[citation needed] Simaro started playing with Franco Luambo, the founder of OK Jazz, in 1961.
Youlou Mabiala and Madilu System also played with OK Jazz, before their solo careers.
Simaro served as Vice President of the band for many years and led the group during Franco's long trips to Europe during the 1980s.
Simaro is considered as one of the greatest poets, singers and philosophers of Congolese music.
[5] Simaro Massiya Lutumba died in a hospital in Paris, France, on Saturday 30 March 2019.