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{{short description|Congolese soukous musician (born 1962)}}
{{short description|Congolese soukous musician (born 1962)}}
{{update|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Awilo Longomba
| name = Awilo Longomba
| image =
| image =
| image_upright =
| image_upright =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
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| caption =
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| birth_name =
| birth_name = Louis Albert William Longomba
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|05|05|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|05|05|df=y}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| origin = Democratic Republic of the Congo
| origin = [[Kinshasa]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
| occupation = Singer, drummer
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Singer
⚫
| genre = Soukous, Techno-soukous
* dancer
⚫
| associated_acts = [[Viva la Musica]]
* composer
⚫
| website = https://awilolongomba.skyrock.com
* songwriter
* record producer
* drummer
* media personality
}}
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| genre = [[Soukous|Techno-soukous]]
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| associated_acts = [[Viva la Musica]]
⚫
| website = https://awilolongomba.skyrock.com
}}
}}
'''Awilo Longomba''' is a [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] [[soukous]] musician.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awilo Longomba Biography {{!}} Pan African Allstars |url=https://panafricanallstars.com/awilo-longomba-biography/ |access-date=2022-04-09 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=ProfileAbility – Awilo Longomba |url=https://profileability.com/awilo-longomba/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=ProfileAbility |language=en-GB}}</ref> At first a drummer in [[Viva la Musica]],<ref name="Rumba">{{cite book |last=Stewart |first=Gary |date=2000 |title=Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos |url=https://archive.org/details/rumbaonriverhist00stew/page/332/mode/2up?q=awilo |publisher=Verso |page=333 |isbn=1-85984-744-7}}</ref> Stukas, Nouvelle Generation and [[Loketo]], he left drumming for singing and released his first album ''Moto Pamba'' with help from Shimita, Ballou Canta, [[Dindo Yogo]], Dally Kimoko, [[Sam Mangwana]], [[Syran Mbenza]] and [[Rigo Star]] in 1995. Awilo has performed live concerts in [[Africa]], [[Europe]], and [[North America]],<ref name="Toronto">{{cite news |last=Kaggwa |first=Andrew |date=9 September 2015 |title=Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo win big |url=https://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/39769-bebe-cool-eddy-kenzo-win-big |work=The Observer |access-date=7 October 2020 }}</ref> after first moving to France in the 1980s,<ref name="Paris">{{cite book |last=Winders |first=James A. |date=2006 |title=Paris Africain: Rhythms of the African Diaspora |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iqoYDAAAQBAJ&q=%22first+came+to+France+in+1986+as+drummer%22&pg=PA93 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |page=93 |isbn=1403960046}}</ref>


