The large family of "Affaire Conclue" is engulfed in grief following the loss of Glorian Kabongo, one of the show's prominent buyers. Kabongo passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 57, as confirmed by Warner Bros International Television Production France, which produces the auction program aired on France 2.
Kabongo, who first joined "Affaire Conclue" in January 2021, was loved for his expertise as an antique dealer specializing in 19th-century art. He was part of the show's signature ensemble where his knowledge and passion for antiques shone brightly. Julia Vignali, the show's host, took to Instagram to honor his legacy, saying, "Adieu Glorian… Your smile and kindness will be missed by us all… The great family of 'Affaire Conclue' has lost a dear one…".
The cause of Kabongo's death has not been disclosed; nevertheless, his passing has deeply affected his colleagues and fans. A statement from the production team emphasized, "His knowledge, desire to share, enthusiasm, and warm temperament will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones." The news has left the vibrant community surrounding "Affaire Conclue" mourning the loss of one of its cherished members.
Renowned for his engaging presence and sharp eye for antiques, Kabongo's roots trace back to his family, who have been involved in the antique business for generations. On his website, he narrated the story of how his family legacy began: "It all started in 1926 with our great-grandparents, who, with their hand cart, bought 'a bit of everything' to sell in their antique shop located at the heart of Brussels." His family continued this tradition, passing down their love for antiques through the generations, which Kabongo proudly embraced.
Family was central to Kabongo's life. He was married to his wife, Angélique, for nearly 30 years and was the devoted father of two daughters, Alice and Emilie. Both daughters have found their paths, with Alice working for the foreign affairs ministry and Emilie pursuing her master’s degree in social sciences. Despite their different careers, Kabongo had instilled his love for art within them, showing them pieces from his collections and sharing stories about his passion for antiques.
Throughout his tenure on "Affaire Conclue", Kabongo gained recognition for his willingness to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the art world. His affable nature and deep passion for antiquities centered around the show's mission to bring history to life through unique artifacts. His absence creates a void not only for the production team but also for viewers who admired his contributions to the program.
Reflecting on Kabongo's impact, the production team stated, "All our thoughts go to his family and loved ones," reiterfully emphasizing the community spirit and bonds formed within the show. It’s evident from the heartfelt tributes shared across social media and news outlets how much he will be missed. Kabongo's legacy lies not only within the antiques he cherished but also within the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
While the show continues, the reminder of Kabongo's presence will linger on set, where his spirit will undoubtedly influence new segments and inspire future generations of antique enthusiasts who aspire to carry on the tradition of discovery and appreciation of the past. His story, intertwined with his family's rich heritage, serves as both inspiration and reminder of the joy found in the art of collecting.