BIANTONDI KASANDA/IN PRAISE OF KASANDA-DR NICO KASANDA,TABU LEY,ROGER IZEIDI FT AFRICAN FIESTA

The song "Biatondi" (also spelled "Biantondi Kasanda") is a landmark in Congolese Rumba history, primarily known for causing the definitive 1965 split of the original Orchestre African Fiesta into two legendary rival factions.
Musicians Involved
The song was recorded during the era of the original Orchestre African Fiesta (1963–1965) and featured the band's core founding members:
Dr. Nico Kasanda: Lead/solo guitar and composer.
Tabu Ley Rochereau: Lead vocals and lyricist.
Dechaud (Charles Mwamba): Rhythm guitar (Nico's older brother).
Roger Izeidi: Management and percussion/backing vocals.
Message and Meaning
The title "Biatondi" is derived from the Luba (Tshiluba) language, Dr. Nico’s native tongue, meaning "it is enough" or "it is full/saturated".
Context of Satiety: The lyrics generally address themes of emotional or social saturation—where a person has reached their limit with a situation or relationship.
Historical Significance: While the song's internal message is about "reaching a limit," its real-world "meaning" became synonymous with the breakup of African Fiesta. Dr. Nico was reportedly furious after discovering that Roger Izeidi had registered the song under his own name for royalties in East Africa (specifically Kenya) without Nico's knowledge.
The Split: Following the dispute over this song, the group divided:
African Fiesta Sukisa: Led by Dr. Nico and Dechaud.
African Fiesta National (Le Peuple): Led by Tabu Ley Rochereau and Roger Izeidi.
Musical Style
"Biatondi" is celebrated for Dr. Nico's intricate, finger-picked solo guitar work, which became the blueprint for the Soukous genre. It remains a classic example of the "African Fiesta" sound, blending traditional Congolese rhythms with modern guitar virtuosity.