Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta is one of the most influential
figures in the history of Congolese (Zaïrean) music. As a saxophonist,
composer and bandleader he was able to rival both Franco and Rochereau.
He developed his own honking, gutbucket style of sax playing which
characterised some of the most exciting music of the 1960s and 70s.
Verckys was a great showman who liked to play up to the crowd.
He really let fly during the sebenes occupying a musical space which
had previously been the preserve of solo guitarists only. After
generating some raucous excitement as a member of OK Jazz he founded
Orchestre Vévé in 1969. He has been credited with
creating the cavacha beat that led on to soukous. In effect, Verckys’
unique studio sound, his unerring ear for talent and unquenchable
enthusiasm turned him into the godfather of modern Congolese music.
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