'''Louis Albert William Longomba'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ipan |first=Bienvenu |date=2022-08-16 |title=Musique : Awilo Longomba à Kinshasa fin août pour fêter ses 30 ans de carrière |url=https://lepotentiel.cd/2022/08/16/musique-awilo-longomba-a-kinshasa-fin-aout-pour-feter-ses-30-ans-de-carriere/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Le Potentiel |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngono |first=Danielle |date=2022-07-16 |title=Un jour une chanson : « Gâte le coin » - Awilo Longomba |url=https://www.culturebene.com/72697-un-jour-une-chanson-gate-le-coin-awilo-longomba.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Culturebene |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kauta |first=Adjuvant Kribios |date=Jan 31, 2023 |title=Que veut dire réellement Awilo? |trans-title=What does Awilo actually mean? |url=http://kribiosuniversal.com/post/que-veut-dire-reellement-awilo- |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Kribios Universal |language=French}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=2019-04-05 |title=Awilo: I’m still packed for hard shots |url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/201904/features/im-still-packed-for-hard-shots-awilo.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Sqoop.co.ug |language=en-US}}</ref> (born May 5, 1962), known professionally as '''Awilo Longomba''', is a [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] [[soukous]] singer, composer, drummer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Awilo Longomba Biography |url=https://panafricanallstars.com/awilo-longomba-biography/ |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Panafricanallstars.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2014-06-04 |title=Awilo Longomba |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/node/6125 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=ProfileAbility – Awilo Longomba |url=https://profileability.com/awilo-longomba/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=ProfileAbility |language=en-GB}}</ref> The second child of [[Vicky Longomba]] and maternal uncle of [[French people|French]] player [[Claude Makélélé]], Awilo is known for his avant-garde performances and his high-energy dance moves and infectious beats.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s2QvAQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=awilo+longomba+dance&q=awilo+longomba+dance&hl=en |title=Parade and Foto-action |publisher=Thomson Publications (Zimbabwe) (Pvt.) Limited |year=1997 |location=Harare, Zimbabwe |pages=47 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Njogu |first=Kimani |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Getting_Heard_Re_claiming_Performance_Sp/hvtWEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=awilo+longomba+dance&pg=PA169&printsec=frontcover |title=Getting Heard: [Re]claiming Performance Space in Kenya: [Re]claiming Performance Space in Kenya |date=2008-01-15 |publisher=African Books Collective |isbn=978-9966-028-09-9 |location=Oxford, United Kingdom |pages=169 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Trapido |first=Joe |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Breaking_Rocks/it-lDAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=awilo+longomba+soukous&pg=PA86&printsec=frontcover |title=Breaking Rocks: Music, Ideology and Economic Collapse, from Paris to Kinshasa |date=2016-12-01 |publisher=Berghahn Books |isbn=978-1-78533-399-6 |location=New York City, New York State, United States |pages=86 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/World_Press_Review/Sji6AAAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0&bsq=awilo%20longomba%20dance |title=World Press Review |publisher=Stanley Center for Peace and Security |year=2001 |location=Muscatine, Iowa, United States |language=en}}</ref>
Awilo's father [[Vicky Longomba]]<ref name="Rumba"/> was a founding member of [[Tout puissant OK Jazz]], a Congolese [[African Rumba|rumba]] group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/franco/en_US |title=Franco |work=National Geographic World Music |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103082046/http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/franco/en_US |archive-date=3 January 2011}}</ref>


With a nearly three-decades-long career, Awilo is revered as a Congolese and global [[Music of Africa|African music]] icon. His musical style, distinct and divergent from the oeuvre of his paternal predecessor, is characterized by a [[Harmonic|harmonic confluence]] of [[guitar]] [[Melody|melodies]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Perullo |first=Alex |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Live_from_Dar_Es_Salaam/DrNTRMJsjWAC?hl=en&gbpv=1 |title=Live from Dar Es Salaam: Popular Music and Tanzania's Music Economy |date=2011-10-27 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-22292-3 |location=Bloomington, Indiana, United States |pages=212 |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
== Famous songs ==
⚫
'''Karolina'''


