The Partner Newspaper

Fr. Manu Tsasa Phambu, formally known as Emmanuel Tsasa Phambu, was a Catholic priest and missionary of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), widely celebrated across Africa for his outstanding contribution to liturgical music and pastoral ministry.

He was born on 21^st August 1939 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From an early age, he showed a deep love for God expressed through music and singing. As a young boy, he served as a church cantor, where his exceptional musical sensitivity and faith-filled voice began to shape his vocation.

Responding to God’s call to priesthood and mission, he joined the CICM Missionaries and underwent priestly formation in the seminary, where his musical gifts were further developed through formal training in choir direction, solfège, and liturgical music. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 7^th August, 1966, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to evangelization through word, sacrament, and song.

Fr. Tsasa began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Mbuji-Mayi in the Congo, where he served in pastoral and liturgical roles. His deep understanding of African culture and rhythm enabled him to compose music that resonated with the lived faith of the people. Over time, his missionary journey took him beyond Congo to other parts of Africa, most notably Nigeria, where he spent many years serving the Church.

In Nigeria, he worked in Ijebu-Ode Diocese. He worked in Ogbere and Iwopin, composed many liturgical hymns especially the Yoruba Marian hymns, formed the Ave Maria Diocesan Choir of Ijebu-Ode Diocese and for many years was the Chairman of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, making the sacred liturgy accessible and deeply meaningful to local communities. His music, rooted in Catholic theology and African musical heritage, spread widely and is still sung in parishes, seminaries, schools, and religious gatherings across the continent.

Over the course of his life, Fr. Manu Tsasa composed more than 500 liturgical songs, making him one of Africa’s most prolific Catholic composers. His works cover the Mass, Eucharistic adoration and Marian devotion.

In 2016, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood (50 years). To mark this milestone, he published a reflective work titled Eucharistie, don de Dieu et Magnificat pour l’Église, which combines theological reflection with his musical spirituality. He also released collections and recordings of his hymns, including Chante ta foi, Africa.

In his later years, Fr. Tsasa lost his sight completely, yet this physical limitation did not diminish his creative spirit or missionary zeal. Even in blindness, he continued to compose new hymns by dictation and worked closely with choir directors, particularly in Kinshasa, ensuring that his musical legacy continued to serve the Church.

Fr. Manu Tsasa Phambu, CICM, died this morning 23^rd December 2025 and is remembered and celebrated as a priest, missionary, composer, and servant of God, whose life bears witness to the power of faith expressed through music. His songs remain a living heritage, echoing across Africa and beyond, drawing countless worshippers into deeper communion with God.