User:Djofre



Richard Balengola Abongy Yende, best known as Richacha "Chacha" Balengola, is an appreciated Reggae, Soukous and World Music Drummer from Congo (DRC), now based in Paris (since 1987).

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Biography
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Born in December 22nd 1964 in Kinshasa, he started his career as a Drummer with a World Music Band called Ndoki Machine. He became known as a professional Drummer at the age of 18 when he joined Papa_Wemba’s band Viva La Musica in 1982.

He has performed with several major Soukous, World Music and Reggae Singers including Papa Wemba, The Hooligans, Pierpoljak, Tonton_David, Princess Erika, Nèg' Marrons, Ijahman Levi, Bisso Na Bisso, Secteur Ä, The Wailers, Alpha Blondy, Barrington Levy, R.M.I (Reggae Music International), etc.

As a Drummer, he was most inspired by Carlton Barrett (Bob Marley’s Drummer). That’s why some songs recorded with Viva La Musica in the late 80’s and beginning of 90’s have that Reggae Root Snare sound. He is among Viva la Musica’s Musicians appearing in the movie titled "La Vie est Belle" in which the main actor was Papa Wemba. The movie was released in 1986.

With over 30 years as a professional Drummer, Richacha remains in wide demand as a session musician in Europe. Creativity, versatility and speed are three of his most important skills and gifts. He is always able and ready to perform in a range of different settings.

Along with Junior MacLier (former Jimmy Cliff Bass player) they created a backing band called Reggae Music International (R.M.I); also based in Paris. They have backed various Reggae artists.

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Credits as a Drummer (Some recording sessions)
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 * 1) Kaso - Cool (Single 2014)
 * 2) Little Dan - Studio session (2014)
 * 3) Jean-Michel Rotin - Studio session (2013)
 * 4) Ras Daniel & Tu Shung Peng - Ray of Light (2012)
 * 5) Lusdy - Studio session (2012)
 * 6) Takana Zion - Rappel à l'Ordre (2009)
 * 7) Bisso na Bisso - Africa (2009)
 * 8) Kayans - Revelation Time (2009)
 * 9) Touré Kunda - Santhiaba (2008)
 * 10) Alpha Blondy - Jah Victory (2007)
 * 11) Hosny - Rasta Rebel (2007)
 * 12) Karl Zero and the Wailers - HiFi Calypso (2003)
 * 13) Hosny - Unité Universelle (2002)
 * 14) Jacky & Ben. Jacky des Nèg' Marrons - Bilan (2000)
 * 15) Bisso na Bisso - Le 15 mai 1999 (1999 [live CD])
 * 16) Bisso na Bisso - Racines (1999)
 * 17) Djamatik - Roots connections (1999)
 * 18) The Wailers - live in Jamaica (1999 [live CD])
 * 19) Metal Sound - DJ au top (1998)
 * 20) Secteur A - Secteur A à l’Olympia  (1998 [live CD])
 * 21) Hosny - Radical Fighters (1997)
 * 22) Pacha and Viva La Musica - Voyage ya poto (1996)
 * 23) Gloria Tukadio and Viva La Musica - History no change (1996)
 * 24) Jose Fataki and la Nouvelle Génération (1996)
 * 25) Stino Mubi and Viva La Musica - Romeo et Juliette (1993)
 * 26) Reddy Amisi and Viva La Musica - L’injustice (1993)
 * 27) Espérant Kisangani and Viva La Musica - Paris Match (1993)
 * 28) Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Examen (1991)
 * 29) Modogo GFF and Viva La Musica - Statue de la liberté (1991)
 * 30) Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Biloko ya moto(Addida Kiesse) (1990)
 * 31) Comme à l’école with Bipoli, Spraya, Luciana and Lidjo Kwempa (1989)
 * 32) Orchestre Rumba Ray (1986)
 * 33) Lidjo Kwempa/ and Viva La Musica - Lipanda (1986)
 * 34) Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Beau gosse ya Paris (1986)
 * 35) Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Rendre à César (1985)
 * 36) Papa Wemba and Viva La Musica - Eliana (1984)
 * 37) Maray-Maray and Viva La Musica - Nana Efiye (1984)
 * 38) Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Libonza (1983)
 * 39) Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Ceci cela (1983)
 * 40) Reddy Amisi and Viva La Musica - Petite Gina (1982)
 * 41) Lidjo Kwempa and Viva La Musica - Mujingile (1982)

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Live performance
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Richacha has hundreds and hundreds of live performances. Here are some (just to name a few): Barrington Levy’s 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 European tour. Pierpoljak and Vin Gordon at Le Bloc in Paris (2013), on tour all over the world with the Wailers for five years, on tour with Alpha Blondy for three years, on tour with Papa Wemba in Africa, Europe and Japan.

References

https://www.facebook.com/richacha.balengola‎

http://rfimusique.com/anglais/musique/articles/060/article_6372.asp

http://www.rfimusique.com/musiquefr/articles/060/article_13073.asp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oshTT-gDm1s