Koffi Olomide is one of the greatest music exports of DR Congo as he has produced several evergreen songs enjoyed beyond the shores of Africa. All of these are being put in obscurity by a singular act which might put him behind bars for a while. The 62-year-old has been brought before a French court for alleged sexual assault.
He is accused of holding four of his dancers against their will in a villa outside the French capital. This occurred between 2002 and 2006. The list of offenses includes coercion, violence, and kidnapping amongst others. The musician stood trial at a court in Nanterre, very close to Paris. He is also accused of playing a role in the illegal entry and residency of the plaintiffs in the country.
The singer, who is no stranger to controversies, has vehemently denied the accusations. This is not the first time he is arraigned before a court for such issues. He had once stood trial in Zambia and ended up being barred from entering the country for a while.
Koffi originally christened Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba Olomide, is a household name among the Francophone countries of West and Central Africa. His prosecutors are seeking a seven-year jail term which could be disastrous for the iconic singer.