He rose to prominence in 1995 with the release of his debut solo album, ''Moto Pamba'', which catapulted him to stardom in [[Africa]] and [[Europe]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hK84AQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=awilo+longomba+Moto+Pamba&q=awilo+longomba+Moto+Pamba&hl=en |title=Rhythm Music Magazine: RMM |publisher=K.F. Russell |year=1997 |location=Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |pages=33 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lavaine |first=Bertrand |date=2009-12-24 |title=Awilo, l’héritage Longomba |url=https://musique.rfi.fr/musique/20091224-awilo-lheritage-longomba |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=RFI Musique |language=fr}}</ref> He was later crowned "Best Male Artist in Central Africa" in 1996 at the [[Kora Awards]] in [[Sun City (South Africa)|Sun City]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2014-06-04 |title=Awilo Longomba |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/node/6125 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}}</ref> His hit single "Coupé Bibamba," released in 1998, dominated African, European and American charts for several weeks and is venerable as one of the most ubiquitously serenaded [[Lingala]] compositions across Africa.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Katungulu |first=Amon |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Legendary Congolese musician Awilo Longomba to jet into Uganda today |work=Nilepost.co.ug |url=https://nilepost.co.ug/2019/04/03/legendary-congolese-musician-awilo-longomba-to-jet-into-uganda-today/ |access-date=2023-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Entsie |first=Berlinda |date=2017-07-24 |title=These classic songs tell the African story better than most |url=https://www.pulse.ng/bi/lifestyle/lifestyle-these-classic-songs-tell-the-african-story-better-than-most/zsqkyh7 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-03-14 |title=Top 10 Best African Songs of All Time |url=https://punchng.com/top-10-best-african-songs-of-all-time/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngugi |first=Fredrick |date=2016-09-23 |title=Top 10 African Songs of All Time |url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/top-african-songs |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Face2Face Africa |language=en}}</ref> He bacame the first artist to fill the [[National Stadium, Lagos|Lagos Stadium]] with 120,000 attendees for three consecutive days.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2006 |title=Archive: Qui est Awilo Longomba? |url=https://www.nation.sc/archive/213812/qui-est-awilo-longomba- |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=www.nation.sc |language=French}}</ref> His song was later included in the "World Tribute to the Funk" compilation by [[Sony Music]], featuring a new [[funk]] remix version with [[James D-Train Williams]], which metamorphosed into a summer hit and was transmuted into [[Languages of Nigeria|local languages]] by home-grown artists in [[Nigeria]] and performed in churches.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2004-07-29 |title=Awilo Longomba : « La musique africaine est la musique du futur » |url=https://www.afrik.com/awilo-longomba-la-musique-africaine-est-la-musique-du-futur |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Afrik.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref> The song was also popular in [[Tanzania]], [[Uganda]], [[Kenya]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Cameroon]], and [[Malawi]] and had a significant impact on local culture.<ref name=":6" />
⚫
'''Coupe Bibamba'''


Awilo is the first Congolese artist to have performed in [[São Tomé and Príncipe]], as well as the only [[Sub-Saharan Africa|Sub-Saharan African]], along with [[Miriam Makeba]], to have performed in [[Libya]].<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nze |first=Victor |date=May 21, 2007 |title=Nigeria: Awilo Longomba - Most Affective Congolese Artiste |work=AllAfrica |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200705211379.html |access-date=2023-09-10}}</ref> His album, "Kafou Kafou," released in July 2000, won the Judges' Special Awards at the Kora Awards in 2001 for his contribution to [[Music of Africa|African music]].<ref name=":4" /> Parenthetically, he is one of Africa and Europe's "most wanted"<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Awilo Longomba Concert Tickets And Tour Dates |url=https://platinumlist.net/artist/item/658 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=platinumlist.net |language=en}}</ref> Congolese artists. He has toured extensively throughout Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Zambia, Gabon, and Mali, among others. He has also performed in Europe, notably in Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, France, the UK, and Germany, as well as in the United States.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name="Toronto">{{cite news |last=Kaggwa |first=Andrew |date=9 September 2015 |title=Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo win big |url=https://www.observer.ug/lifestyle/42-entertainment/39769-bebe-cool-eddy-kenzo-win-big |work=The Observer |access-date=7 October 2020 }}</ref>
⚫
'''Rosalina (Karolina Remix)'''


== Early life and career ==
⚫
'''Mondongo'''
Awilo Longomba was born on May 5, 1962, in [[Kinshasa]] (formerly [[Kinshasa|Léopoldville]]) to a [[Mongo people|Mongo]] father and a [[Ngombe language|Ngombe]] mother from [[Province of Équateur|Équateur Province]].<ref name=":1" /> His father, [[Vicky Longomba]], was the renowned [[lead vocalist]] and founder of [[TPOK Jazz|Tout Puissant OK Jazz]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pgQ5AQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=Awilo+Longomba+dad's+Vicky+Longomba&q=Awilo+Longomba+dad's+Vicky+Longomba&hl=en |title=The Beat |publisher=Bongo Productions |year=1998 |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada |pages=51 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Winders |first=J. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Paris_Africain/iqoYDAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Awilo+Longomba+dad%27s+Vicky+Longomba&pg=PA93&printsec=frontcover |title=Paris Africain: Rhythms of the African Diaspora |date=2007-06-05 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-0-230-60207-6 |location=Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York State, United States |pages=93 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Awilo Longomba biography |url=https://www.last.fm/music/Awilo+Longomba/+wiki |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Last.fm |language=en}}</ref> As a child, Awilo spent every moment around music, regularly attending his father's rehearsals. His father, influenced by his perception of contemporary musicians as dissolute figures, often clothed himself in sartorial splendor and emphatically discouraged his son from pursuing a career in music.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2022 |title=Tribute to Congolese Music Legend Awilo Longomba |url=https://ke.opera.news/ke/en/entertainment/0f09a245e9268fdb4e95a54cfa3180e4 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=ke.opera.news}}</ref> Awilo's passion for music burgeoned exponentially, leading him to veer from formal pedagogy and become a [[drummer]] for various musical groups in Kinshasa, including "Orchestre de Lita Bembo." He later joined [[Viva La Musica]], led by [[Papa Wemba]] as a drummer, and toured with [[Africa|Afro]]-[[zouk]] crooner [[Oliver N'Goma|Olivier N'Goma]] in 1985 and 1986. His father's attitude softened after his return from the Euro-Asian tours.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":3" />

