Johnny Kwango

John Lagey (20 April 1920 – 19 January 1994), better known by his ring name Johnny Kwango, was an English professional wrestler.

Early life

Lagey was a ballet dancer in The Ballet Negres, the first all-black dance company in Europe. His mother was a strongwoman in a German circus, and may have been possibly Europe's first female professional wrestler.

Professional wrestling career

Kwango wrestled from the late 1940s to the 1980s, and was famous for his head-butt moves. He achieved fame in Britain through televised matches on ITV, but also enjoyed popularity in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Personal life

Lagey was an accomplished drummer and pianist, playing in various nightclubs in London with his brother, Cyril, who was a musician with the comedy orchestra known as Sid Millward & His Nitwits. Lagey's older brother, Butcher Johnson, was also a wrestler. Lagey's hobbies included photography, cars, amateur radio, and collecting jazz records. He lived in Peckham and died of cancer at the age of 74. He was survived by his six children.