Blanchard Deplaizir

Blanchard De Plaizir is a Singer songwriter, DJ, dancer, Performer and Producer of Congolese Rumba music commonly known as Makossa, Soukouss, Ndombolo . Born in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Zaire, De Plaizir grew up inspired by the music of Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, The Wenge Musica band and other renowned musicians in Africa.

His musical adventure began at the age of 10 with his school dance group where he learned the art of dance. He further developed his musical talent in gatherings of young people on the streets of Kinshasa, cooking up energetic interpretations of popular songs by Congolese super stars. At the age of 12, He joined Traction Dallas a local band only for his parent to stop him. In 1998, De Plaizir moved to the UK and soon after decided to pursue his musical dreams the primary goal of which was to share his Congolese culture with the people of his adoptive country through music and dance.

Apart from live concerts, Blanchard de Plaizir leads workshops on Congolese music and dance in Schools, Colleges and Universities around Great Britain. In the year 2000, De Plaizir moved from London to Manchester where he started DJ'ing at African parties and organising African music events in the Northwest and Yorkshire. In 2002, De Plaizir formed Britannia Rumba his Live band with other Congolese and African musicians to carry on promoting African music in the UK. The band has 10 members made of musicians and Afro Queens dancers and can perform as a 4 piece accoustic set or a full 10 piece band with dancers.

Blanchard De Plaizir is the driving force behind the band which entertains and inspires audiences at venues all round Manchester – G Mex, University of Manchester, Contact Theatre, Bolton Octagon Theatre, Manchester Academy, Platfield Park, The Telfords Warehouse and the Exodus Festival in Hulme Park. Britannia Rumba is an innovative blend of rumba, Manchester’s music energy and modern music technology and opens up a new world of sound and rhythm to the live music going public. The band also provides a context for African musicians in the city to get together and develop their sound.

In July 2004, Britannia Rumba released “Decolage” their first 5 track album with a video to promote their work. Britannia Rumba is a living embodiment of spirit of their first album, Decolage (‘taking off’). As a band, Britannia Rumba has built a strong reputation as one of the most exciting live music and dance groups in the North West. Firm festival favourites, they electrify the crowd with their infectious soukouss rythm and dance wherever they appear.