His son will take over the band-leading duties.

Augustin Mawangu Mingiedi, the band leader of Konono No. 1, has died. He became the group’s bandleader in 2015 after his father Mingiedi Mawangu’s death. According to a statement made by the band via Facebook, Augustin’s son will take over frontman duties alongside the group’s original singer Menga Waku.

Read the statement in full below.

“Konono No.1’s proud and brave leader Augustin Mawangu Mingiedi has passed away yesterday.
He’d been ill for several months. We are devastated.

But Konono N°1 are indestructible, and we’ve been continuing to work and perform. After Mingiedi and Augustin, the torch of lead likembe player has now been passed to the 3rd generation, to Augustin’s son Makonda, who is fronting the band with original singer Menga Waku.”