Papa Wemba was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in Kazai, in the former Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From humble village beginnings in…
Artist Profiles: Papa Wemba
Tag: Congolese music
Artist Profiles: African Fiesta
African Fiesta was a Congolese soukous group started by Tabu Ley Rochereau and Dr. Nico in 1963. Tabu Ley left the group in 1965 to…
Artist Profiles: Affro-Muzika
Affro-Muzika played soukous music. Led by Congolese singer-dancer-composer Shimita El Diego and fiery electric guitarist Nene Tchakou, the group included a dance crowd-friendly rhythm section…
Artist Profiles: Abby Surya Djai
Abby Surya, from Kinshasa (D. R. Congo) started her career in 1984, alongside the well known Congolese female singer Abeti Masikini. The Redoutable, name of…
Bel, Bel…
M’Bilia Bel – Belissimo (Sterns AfricaTCD1098, 2004) M’Bilia first came to prominence in the 1970s as vocal sidekick and wife of the top Zairian [Congolese]…