CARLYTO LASSA — THE GOLDEN VOICE OF “MAYA”

Charles Ndombasi Lassa, better known as Carlyto Lassa, was one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the golden era of Congolese rumba.

Born on 15 January 1961, Carlyto was a singer, composer, guitarist, and, later in life, a pastor and gospel artist. His musical talent was reportedly first recognised by the legendary gospel musician Gérard Madiata.

His breakthrough came through the orbit of Tout Puissant OK Jazz, where the young singer’s extraordinary, sweet-toned voice caught the attention of two great guitarists—Lutumba Simaro and Papa Noël Nedule.

It was Lutumba Simaro’s “Maya” that truly introduced Carlyto’s voice to a much wider audience. The song became one of the defining recordings associated with his name, with Carlyto’s distinctive tenor giving Simaro’s composition its emotional character.

Then came another landmark: Papa Noël’s “Bon Samaritain.”

In 1984, while Franco and the main OK Jazz contingent were in Europe, Papa Noël travelled to Brazzaville and recorded the album Bon Samaritain, bringing together musicians from Kinshasa and Brazzaville — including the young Carlyto Lassa. The album became a major success and was recognised as the best song of the year.

Carlyto’s association with the OK Jazz family eventually led to a new chapter. He later joined Choc Stars, where he became part of a formidable vocal line-up alongside names such as Debaba Mbaki, Nzaya Nzayadio, Defao, and Djuna Djanana. His arrival helped give Choc Stars an even stronger vocal identity.

But Carlyto’s story was not only about rumba.

After his conversion to Christianity, he turned increasingly toward gospel music and Christian ministry. The man who had once captivated rumba audiences with his voice eventually devoted that same voice to praising God.

His gospel catalogue included La Reconnaissance (2001) and later works such as Confiance – Kili Kili Azongi, while songs such as “Makolo ya Masiya” became part of his gospel legacy.

Carlyto, therefore, leaves behind two important musical legacies: the unforgettable voice that helped define some of the great rumba recordings of the 1980s and the later voice of Frère Carlyto, the singer and pastor who dedicated his talent to Christian music.

From “Maya” to “Bon Samaritain,” from OK Jazz and Choc Stars to gospel ministry, Carlyto Lassa travelled a remarkable musical journey.

A golden voice has fallen silent, but the recordings will continue to speak.

Together with rhumba legends such as Papa Noel, Madilu, Franco, Tabuley, King Kester Emeneya, Lugendo De Malage, Simaro Lutumba, Pepe Kalle et al, the man with the golden voice, today’s rhumba star Ferre Gola always looked up to and referred to as “Evangeliste”, is truly no more.

We will live to remember your melodies, compositions, and above all, your golden voice.

RIP Lassa “Evangeliste” Carlyto🙏

See you this Saturday, September 5, 2026, for another edition of the Rhumba Experience at Anex Lounge – Kirinya, as we pay tribute to the “Evangelise”.

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