Dieudonné Kabongo (1950 – October 11, 2011) was a Congolese-born Belgian comedian, humorist, musician, and actor. Kabongo co-starred in the 2000 film, Lumumba, portraying Godefroid Munongo. [1] He was the first comedian of African descent to achieve widespread popularity in Belgium. [2] [3]
Kabongo was born in 1950 in Katanga, Belgian Congo, which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. [1] He immigrated to Belgium in 1970. [2] He originally studied electromechanical engineering in Virton, Belgium, before embarking on a self-apprenticeship in theater and writing. [3]
In 1984, Kabongo and fellow actor Mirko Popovitch jointly won the First Prize at the Festival International du Rire de Rochefort. [1] [2] His film credits included Identity Pieces in 1998, the 2000 film Lumumba, directed by Raoul Peck, and the 2005 film, Le Couperet, directed by Costa-Gavras. [1] [2] He was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the Africa Filmfestival in 2010. [2] For his role in The Invader, he received a Magritte Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Kabongo collapsed and died during a performance on stage at a cultural center in Jette, a district of Brussels, on October 11, 2011, at the age of 61. [1]