Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (OSK)

Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste’s Genesis

The Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (OSK) (Kimbanguist Symphonic Orchestra) is a Congolese band. Diangenda Wabasolele Armand a.k.a “DWA” or “Papa Armand” created the group from scratch. As he studied to become a commercial pilot, Papa Armand used to play music with his Kinshasa friends in his spare time. His father, the leader of the Kimbanguist church at the time, suggested he expands his team and reach out to more people within the church.

Papa Armand later lost his job as a pilot for Scribe Airlift. He spent some time reflecting on his father’s advice and decided to create a Kimbanguist symphonic group in 1992. Along with his brother Samy, they started recruiting talented artists in the Kimbanguist circle. Although talented, all musicians were autodidacts and did not have experience with symphonic orchestras. There might have been none in Kinshasa by the way.

The beginning was harsh since the band did not have enough classical instrument nor orchestra experience. Musicians had to share instruments and wait for each others time. They also had to build makeshift instruments or renovate some with recovery tools like cars clutch cables.

On December 3, 1994, the OSK gave its first public performance at the Palais du Peuple (Congress Palace) of Kinshasa. Hence, it became the orchestra’s creation date. In order to make it happen, the OSK borrowed instruments from professor Phillipe Kanza, who was the first director of Kinshasa conservatory. Two experienced members of the conservatory also played at the ceremony to strengthen the band.

Perseverance And Hard Work Always Pay

OSK kept improving and working hard to become one of the best of its kind. In 2002, DWA cumulated the orchestra leader position with his new conductor role. Under Armand’s leadership, the OSK went from a local religious band struggling with makeshift instruments to a renowned world-class symphonic orchestra. The band gave performances in many countries around the globe, including a concert alongside the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Papa Armand also introduced a kid section of the OSK and started the construction of a four floors conservatory in Kinshasa. Although under the Kimbanguist church label, the conservatory will most likely train people beyond the religious acquaintances.

Classical music is arguably one of the least appreciated by Congolese. OSK is perhaps more appreciated and known by the expatriate community than the Congolese themselves (no contempt here, I am Congolese — Luke 4:24). The way OSK strived through challenges of all sort should be a testimony of perseverance and hard work that always pay.