Dino Vangu, born Vangu Dinu Philippe in Matadi, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), is celebrated as a masterful guitarist whose melodic ingenuity defined an era of Congolese rumba and soukous. His musical journey saw him rise to prominence as a key figure in Orchestre Afrisa International, led by the legendary Tabu Ley Rochereau. As a member of this acclaimed ensemble, Vangu's intricate guitar lines became the core of numerous hits that resonated across Africa, enhancing the work of iconic vocalists like Mbilia Bel. Vangu was particularly noted for his mastery of the cavacha rhythm, an infectious, pulsating beat central to the energetic sebene instrumental sections of soukous music during the 1970s and 1980s. Beyond his ensemble work, Vangu was a star composer and solo artist in his own right, releasing albums that blended traditional Congolese rhythms with modern sounds, and he also collaborated with a range of other luminaries, including a notable partnership with vocalist Sam Mangwana on the critically acclaimed album Sam Mangwana Sings Dino Vangu. His work established him as a virtuoso arranger and guitarist, leaving an enduring legacy on African music that continues to be rediscovered through modern digital reissues.