Debaba
Debaba | |
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Debaba in 1985 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cleophas Claude Dieka Mbaki |
| Also known as |
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| Born | 12 October 1961 Léopoldville, Republic of the Congo (modern-day Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
| Died | April 24, 2011 (aged 49) Gombe, Kinshasa |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1961–2011 |
| Labels |
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| Formerly of |
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| Partner(s) | |
| Children | 6, including Detour, Naomie, Rallyathe, and Sara |
Cleophas Claude Dieka Mbaki (12 October 1961 – 24 April 2011), known professionally as Debaba, Debaba El Shabab, or Debaba Mbaki, was a Congolese singer-songwriter and composer. Born and raised in Kinshasa, Dieka made his public musical debut with the band Véritable Sakana Musica. In 1975, he became a member of Kanako Shiprike Bango orchestra, founded by Tonton Boutshie (often spelled Butshe).
Dieka gained widespread recognition through his work with musical groups like Viva La Musica, Victoria Eleison, Historia Musica, and Choc Stars, as well as for composing critically acclaimed hits "Abidjan", "Terminus", "Type" (alternately known as "Tati Kondé"), "Zikondo", and "Célio Déclaré".