As the fever he caught during his tour deteriorated, he relocated to [[France]], where his reputation as an exceptional drummer within the group gained momentum. He collaborated on numerous records in France and toured globally with renowned African artists such as [[Tshala Muana]], Oliver N'Goma, and [[Kanda Bongo Man]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Tshimbalanga |first=Jean Louis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vVBqEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA474&dq=Awilo+Longomba+Tshala+muana&hl=en |title=La vérité de la vérité des urnes de 2018 en RDC - Volume 1: De l'indépendance du Congo en 1960, jusqu'à l'élection présidentielle de 2011 |date=2022-04-12 |publisher=Publishroom |isbn=978-2-38454-098-3 |location=Orthez, France |language=fr}}</ref> In 1992, he departed from "Viva La Musica" and formed his musical ensemble, "La Nouvelle Génération," alongside members Luciana Demingongo, Lidjo Kwempa, Fataki Ndoko José, and Fafa de Molokaï, of which he became the leader. The newly established band rapidly gained popularity within the precincts of Europe and produced several albums.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pgQ5AQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=Awilo+Longomba+1992+%22Viva+La+Musica%22&q=Awilo+Longomba+1992+%22Viva+La+Musica%22&hl=en |title=The Beat |publisher=Bongo Productions |year=1998 |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada |pages=50–51 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Africa_international/p5SNAAAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=awilo+longomba+La+Nouvelle+G%C3%A9n%C3%A9ration&dq=awilo+longomba+La+Nouvelle+G%C3%A9n%C3%A9ration&printsec=frontcover |title=Africa international |publisher=Africa S.A. |year=2000 |location=South Africa |language=fr}}</ref>

=== 1995–1998: ''Moto Pamba'' ===
In 1995, his career took off, and he left "La Nouvelle Génération." He released his first solo album, ''Moto Pamba'', for which he served as the composer, lead singer, and drummer with help from Shimita, Ballou Canta, [[Dindo Yogo]], Dally Kimoko, [[Sam Mangwana]], [[Syran Mbenza]] and [[Rigo Star]]. The album achieved great success and marked his rise to international stardom, with tours in [[East Africa]] and Europe. In 1996, he participated in a festival held at [[Parc de la Villette]] and later won the "Best Artist of Central Africa" award at the Kora Awards. He achieved the same accolade again on October 1, 1997.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pgQ5AQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=awilo+longomba+Moto+Pamba+1995&q=awilo+longomba+Moto+Pamba+1995&hl=en |title=The Beat |publisher=Bongo Productions |year=1998 |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada |pages=51 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-10-01 |title=African healing |url=https://mg.co.za/article/1997-10-01-african-healing/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

