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 […]
Guitar Maestro of the Congo: The Legacy of Henri Bowane in Rumba
The Birth of a Congolese Legend Henri Bowane, born in 1926 in the Belgian Congo, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Congolese Rumba. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Bowane was not just a musician but a pioneer who helped shape the sound that would come to define an entire genre. His influence […]
Mose Fan Fan: Congolese Soukous Pioneer
Mose Se Sengo, widely known as Mose Fan Fan, was a Congolese guitarist, composer, and bandleader who left an indelible mark on the African music scene. Born in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1945, his musical journey spanned over five decades, contributing significantly to the evolution of Congolese Rumba and Soukous. From his early days in […]
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 […]
Roga Roga: A Musical Powerhouse from Congo
Early Life and Musical Beginnings Roga Roga, born Ibambi Okombi Rogatien on August 31, 1974, in Owando, Republic of the Congo, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in Congolese music. His early exposure to music began in a Catholic choir, where he developed a passion for singing and playing the guitar. This […]
AFS253onMWR: The Afro-Fusion Show
🎧 Welcome to the Afro-Fusion Show: Madilu System Tribute Pt II. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythms of Congolese Rumba as we pay tribute to one of its gentle giants—MadiluSystem. The Afro-Fusion Show, hosted by the one and only Deejay Brendan, also known as “The RumbaNChill maestro,” is here to take you […]
Serge Muloso: Unveiling the Congolese Gem
The Birth of a Rumba Royal Born in 1977 in Kinshasa, the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Serge Muloso Matendele grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of Congolese rumba. From an early age, it was clear that Muloso was destined for greatness within this genre, and by 1993, at just 16 years […]