Congolese artist Kizaba is a a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and 2024–2025 Révélation Radio-Canada artist. His afro-futuristic music is grounded in Afro-Congolese traditions yet propelled by electronic experimentation. Indeed, Kizaba’s sound is a dynamic fusion of heritage and forward-thinking innovation.
Since the release of his debut album Kizavibe (Disques Nuits d’Afrique, 2022), Kizaba has earned critical recognition, including a nomination at the JUNO Awards (Canada’s top music awards), where his distinct approach to Afro-electro earned praise in several world music categories. Performing as a one-man band, he intertwines traditional rhythms with groundbreaking production.
Importantly, Kizaba performs in multiple languages, including English, French, Kikongo, and Lingala, reflecting both his Congolese upbringing and his global perspective. His live performances, often described as immersive and ecstatic, inhabit a liminal space between Kinshasa’s vibrancy and the cosmopolitan energy of Montreal’s Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
Released on April 11, 2025 (Disques Nuits d’Afrique / Believe), his second album Future Village continues this trajectory. Blending traditional forms with electronic textures, the album reimagines cultural transmission in an era where technology and ancestry converge. Recorded between Kinshasa and Montreal, it features arrangements by Eli Levinson and mixing by Grammy-winning producer James Benjamin (Kaytranada). The result is a borderless musical landscape, innovative yet rooted, futuristic yet grounded.
Discography
- Kizavibe (Disques Nuits d’Afrique, 2022)
- Future Village (Disques Nuits d’Afrique / Believe, 2025)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.