Jean Bosco Mwenda (1930–1990), also known as Mwenda wa Bayeke, was a pioneer of African fingerstyle acoustic guitar whose distinct playing style left a lasting mark on Central and East African music. Born in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, he broke out in 1952 with his song "Masanga." The track showcased a clever two-finger picking technique adapted from the likembe (thumb piano), allowing him to play the bassline, rhythm, and melody all at once on a single guitar. Through his recordings and live shows across the Congo, Zambia, and Kenya in the 1950s and '60s, he helped shape early Congolese Rhumba, Benga, and the classic Zilizopendwa acoustic sound.