Kékélé: Reviving the Golden Era of Congolese Rumba
Origins of Kékélé Formed in 2000, Kékélé is a Congolese supergroup whose name is derived from a fibrous tree-climbing vine found in the Congo river basin. The band’s creation was a collaborative effort to revive and preserve the rich tradition of Congolese rumba, a genre that swept across Africa in the 1950s and 1960s. Kékélé’s […]
Ngouma Lokito: A Master of the Bass
Ngouma Lokito, born Shungu Omba in Lumumbashi, Congo (DRC), is a name synonymous with power and mastery over the bass guitar. His journey through Congolese Music began in 1977, playing with a local group called “Ndjili.” Over the years, he evolved into one of the most recognized bassists in African Music, earning the nickname “Ngouma […]
Les Wanyika: A Band Rooted in East African Musical Legacy
Formation and Early Beginnings Les Wanyika was formed in November 1978, emerging as one of the most iconic bands to shape the East Music scene scene. Initially composed of Tanzanian and Kenyan Musicians, Les Wanyika developed from the renowned Simba Wanyika band, which had been established by the Kinyonga brothers, George and Wilson, in 1971. […]
Michel Boyibanda: The Soukous Maestro from TPOK Jazz
In the vibrant world of Congolese music, few names resonate as deeply as Michel Boyibanda. A distinguished Soukous recording artist, composer, and vocalist, Boyibanda left an indelible mark on the music scene of the Republic of the Congo. His legacy is intricately woven into the rich tapestry of TPOK Jazz, a legendary Congolese Rumba band […]
Innoss’B: The AfroCongo Sensation Leading a New Wave of Congolese Music
Introduction to Innoss’B: The Jeune Leader Innocent Didace Balume, better known as Innoss’B, is a dynamic Congolese artist whose multifaceted career has reshaped the landscape of African Music. Born on May 5, 1997, in Goma, North Kivu Province, Innoss’B’s contributions as a singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and philanthropist have earned him accolades on the global […]
Remembering Empompo Loway: The Soulful Saxophonist of Congolese Soukous
In the vibrant tapestry of Congolese music, few names shine as brightly as Empompo “Deyesse” Loway. A masterful saxophonist, composer, and pivotal figure in the iconic Soukous band TPOK Jazz, Loway’s legacy continues to echo through the rhythms of Congo and beyond. His journey from Kinshasa to the international stage was marked by groundbreaking compositions […]
Barbara Kanam: The African Diva Who Defined Congolese Music
Introduction to Barbara Kanam Barbara Kanam Mutund, better known by her stage name Barbara Kanam, is one of the most celebrated figures in Congolese music. Born on September 27, 1973, in Bukavu, Zaïre (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Kanam is a multifaceted artist—singer-songwriter, music producer, actress, and philanthropist. She has earned a reputation […]
Extra Musica: Pioneers of Ndombolo and Congolese Rumba
Origins and Formation in Brazzaville Extra Musica was founded in the vibrant Ouenzé district of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, in August 1993. This groundbreaking band was established by Roga Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba, Guy-Guy Fall, Ramatoulaye Ngolali, and Quentin Moyascko, most of whom were childhood friends, classmates, and neighbors. Prior to […]
Rhythms of Mav Cacharel: A Journey through Congolese Soukous
Early Beginnings in Brazzaville Mav Cacharel, born Hilaire Youla on January 14, 1957, in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age. Starting with his first group, Les Ombres, at just 13 years old, Mav’s early performances in Brazzaville laid the groundwork for his future in music. These formative […]
Women in Congolese Music: A Spotlight on Female Pioneers
The Underrated Role of Women in Congolese Music While many of the most celebrated names in Congolese music are male—such as Franco Luambo Makiadi and Papa Wemba—women have played an equally vital role in shaping the genre’s history. From vocalists to composers, they have contributed to the richness and diversity of Congolese music, often bringing […]