BIOGRAPHY

Blanchard Jean Azip aka Deplaizir is a Singer songwriter,dancer, Performer and Producer of Congolese Rumba music commonly known as Makossa, Soukouss or Ndombolo . Born in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Zaire, Deplaizir grew up inspired by the music of Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, The Wenge Musica band, Kanda Bongo Man, Awilo Longomba and other renowned musicians in Africa.
The Beginning
Deplaizir's 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 parents to stop him. In 1998, Deplaizir 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, dance, DJ'ing at African parties and organising African music events in the Northwest and Yorkshire.
Britannia Rumba
In 2002, Deplaizir 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 6 piece set or a full 10 piece band with dancers. Deplaizir is the driving force behind the band which entertains and inspires audiences at venues all round UK – G Mex, University of Manchester, Contact Theatre, Bolton Octagon Theatre, Manchester Academy, Platfield Park, The Telfords Warehouse, Exodus Festival, Kendal International Festival, The Brewery Arts Centre and many more venues across the country. 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.
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.
Apart from live concerts, Deplaizir and Britannia Rumba lead workshops on Congolese music and dance in Schools, Colleges and Universities around Great Britain