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Congolese Soukous singer Koffi Olomide has admitted that his decision to retire early was a mistake.
Speaking soon after landing in Tanzania ahead of his highly anticipated show in Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam, Olomide explained that his retirement was a wrong move.
Olomide explained at a presser held at Serena Hotel that he had more pages to add to his rich catalogue that he felt would impact and influence generations.
He noted that the industry, especially his legion of fans including established muscians, still needed him.
"I am a human being, I make mistakes. The idea to stop so early, because you see I am still young, was definitely a mistake. Everywhere I went, I was told by many including musicians ‘You can’t stop now, we still need you’,” said Olomide.
Read Also: Koffi Olomide's shows cancelled, barred from performing in SA
Commenting on the reception accorded to him after a lengthy spell from the East African nation, the Selfie hitmaker noted that he was upbeat about the show that attracted politicians and personalities among them Hamisa Mobetto.
“I am very happy, my heart is in the right place. Being back in Tanzania for me is a very great thing. I want to say thank you to the fans and Tanzania for hosting me. To the fans, it will be a great moment of music,” he added.
Back on tour again, the singer is reportedly gearing up for a show in Kenya, four years after he was deported for assaulting his dancer at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
In a widely shared apology to Kenyans a few days ago, the singer touted as one of Congo’s greatest musical exports, owned up to his 2016 charge and affirmed that he erred.
"To everybody who was affected by what I did, I apologize. I want to thank the Kenyan government for endorsing me back. I missed Kenya so much, the country of my life.
“I will soon be in the country to meet my fans and will announce the date for the comeback of the King of Africa. I sincerely apologize, I did wrong. Thank you very much, Professor George, for what you did. I will be in Nairobi very soon. I love you and respect,” he said.
Talented and dearly loved across Africa, the 2016 assault is not the only case that has over the years latched on the singer’s evergreen coat.
Read Also: Koffi Olomide sentenced for rape of 15-year-old dancer
Born on August 13, 1956, in the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo, Olomide – real name Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, in January 2013, assaulted a Zambian photojournalist and reportedly fled across the border to avoid arrest.
He allegedly kicked Jean Ndayisenga in the face as attempted to take photographs of the musician soon after a pulsating live performance at Pamodzi hotel, in the heart of Lusaka.
In 2012, the singer received a three-month suspended prison sentence after he was charged with aggravated assault in DR Congo for assaulting his producer.
2008 was no different. Reconciliation had to be brokered between him, a journalist and DR Congo's private RTGA television after he broke a camera at a concert in Kinshasa.
