Richacha Balengola

A Bass player called Johon Pepito Tshimanga (A young man living in the same neighborhood as Papa Wemba; so they knew each other) was part of the band after coming back to Congo (DRC) from Paris, France where he stayed to study.

In 1982 most of the Viva La Musica Members broke away from Papa Wemba to create Victoria Eleison The Singers who left the band were: King Kester Emeneya, Pepe Bipoli, Joly Mubiala, Debaba El Shabab, the drummer was also part of those who quit with Viva La Musica to form Victoria Eleison Band.

Despite the fact of having Congolese origins, Richacha had not had a chance of playing with a Soukous and Rumba band permanently until he joined Touche Pas.

He has performed with several major world music, reggae singers and bands including The Hooligans, Pierpoljak, Tonton David, Princess Erika, Max Romeo, Nèg' Marrons, Ijahman Levi, Bisso Na Bisso, Secteur Ä, The Wailers1, Alpha Blondy, Barrington Levy, R.M.I (Reggae Music International), Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, etc.

With more than 40 years as a professional drummer, Richacha remains in demand as a session musician and stage performance in Europe.

Along with Junior MacLier (former Jimmy Cliff bass player) they created a backing band called Reggae Music International (R.M.I); also based in Paris.