Otis Tabasenge, based in London, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and picked up the guitar at the age of 8. He was taught by Gaby Diomi, a Congolese guitar master with an international reputation.
Gaby was to become a father figure for Otis teaching him the traditional styles of Rumba and Soukous. Gaby Diomi tragically passed away when Otis was 19 but he remains a very strong influence. After playing in a gospel band for 2 years Otis got his big break when he joined ‘Wenge Musica (Maison Mere)’ and with them he began to tour worldwide. The tour took him through out Africa and into Europe where he played to sell out stadium venues. After playing at ‘Zenith’ in Paris the group was nominated for two ‘Kora Awards’ for best African group, 2001 & 2002.
In 2002 Otis settled in England where he continues to play with many Congolese bands including Kanda Bongo Man and Kasai Masai. Otis has always enjoyed teaching his style of guitar and is driven by the need to pass his technique on to others. Otis has also been fully trained to work with young people at different levels, from primary to secondary school. He is based in London and is available for guitar lessons for anyone with a desire to learn from beginner to advanced.
Student References:
“Otis is a wonderful guitar teacher, and delivered hour-long guitar lessons to a small group of up to eight children- no easy feat with 4 and 5 year olds! Our pupils learned simple chords, how to read music and even some school songs in just a few months. We can’t wait to have Otis back again in September” Megan Hardy, Assistant Head Teacher for Inclusion and Achievement, School 21