=== 1998–2000: ''Coupé Bibamba'' ===
In 1998, he released the album ''Coupé Bibamba'', featuring hit songs like Gaté Le Coin, Mobimba Ya Mama, Coupé Bibamba, Manon, Porokondo, Sans Papier, J'en Ai Marre, Fifi, J'en Ai Marre, and Gâté Le Coin [Bonus Mix]. The album catapulted him to international stardom.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Citation |title=Awilo Longomba - Coupé Bibamba |date=1998 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/7252302-Awilo-Longomba-Coup%C3%A9-Bibamba |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref> The album's titular track, "Coupe Bibamba," featuring [[Jocelyne Béroard]], became a massive hit in Africa and Europe, as well as among diaspora communities worldwide, and remains a timeless classic in African music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taiwo |first=Jide |date=2017-02-09 |title=Throwback Thursday: When Awilo Longomba ruled Nigerian airwaves |url=https://thenet.ng/throwback-thursday-awilo-longomba-ruled-nigerian-airwaves/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Nigerian Entertainment Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Awilo's three consecutive sold-out shows at Lagos Stadium, each attended by 120,000 fans, solidified his superstar status across [[West Africa]].<ref name=":5" /> "''Coupé Bibamba''" is a Congolese phrase loosely translated to "waist movement." The song is an energetic celebration of [[African dance]] and [[Rhythm in Sub-Saharan Africa|rhythm]], blending traditional Congolese [[ndombolo]] dance music with modern elements. The song's music video featuring Awilo's electrifying choreographic prowess metamorphosed into a cultural phenomenon and introduced a new generation of music, leaving a massive impact on several African musicians.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4tUsAQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=Coup%C3%A9+Bibamba+ndombolo&q=Coup%C3%A9+Bibamba+ndombolo&hl=en |title=Afrique magazine |publisher=Jeune Afrique |year=2008 |location=Paris, France |pages=72 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ross |first=Harold Wallace |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sqEeAQAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=Coup%C3%A9+Bibamba+ndombolo&q=Coup%C3%A9+Bibamba+ndombolo&hl=en |title=The New Yorker, Volume 85, Issues 40-48 |last2=White |first2=Katharine Sergeant Angell |publisher=The New Yorker |year=December 2009 |location=New York City, New York State, United States |pages=61 |language=en}}</ref> The song was adapted into local languages by indigenous artists in Nigeria.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> The lyrical incantations, encapsulated by the refrain "''Comment t'appelle? Je m'appelle Coupe Coupe Bibamba''," have been embraced by non-French-speaking fans and given meanings in their native [[Yoruba language]], widely spoken in the [[South West (Nigeria)|Southwestern]] and [[Middle Belt|Central]] Nigeria, and the [[Pidgin|Pidgin English]] spoken generally in Nigeria and West Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Azizi |date=2023-04-02 |title=pancocojams: Awilo Longomba featuring Jocelyne Béroard - "Coupé Bibamba" (1998 Congolese mega-hit record video, information, & comments)) |url=http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2023/04/awilo-longomba-featuring-jocelyne.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Pancocojams}}</ref>

The track "Manon" is dedicated to his daughter of the same name, while "Porokondo" emphasizes humility in both difficult and prosperous times.<ref name=":0" /> In the song, he included a ''mabanga'', a practice where musicians "shout out" an individual's name during a song for a fee, directed at Robert Ogwal, also known as Rasta Rob, one of the most popular radio presenters in the [[African Great Lakes|African Great Lakes Region]] at the time.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vogel |first=Christoph |date=2013-08-23 |title=Say my name: How 'shout-outs' keep Congolese musicians in the money |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/23/congo-musicians-kinshasa-rumba |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2000–2017: ''Kafou Kafou'', ''Mondongo'' and '''''Superman''''' ===
In July 2000, Awilo released his third album, ''Kafou Kafou'', which earned him the Jury Special Award at the Kora Awards in 2001.<ref name=":4" />

In June 2003, [[Sony Music]] requested a funk remix of his hit "Coupé Bibamba" with [[James D-Train Williams]], which gained popularity in France and the US. It was also featured in the "African Dance Floor" compilation, and Awilo later performed at [[Zénith Paris]] in Paris alongside notable American artists, including [[Jocelyn Brown|Jocelyn Lorette Brown]], [[Oliver Cheatham]], [[Secret Weapon (group)|Jerome Prister]], [https://www.last.fm/music/Imagination Imagination] and [[Anita Ward]], who were part of the compilation.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation |title=Dance Floor |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdG0zFJD_Xo |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Comment tu t'appelles (Version 2003) |date=2021-10-15 |url=https://play.anghami.com/song/1031595555 |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Awilo Longomba Feat."DTrain" Williams - Comment Tu T'Appelles(World Tribute to the Funk Live 2003) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsRZ42NHMZU |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref>

