Roots of Shay

Pascal-Emmanuel Sinamoyi Tabu, better known as Tabu Ley Rochereau, was a Congolese rumba singer and musician. He was the leader of Orchestre Afrisa International, as well as one of Africa's most influential vocalists and prolific songwriters. Along with guitarist Dr Nico Kasanda, Tabu Ley pioneered African rumba and internationalised his music by fusing elements of Congolese folk music with Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American rumba. He has been described as "the Congolese personality who, along with Mobutu, marked Africa's 20th century history", and is credited with composing over 3,000 songs and selling thousands of records.