The family of Josky Kiambukuta, a legendary figure in Congolese rumba, has asked Fally Ipupa to re-release the song "Kitamata", which was recently removed from the artist's album XX Délirium and streaming platforms. According to the younger brother of Josky Kiambukuta, there is no conflict between the family and Fally Ipupa, and the song's removal was not their decision. The brother expressed his support for Fally Ipupa, referring to him as "the knight", and emphasized that the family has always had a good relationship with the artist.
The controversy surrounding "Kitamata" began when Fally Ipupa announced its removal from his album and streaming platforms on September 18. He cited disagreements with some members of Josky Kiambukuta's family over the song's rights. Fally Ipupa claimed to have reached an agreement with Josky Kiambukuta's children before recording and releasing the song, but some family members later requested additional financial compensation, which he deemed excessive.
The younger brother of Josky Kiambukuta disputes the narrative that there was a disagreement between Fally Ipupa and the family. He stated that there are only four brothers in the family, including himself, and that they have always gotten along with Fally Ipupa. According to him, the discussions around the song's exploitation were smooth, and there were no significant issues.
The song "Kitamata" is a cover of "Kita Mata Bloqué", an iconic song associated with Josky Kiambukuta. Fally Ipupa included it in his album XX Délirium, which celebrates Congolese rumba. The song was well-received by fans before its removal. The Congolese Press Agency reported on September 20 that music critic Zacharie Bababaswe questioned the reasons behind the song's removal, given Fally Ipupa's reputation for taking necessary precautions when reusing classic Congolese songs.
The younger brother of Josky Kiambukuta publicly requested that Fally Ipupa re-release "Kitamata" on his album and streaming platforms. This development adds a new twist to the controversy, as it reveals a divergence in opinion within Josky Kiambukuta's family. The issue is no longer just about the rights dispute but also about the public disagreement between different family members.
The clarification of rights and agreements related to "Kitamata" remains unclear. No contractual documents detailing these aspects have been made public. Fally Ipupa has not announced whether he will re-release the song, but the family's request opens up a new avenue for discussion. The outcome will depend on the negotiations between the parties involved.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing the legacy of iconic musicians and the rights associated with their work. As the Congolese music scene continues to evolve, the case of "Kitamata" serves as a reminder of the importance of clear agreements and communication between artists, their families, and collaborators. The future of "Kitamata" and its place in Fally Ipupa's discography remain uncertain.
Key points
- The family of Josky Kiambukuta has asked Fally Ipupa to re-release "Kitamata".
- Fally Ipupa removed "Kitamata" from his album and streaming platforms due to disagreements over rights.
- The controversy highlights the complexities of managing the legacy of iconic musicians and their associated rights.
