biography

Passi Jo was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and is a direct descendent of the Balari Troubadours who travelled from village to village singing about love, hate, death, friendship and all aspects of everyday life in Africa. Passi Jo has continued to embrace this musical legacy in his own independent musical career in Africa, Europe and now in Australia.

In 1982 he moved to Paris and began a chain of successful international tours that introduced and endeared him to fans throughout Europe, North and South America, and Oceania, as well as continuing his popularity in his African homeland.

He has performed with some of the world’s best and most renowned musicians, including Super Boboto SBB, Veve, OK Band, Singa Muambe, Panafrican, Trio Madjesi, Kass Kass, Abeti Masekini, Sam Mangwana, Essous Jean Serges, Teo Blaise, The Four Stars (Les Quatre Etoiles), Tabu Ley Rochereau & Afrisa International Orchestra, Moses Fan Fan; and on the same billing with Manu Dibango, Ray Barretto, Jose Feliciano, Barry White, James Brown, and the original Fania Allstars with Johnny Pacheco in the music festival leading up to the big fight between Ali & Foreman; Coupe Cloue from Haiti… and many more.

In 1990 he toured Australia with Tchico Tchicaya, and relocated permanently to Australia in 1993. His musical career has spanned three decades and he has released more than 15 albums during this time. With Tchico Tchicaya, he formed Warako Musica in 1998.

Passi Jo passed away on the 6th of November 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

Warako Musica has been one of Australia’s most energetic and dynamic African bands. Originally lead by internationally acclaimed African singers Passi Jo and Tchico Tchicaya, Warako Musica was formed in 1998, and has toured and played to packed audiences across Australia. Together with African and Australian musicians, they combine sensual rumba and African Soukous grooves, with Cuban and Salsa styles. As part of their act the band, under the sensual choreography of Passi Jo, showcases some of the most passionate soukous dancing that is visually exciting and stunning to watch.

Passi Jo was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and is a descendant of the Balari troubadours, who travelled from village to village singing about the joys and sorrows of everyday life. He has worked with some of the greatest African musicians including Verkys, Sam Mangwana, and Quatre Etoiles. In the early nineties his original composition Mama Helena was a number one hit.

In 2000, Warako Musica was awarded ‘Best Live World Act’ at the Australian Music Foundation Awards in Melbourne.