Towards the end of the year, he unveiled his fourth album, ''Mondongo'', featuring hit singles like Karolina, Zumbeya, Mupenzi, Pinzoli, Gladys, Kayembe, Mondongo, Champion, Mia Muliere, and Dance Floor. The album blended [[Congolese rumba]], [[soukous]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]], and [[Compas|Kompa]] with the collaboration of other notable African artists, such as [[Lokua Kanza]], and gained popularity in several African countries.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-02-23 |title=6 Biggest Albums Released by Legend Awilo Longomba |url=https://flashugnews.com/6-biggest-albums-released-by-legend-awilo-longomba/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Flash Uganda Media |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Awilo Longomba - Mondongo |date=2003 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/2185048-Awilo-Longomba-Mondongo |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The track "Karolina," transcended the realm of a [[love song]], becoming a staple at hall parties and the most-played song at African gatherings. In the song, Awilo eloquently expresses his admiration for his muse, Karolina, declaring her pulchritude from every angle – from head to toe, front, and back.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahura |first=Shirley |date=2023-02-14 |title=Best African love songs: a Valentine's Day playlist |url=https://theface.com/music/best-african-love-songs-playlist-wizkid-tems-burna-boy-cassper-nyovest-olxade-romantic-songs |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=The Face |language=en-gb}}</ref>

In 2008, he released his fifth album, ''Superman'', which stands out as one of the most well-produced and recorded albums, featuring notable songs like Super Man, Torticolis, Les Jaloux, Malala, Maze, Meu Amor, Banana, La Go Là, Baby, J'Ai Envie de Toi, BK, and Banana (Remix). [[Barbara Kanam]] also made a guest appearance on the album.<ref name=":10" />

In 2014, Awilo collaborated with the [[Nigerians|Nigerian]] duo [[P-Square]] on the track "Enemy Solo." On January 23, 2017, he released a single titled "Rihanna" featuring Nigerian singer [[Yemi Alade]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Citation |title=Awilo Longomba - Rihanna (Official Video) ft. Yemi Alade |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By3R8PCQaPY |access-date=2023-09-11 |language=en}}</ref>

⚫
== Famous songs ==


⚫
* Karolina
⚫
'''Fidele'''
⚫
* Coupe Bibamba
⚫
* Rosalina (Karolina Remix)
⚫
* Mondongo
⚫
* Fidele


== Discography ==
== Discography ==

Revision as of 04:22, 11 September 2023

Awilo Longomba
Birth nameLouis Albert William Longomba
Born (1962-05-05) 5 May 1962 (age 62)
OriginKinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
GenresTechno-soukous
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • dancer
  • composer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • drummer
  • media personality
Websitehttps://awilolongomba.skyrock.com

Louis Albert William Longomba[1][2][3][4] (born May 5, 1962), known professionally as Awilo Longomba, is a Congolese soukous singer, composer, drummer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.[5][6][7] The second child of Vicky Longomba and maternal uncle of French player Claude Makélélé, Awilo is known for his avant-garde performances and his high-energy dance moves and infectious beats.[8][9][10][11]

With a nearly three-decades-long career, Awilo is revered as a Congolese and global African music icon. His musical style, distinct and divergent from the oeuvre of his paternal predecessor, is characterized by a harmonic confluence of guitar melodies.[12]

He rose to prominence in 1995 with the release of his debut solo album, Moto Pamba, which catapulted him to stardom in Africa and Europe.[13][14] He was later crowned "Best Male Artist in Central Africa" in 1996 at the Kora Awards in Sun City.[15] His hit single "Coupé Bibamba," released in 1998, dominated African, European and American charts for several weeks and is venerable as one of the most ubiquitously serenaded Lingala compositions across Africa.[16][17][18][19] He bacame the first artist to fill the Lagos Stadium with 120,000 attendees for three consecutive days.[20] His song was later included in the "World Tribute to the Funk" compilation by Sony Music, featuring a new funk remix version with James D-Train Williams, which metamorphosed into a summer hit and was transmuted into local languages by home-grown artists in Nigeria and performed in churches.[5][21] The song was also popular in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Malawi and had a significant impact on local culture.[21]

