Leaving popular Africa-rooted band Loketo in 1990, Kinshasa-born and Paris-based guitarist Diblo Dibala (b. 1954) recruited several former bandmates and additional musicians and vocalists to form the energetic group Matchatcha. Although the group has experienced many personnel changes, its sizzling-hot approach to African-inspired dance music has remained consistent. According to The African Encyclopedia, "To see Diblo and Matchatcha in concert is to experience a hot hot time. His scorching guitar lines will leave you breathless and when your hand is grabbed and you're swept up on-stage to dance with the band, you'll close your eyes and suddenly be transported to Kinshasa." Describing the influences that are reflected in the sound of Matchatcha, Dibala explained during a mid-'90s interview, "first from Franco, second from the Cuban rumba style that was popularized throughout Africa in the '50s and finally, George Benson." In addition to Dibala, the original incarnation of Matchatcha featured ex-Loketo members Freddy de Majunga (rhythm guitar), Miguel Yamba (bass), and dancers Antoinette Yelessa and Joelle Esso, along with drummer Komba Bello Mafwala and vocalists Fede Lawu and Otis Mbute. The first change came in 1992 when de Majunga was replaced by J.P. Kinzaki and vocalists Dely Mpeletu and David Mondo. Later that year, Yamba was replaced by Djo Mali Bolonge and conga player Serge Bimangou was added. By 1999, only Dibala, Kinzaki, Mbute, and Yelessa remained. The subsequent lineups featured Clement Elegbede (bass), Ringo Avom (drums), Laskin Ngomatchek and Serge Bimango (vocals), and dancers Electra Weston, Sabine Poakora, and Suzy Gaston. Although continuing to experience personnel changes through the years, Matchatcha under the leadership of Diblo Dibala continued playing their infectious and energetic brand of soukous into the 21st century. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi