Jean Victor Biyevanga Lengiemi, known as “Ya Bijou”, was an exceptional television man and host in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His disappearance on January 14 in Kinshasa left a void in the Congolese audiovisual landscape. This talented journalist marked the 80s with his charismatic presence and his emblematic broadcasts.
Recruited in the 1970s to national television, Ya Bijou distinguished himself as presenter of several famous shows, such as “Top Chrono”, “Télé Vacances” and “Super Banco”. He also contributed to the promotion of youth orchestras, notably by highlighting the famous group Wenge Musica 4X4 Tout Terrain.
But it was with the show “Génies en Herbe” that Ya Bijou made its mark. This general knowledge quiz game was a resounding success and infected several generations of students in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the leadership of Ya Bijou, many college students competed with passion and speed to win the title of best budding genius.
Beyond his talent as a host, Ya Bijou was a cultured man who knew how to transmit his passion for knowledge through his broadcasts. He also participated in international events, such as the Francophonie Summit, where he accompanied young Congolese students to represent their country in the Génies en Herbe game against other French-speaking countries.
Ya Bijou’s legacy is not limited to her work in television. Many Congolese personalities cut their teeth on the program Génies en Herbe, testifying to the lasting impact it had on Congolese youth and on the country’s intellectual scene.
The disappearance of Ya Bijou is an immense loss for Congolese television, but his legacy will live on through all those he inspired and all those who were lucky enough to participate in his cult show. His professionalism, charisma and passion will be remembered, and his name will continue to be synonymous with talent and excellence in the field of television animation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.