Armand Diangienda

Quick Snapshot of Armand Diangienda

Diangienda Wabasolele Armand, also known as “Papa Armand” or “DWA” is a Congolese classical musician, born on January 12, 1964. Armand is the grandson of Simon Kimbangu, a spiritual leader considered the creator of Kimbanguism. Papa Armand is the creator and leader of the “Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (OSK)” (Kimbanguist Symphonic Orchestra).

Young Armand thought himself to play some rhythms on the family’s piano. Later, he studied and qualified from Belgium and United States as a pilot. On vacations and spare time, Papa Armand played music with his Kinshasa friends and formed a small band. One day in 1985, his father Diangienda Joseph who saw his interest in music recommended he expands beyond his small leisure band and lead an even larger group within the Kimbanguist church.

Meanwhile, Armand completed his training and started working as a pilot for Scibe Airlift. Father Diangienda Joseph died in July 1992. In December of the same year, Scibe Airlift suffered a crash with the plane Armand used to fly. Fortunately for him, Armand did not fly on that day though.

Career Shift 101: Landing on a symphonic orchestra career from a commercial pilot one!

With his plane destroyed, Papa Armand finally lost his job and spent sometimes outside the aviation industry. That’s when he started reflecting on his father’s advice about expanding on his musical skills and acquaintances. He then had the idea of a symphonic orchestra. Along with his brother Samuel, he started recruiting talented musicians in his Kimbanguist circle, all of which were autodidacts. 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 turn. They also had to build makeshift instruments or renovate some with recovery tools like cars clutch cables.

After a lot of efforts and preparation, OSK gave its first classical concert on December 3, 1994, and became the first Orchestra of its kind in Africa. The inaugural concert took place in DRC’s congress palace, commonly known as “Palais du Peuple”. The orchestra borrowed instruments from professor Phillipe Kanza, who was the first director of Kinshasa conservatory.

OSK, A Dream Come True

Under Papa Armand’s leadership and the Kimbanguist community support, the orchestra kept growing its reputation. In November 1999, it imported its first batch of professional classical instruments from China.

In 2002, the orchestra’s chief and maestro became unavailable and Armand conducted his first rehearsal session. On the band’s request after they appreciated the session, Armand became the band chief and conductor. He then focused his self-education on this new role. He also manages to get fellowship so he could learn from French conservatory “Centre Essonne Évry”. Papa Armand wrote his first symphony called “Souffle de vérité en Ré majeur” (Blow of Truth in D major) in 2003. He then wrote another piece in 2007 called “La reconciliation en La mineur” (Reconciliation in A minor), and a third one called “Mon Identité” (My identity).

Legacy and Projects

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.

Beside the OSK, Papa Armand wrote many religious songs that we hope to share and discuss. He also assumes high responsibilities at the Kimbanguist church. Among recent projects (as of 2018), he introduced a kid section of the OSK and the construction of a four floors conservatory in Kinshasa. His top messages include being a fighter and never giving up in life. His interesting career exemplifies that well. Indeed, growing a world-class symphonic orchestra from scratch in a country with evident lack of interest just says everything.