Congolese Music Icon Defao Matumona Remembered Four years After Passing
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A wave of remembrance swept through teh Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond on December 27, 2025, as Congolese music lovers marked the four-year anniversary of the death of singer Defao Matumona. The influential artist, a cornerstone of the Congolese rumba scene, passed away on December 27, 2021, in douala, Cameroon.
A Legacy of Tenacity and Grace
The outpouring of grief and admiration underscores the enduring impact of matumona, affectionately known as “Déf.” A close friend of the late singer, speaking on the anniversary, described a profound sense of loss, stating, “4 years later, my heart continues to bleed, I still cannot forget Matumona Défao, this early friend.” The friend emphasized that despite achieving significant success, Matumona remained remarkably humble, “a grateful, very nice guy, a bon vivant and very self-effacing.”
This sentiment was echoed by others who knew Matumona well. One observer noted the artist’s remarkable journey, stating, “I had the chance, the pleasure and the honor to have learned a lot about the way Defao did things. His story, from his beginnings to his death, will remain for me as a model of the hard work and tenacity of an artist who was able to emerge from nothing.”
From Grand Zaïko Wawa to Big Stars
Matumona’s career spanned decades and numerous influential orchestras. He first gained prominence in the 1980s as a dancer and musician with Grand Zaïko Wawa, alongside guitarist Félix Manuaku. He later contributed his talents to choc Stars, collaborating with artists like Debaba, carlito, Nzaya Nzayadio, and Bengali little prince. In 1991, Matumona established his own group, Big Star, solidifying his position as a leading figure in Congolese music.
A fellow musician, recalling their early encounters, shared, “Défao was a very good dancer. We met for the first time at Somba Zigida, around the 80s… We developed a good relationship with him, because we gave each other advice at every opportunity to talk about music.”
A Musical Galaxy Remembered
Matumona’s discography, described as having “flooded the musical galaxy of the DRC,” includes beloved tracks such as “Copinage,” “School Love,” “Solange Mwana Nsuka,” and “Kikuta Family.” A memorial mass was held in France on December 27th to honor his memory, coinciding with what would have been his sixty-sixth birthday on december 31st.
One individual powerfully stated, “Déf (Défao) deserves better, moreover, he is resti
Why did Defao Matumona pass away? Defao Matumona died on December 27, 2021, in Douala, Cameroon. The cause of death was not explicitly stated in the article, but the anniversary remembrance suggests a significant loss felt by many.
Who was Defao Matumona? Defao Matumona was a highly influential Congolese singer and musician, a cornerstone of the Congolese rumba scene. He was affectionately known as “Déf” and remembered for his humility and tenacity.
What was Defao Matumona’s career like? Matumona began his career as a dancer and
