Lola Checain was born in Kinshasa on 18 August 1942,. His real name is Camille Lola Djangi. He came from a family of musicians. He was the younger brother of the famous guitarist and singer Fariala, popularly known as Franck Lassan. His other brother is former Maquisards guitarist Johnny Bokosa.
He started his music career in 1961, using the pseudonym “Checain”. He made his debut performing with the orchestra “Capable Jazz” that was led by guitarist François Boyimbo, popularly known as “Gobi” as well as Bikunda Nzoku Moko Buele and Pierre Bazeta, popularly known as “De France”.
In 1962, Checain left Capable Jazz and joined guitarist Linjongo Danila’s Los Canta Orchestra where his brother Johnny Bokosa was on bass guitar.
The following year, the young Lola Checain would continue his musical sojourn. First he joined, Orchestre Rock’ A Mambo which was led by TPOK Jazz founder member Lando Rossignol along with Henriette Borazuima
He would then join Conga Succes led by Johnny Bokelo and later and Co-Bantou led by Bokelo’s brother Paul Ebengo “De Wayon”
In 1967, Checain joined the OK Jazz after being introduced to Franco by Simaro. He immediately gained a place among the bands most prominent vocalists along with Youlou Mabiala, Michel Boyibanda and Sam Mangwana.
It was the beginning of a radiant career that lasted 22 years (1967-1989) under the leadership of Luambo Makiadi Franco whose death on 12 October 1989 was a fatal blow to Checain’s career. He will know several months of inactivity.
On 10 August 1992, three years after the disappearance of Franco (12 October 1989), Checain left the world after a long illness. Lola Djangi was one of the best Kinois singers. He also reached a very significant level of songwriter, particularly in the OK Jazz.
Some Songs composed by Lola Checain
- Toboyana Kaka
- Lolaka
- Meka Okangama
- Lukika
- Mpo na nini kaka ngai
- Baninga tokola balingaka ngai te
- Muya
- Libala ya bana na bana
- Sala Lokola Luntadila
- Emile na Gabon
- Lunda Maguy
- Gaby Ozali
- Nganda ma campagne
Legacy
Aside from a rich legacy of vocals and compositions, Lola also passed his keen interest in music to his children, some of whom became musicians. Elvis Lola is a Guitarist and band leader who has been based in Nairobi since 2002. Jean Pierre Lola (JP), Bob Lola (vocalist in Paris) and Pitsho Lola, a Kinshasa-based keyboardist