Awilo is the first Congolese artist to have performed in São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as the only Sub-Saharan African, along with Miriam Makeba, to have performed in Libya.[21][22] His album, "Kafou Kafou," released in July 2000, won the Judges' Special Awards at the Kora Awards in 2001 for his contribution to African music.[15] Parenthetically, he is one of Africa and Europe's "most wanted"[23] Congolese artists. He has toured extensively throughout Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Zambia, Gabon, and Mali, among others. He has also performed in Europe, notably in Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, France, the UK, and Germany, as well as in the United States.[23][5][15][24]

Early life and career

Awilo Longomba was born on May 5, 1962, in Kinshasa (formerly Léopoldville) to a Mongo father and a Ngombe mother from Équateur Province.[5] His father, Vicky Longomba, was the renowned lead vocalist and founder of Tout Puissant OK Jazz.[25][26][27] As a child, Awilo spent every moment around music, regularly attending his father's rehearsals. His father, influenced by his perception of contemporary musicians as dissolute figures, often clothed himself in sartorial splendor and emphatically discouraged his son from pursuing a career in music.[5][28] Awilo's passion for music burgeoned exponentially, leading him to veer from formal pedagogy and become a drummer for various musical groups in Kinshasa, including "Orchestre de Lita Bembo." He later joined Viva La Musica, led by Papa Wemba as a drummer, and toured with Afro-zouk crooner Olivier N'Goma in 1985 and 1986. His father's attitude softened after his return from the Euro-Asian tours.[5][28][14]

As the fever he caught during his tour deteriorated, he relocated to France, where his reputation as an exceptional drummer within the group gained momentum. He collaborated on numerous records in France and toured globally with renowned African artists such as Tshala Muana, Oliver N'Goma, and Kanda Bongo Man.[5][29] In 1992, he departed from "Viva La Musica" and formed his musical ensemble, "La Nouvelle Génération," alongside members Luciana Demingongo, Lidjo Kwempa, Fataki Ndoko José, and Fafa de Molokaï, of which he became the leader. The newly established band rapidly gained popularity within the precincts of Europe and produced several albums.[30][31]

1995–1998: Moto Pamba

In 1995, his career took off, and he left "La Nouvelle Génération." He released his first solo album, Moto Pamba, for which he served as the composer, lead singer, and drummer with help from Shimita, Ballou Canta, Dindo Yogo, Dally Kimoko, Sam Mangwana, Syran Mbenza and Rigo Star. The album achieved great success and marked his rise to international stardom, with tours in East Africa and Europe. In 1996, he participated in a festival held at Parc de la Villette and later won the "Best Artist of Central Africa" award at the Kora Awards. He achieved the same accolade again on October 1, 1997.[32][5][28][33]

1998–2000: Coupé Bibamba

In 1998, he released the album Coupé Bibamba, featuring hit songs like Gaté Le Coin, Mobimba Ya Mama, Coupé Bibamba, Manon, Porokondo, Sans Papier, J'en Ai Marre, Fifi, J'en Ai Marre, and Gâté Le Coin [Bonus Mix]. The album catapulted him to international stardom.[32][34] The album's titular track, "Coupe Bibamba," featuring Jocelyne Béroard, became a massive hit in Africa and Europe, as well as among diaspora communities worldwide, and remains a timeless classic in African music.[35] Awilo's three consecutive sold-out shows at Lagos Stadium, each attended by 120,000 fans, solidified his superstar status across West Africa.[20] "Coupé Bibamba" is a Congolese phrase loosely translated to "waist movement." The song is an energetic celebration of African dance and rhythm, blending traditional Congolese ndombolo dance music with modern elements. The song's music video featuring Awilo's electrifying choreographic prowess metamorphosed into a cultural phenomenon and introduced a new generation of music, leaving a massive impact on several African musicians.[36][37] The song was adapted into local languages by indigenous artists in Nigeria.[20][21] The lyrical incantations, encapsulated by the refrain "Comment t'appelle? Je m'appelle Coupe Coupe Bibamba," have been embraced by non-French-speaking fans and given meanings in their native Yoruba language, widely spoken in the Southwestern and Central Nigeria, and the Pidgin English spoken generally in Nigeria and West Africa.[38]

