Goodbye Papa Lutumba Simaro

Life Is Just A Journey

Yesterday, March 29, I drove through a heavy thunder with my family. We headed to a resort near Kisantu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A small break from Kinshasa’s craziness was very much needed. We started the trip early that day, peacefully serpenting the road to Matadi. Koffi Olomide’s V12 was playing and my son was singing words he does not yet understand. Everything was perfect until the evening and darkness came. A storm made things worse latter, and we ended up negotiating passages with trucks in narrow dark roads filled with invisible potholes. We finally made it to the resort in the night, took a comfortable suite and started to forget the challenges of the arduous journey. Away from my ordinary fights, although relaxed, I kept an eye on the world through Tweeter (just from time to time, I swear). I learned that the Great Congolese artist Lutumba Simaro passed away the same night I was struggling through the thunderstorm.

The news came from credible sources. Confirmations follow. Papa Lutumba grew old and even retired from music, symbolically giving his last guitar to the former Congolese president. I am deeply saddened. I grew up and lived most of my life in DRC, especially in Kinshasa. For those in my case, Lutumba is one of these omnipresent figures. They appeared in the background of many parts of your life and sometimes emotionally marked you. You did not know them personally, but somehow you feel the pain… And you feel sorrow.

Just a Goodbye

I have not updated this great artist’s page on the site yet; I apologize for my laziness, or perhaps a bad sense of prioritization. There are certainly going to be many articles to learn about Papa Lutumba’s achievements though. I will read them too. Here, I will just join the voices of those saddened by this awful news. I am just joining many other people in sending condolences to his biologic family, and the extended family of Congolese music lovers.

I will keep the souvenir of a calm person. Papa Lutumba was almost timid as far as I remember, but very wise. You can sense wisdom throughout his many compositions. Many Congolese artists recognized this too, often referring to him right in their songs. They politely referred to him as “Papa” Lutumba, a sign of respect in Congolese culture. He was also asked enigmatic questions one normally reserves to very wise people. His relationship with peer artists was also a model. I do not recall any public dispute or angry talks against another any other musicians. No cold wars with anybody as far as I know. A real model.

Trough my time reflecting on this sad news, it occurred to me that life is like the journey that took us to this resort. It is just a journey. Papa Lutumba went through many stages on his own journey. He serpented peaceful landscapes at times but most certainly crossed thunderstorms. He negotiated his path with trucks on two-way roads with potholes. I can only wish and imagine he finally reached his deserved resort.

Rest in Peace, Papa Simaro!

— Mbonda