist returned to Brazzaville and joined the legendary group Les Bantous de la Capitale in which he remained alongside legendary figures such as the percussionist Saturnin Pandi, the saxophonists Jean Serge Essous and Nino Malapet. This stint allowed him to refine his musical skills and broadened his horizons.
It was in the 1970s that Rido Bayonne moved to France where he quickly integrated the Parisian music scene and collaborated with renowned artists such as Michel Polnareff, Maxime le Forestier and Graeme Allwright. He then founded with Michel Perez, Girard Maimone and Patrick Garel the group “Spheroe”, specialized in jazz fusion and recorded two memorable albums, namely “Spheroe” and “Primadonna” which subsequently demonstrated his artistic audience.
Prolific songwriter offering the world melodic songs including “Born in Africa”; “The soul of the Congo”; “Alliance”; “Eternal Vibration”; “Makossa spirit”. Rido mentored young musicians who became international stars and also helped form Richard Bona; Paco Sery and Etienne Mbappé, all artists.
Many artists know him as an exceptional musician. In 2007, director Dom Pedro dedicated a documentary to him entitled “Rido Bayonne”. This film was screened in 2017 in Paris during its 70the anniversary, thus confirming its stature as a cultural icon.
Until his last breath, he shared his energy and his love for music with a loyal audience, performing on prestigious stages such as New Morning. His disappearance leaves an immense void and sparks a wave of emotions and tributes across the world. Musicians, fans as well as cultural institutions salute the memory of this icon. Also, on social networks, several people share anecdotes and memories of him while testifying to his impact on their lives.
“Rido will be remembered as a pioneer of modern African music, a builder of bridges between cultures and an ambassador of the continent’s musical wealth. His legacy will live on through his works, his collaborations and the generations of musicians he inspired.”they testify.
The artist played several musical instruments, the bass was his favorite instrument. He embodied generosity, sharing and transmission. He was very close to the Congolese musician Jackson Babingui whom he considered his son. The artist has established deep ties with many artists from the diaspora and Africa. Their collaboration symbolizes intergenerational transmission.
