Loketo

Liner notes accompanying the 2000 multi-artist compilation African Ambience: The Ultimate African Dance Party characterized Loketo as "a sort of Zairian supergroup of 'new generation' musicians known for a super-tight, high-energy, show with spectacular dancing and flawless vocals". Ranked among the most influential groups shaping soukous, the band was assembled by guitarist Diblo Dibala in the immediate wake of his 1986 exit from Kanda Bongo Man's ensemble. Dibala's guitar lines interlocked with the commanding lead vocals of Aurlus Mabele, Ronald Rubinel's keyboard textures, and a vigorous horn section, generating the signature dynamic rhythms and intricate melodies that defined the group's sound. Fragmentation began in 1990 when Dibala, rhythm guitarist Freddy De Majunga, bassist Miguel Yamba, and dancers Antoinette Yelessa and Joelle Esso departed to launch Matchatcha.