Congolese music is one of the most influential music forms of the African continent. Since the 1930s, Congolese musicians have had a huge impact on the African musical scene and elsewhere. Many contemporary genres of music, such as Kenyan Benga and Colombian Champeta, have been heavily influenced by Congolese music. In 2021, Congolese rumba joined other living traditions such as Jamaican reggae music and Cuban rumba on UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list.
Zaïko Langa Langa is a Congolese soukous band formed in Kinshasa, in 1969. It was established by D.V. Moanda, Henri Mongombe, Marcellin Delo and André Bita, the band evolved from the Orchestre Bel Guide National, which is seen as Zaïko's predecessor. Co-founders included Papa Wemba, Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Manuaku Waku.
Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, known professionally as Koffi Olomidé, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, producer, and founder of Quartier Latin International. Often referred to as the "King of Ndombolo", he is noted for his explosive high notes, deep baritone, and offbeat voice. Agbepa is considered one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Congolese and African popular music. His lyrics often explore themes of love, politics, technology, success, infidelity, religion, chicanery, and disillusionment. Through his music and stage performances, he introduced the slower style of soukous known as Tcha Tcho and popularized a flamboyant fashion subculture called La Sape, alongside Papa Wemba.
Congolese rumba, also known as African rumba, is a dance music genre originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. With its rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, Congolese rumba has gained global recognition and remains an integral part of African music heritage. In December 2021, it was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Dindo Yogo, real name Théodore Dindo Mabeli, was a Congolese singer and musician. He was also called La Voix Cassée.
Barbara Kanam Mutund, known professionally as Barbara Kanam, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, music producer, actress, philanthropist, and currently serves as the Director General of the Cultural Promotion Fund of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She gained fame after being discovered by Alpha Blondy and producer Dodo Kone, who helped her release her debut studio album Mokili in 1999. The album's gospel-influenced lead single "Mokili Ekoleka" earned her a television appearance at the Koras Awards. Teti, her second studio album, released in 2003, won her Most Promising African Female Artist at the 2003 Kora Award. Teti won her many accolades, including two consecutive Best Female of Central Africa for Kunde d'Or and Tamani d'O in 2004, two consecutive Black Music Awards for Best Female and Best Video for "Bibi Madeleine" in 2005.
Jossart N'Yoka Longo is a Congolese singer, songwriter and producer. After starting his career within Bel Guide National in 1967, he became the third member, after Papa Wemba and Félix Manuaku Waku, of the legendary group Zaïko Langa Langa, of which he later established himself as the main leader.
Elisabeth Finant, cognomenously known as Abeti Fina‐Masikini or simply Abeti Masikini, was a Congolese singer, composer, bandleader, and philanthropist. With a nearly three-decades-long career, she was a significant figure in 20th-century Congolese and African popular music. Often referred to as the "Queen of Soukous", she is noted for advocating gender equality, modernizing Congolese music, and inspiring successive generations of musicians. Her band, Les Redoutables, was a launching pad for numerous female artists.
Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou is an artist from the Republic of the Congo. Working in oil painting and sculpture, she has exhibited around the world. She works from Brussels and Brazzaville. In 2012 she won the Grand Prix of Arts and Letter of the President of the Republic and the next year was appointed an officer in the Ordre du Dévouement Congolais.
Jonathan Mboyo Esole is an associate professor of mathematics at Northeastern University. He works on the geometry of string theory.
Arsène Zola Kiaku is a Congolese professional footballer who plays for Wydad AC as a left back.
Laurette Ngoma Laperle, known professionally as Laurette la Perle is a Congolese singer songwriter, model and business woman from Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dena Mwana is a gospel singer and composer originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Pamela Badjogo is an Afro-Jazz musician from Gabon and a former member of Les Amazones d'Afrique.
Céline Banza is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She is the winner of the 2019 RFI Discoveries Music Award.
Guy Loando Mboyo is a lawyer, Congolese politician and a member of the Senate of Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2019 who was appointed Minister of State in charge of Regional Planning since April 2021. He is the founder of the Widal Foundation in September 2018.
Wenge Musica were a Congolese soukous band. It was formed by Didier Masela in July 1981 and directed by JB Mpiana from 1986 to the breakup of the group in 1997. The band is considered one of the most dominant on the Congolese scene.
Defao was a Congolese singer-songwriter. He was a member of the prominent soukous groups Grand Zaiko Wawa and Choc Stars.
NonoMonzuluku was a Congolese composer and musician. He made significant contributions to Congolese music, particularly through his role as an animateur (atalaku) in the influential band Zaïko Langa Langa.
