15/08/2026
🎙️ JEAN LIKINGA REDO 🇨🇩🎶
Jean Likinga Mangenza, popularly known as Likinga Redo, was one of the most distinctive voices in the golden era of Congolese rumba. Born on 15 March 1954 in Kinshasa, he began singing as a child in the Orphée choir at Saint Paul Parish in Barumbu.
His musical journey started in 1968 with Les Malous, followed by Le Sentionnel. In 1973, he joined Pépé Kallé’s Empire Bakuba, where he performed alongside the legendary Trio Kadima — Pépé Kallé, Dilu Dilumona and Papy Tex. His composition “Montese” became a major hit.
Likinga later joined Zaïko Langa Langa, where he would make his greatest mark. Together with icons such as Jossart Nyoka Longo, Bimi Ombale, Lengi Lenga and Mbuta Mashakado, he became one of the unforgettable voices of the Zaïko school.
His powerful and unmistakable vocal style produced classics including “Kamanzi,” “Manzakaebende,” “Moselebende,” “Antale” and “Viya.” He was not known primarily for dancing, but his voice, interpretation and songwriting made him a true standout.
Likinga Redo influenced a generation of singers, including JP Buse, Yenga Yenga, Djeffard and Adamo Ekula, leaving an enduring imprint on Congolese music.
Beyond music, his life had its share of difficult chapters. After legal troubles in Portugal and a period away from the music scene, he eventually settled in France. In his later years, despite serious illness, he turned deeply toward his Christian faith and chose to sing and serve Jesus Christ.
🕊️ Likinga Redo passed away on 8 August 2013 at a hospital in Reims, France, aged 59. He left behind three children and, more importantly, a musical legacy that continues to live through his recordings.
That unique voice could never be mistaken.
🎶 Which Likinga Redo song remains your all-time favourite?
Kamanzi? Manzakaebende? Moselebende? Antale? Viya?
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