The track "Manon" is dedicated to his daughter of the same name, while "Porokondo" emphasizes humility in both difficult and prosperous times.[4] In the song, he included a mabanga, a practice where musicians "shout out" an individual's name during a song for a fee, directed at Robert Ogwal, also known as Rasta Rob, one of the most popular radio presenters in the African Great Lakes Region at the time.[4][39]

2000–2017: Kafou Kafou, Mondongo and Superman

In July 2000, Awilo released his third album, Kafou Kafou, which earned him the Jury Special Award at the Kora Awards in 2001.[15]

In June 2003, Sony Music requested a funk remix of his hit "Coupé Bibamba" with James D-Train Williams, which gained popularity in France and the US. It was also featured in the "African Dance Floor" compilation, and Awilo later performed at Zénith Paris in Paris alongside notable American artists, including Jocelyn Lorette Brown, Oliver Cheatham, Jerome Prister, Imagination and Anita Ward, who were part of the compilation.[5][40][41][42]

Towards the end of the year, he unveiled his fourth album, Mondongo, featuring hit singles like Karolina, Zumbeya, Mupenzi, Pinzoli, Gladys, Kayembe, Mondongo, Champion, Mia Muliere, and Dance Floor. The album blended Congolese rumba, soukous, R&B, and Kompa with the collaboration of other notable African artists, such as Lokua Kanza, and gained popularity in several African countries.[43][44][5] The track "Karolina," transcended the realm of a love song, becoming a staple at hall parties and the most-played song at African gatherings. In the song, Awilo eloquently expresses his admiration for his muse, Karolina, declaring her pulchritude from every angle – from head to toe, front, and back.[45]

In 2008, he released his fifth album, Superman, which stands out as one of the most well-produced and recorded albums, featuring notable songs like Super Man, Torticolis, Les Jaloux, Malala, Maze, Meu Amor, Banana, La Go Là, Baby, J'Ai Envie de Toi, BK, and Banana (Remix). Barbara Kanam also made a guest appearance on the album.[43]

In 2014, Awilo collaborated with the Nigerian duo P-Square on the track "Enemy Solo." On January 23, 2017, he released a single titled "Rihanna" featuring Nigerian singer Yemi Alade.[6][46]

Famous songs

  • Karolina
  • Coupe Bibamba
  • Rosalina (Karolina Remix)
  • Mondongo
  • Fidele

Discography

  • Coupe Bibamba (1999)
  • Kafou Kafou (2001)
  • Mondongo (2004)
  • Super-Man (2008)

References

  1. ^ Ipan, Bienvenu (2022-08-16). "Musique : Awilo Longomba à Kinshasa fin août pour fêter ses 30 ans de carrière". Le Potentiel (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  2. ^ Ngono, Danielle (2022-07-16). "Un jour une chanson : « Gâte le coin » - Awilo Longomba". Culturebene (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  3. ^ Kauta, Adjuvant Kribios (Jan 31, 2023). "Que veut dire réellement Awilo?" [What does Awilo actually mean?]. Kribios Universal (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  4. ^ a b c "Awilo: I'm still packed for hard shots". Sqoop.co.ug. 2019-04-05. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Awilo Longomba Biography". Panafricanallstars.com. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  6. ^ a b "Awilo Longomba". Music In Africa. 2014-06-04. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  7. ^ "ProfileAbility – Awilo Longomba". ProfileAbility. 2021-08-02. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  8. ^ Parade and Foto-action. Harare, Zimbabwe: Thomson Publications (Zimbabwe) (Pvt.) Limited. 1997. p. 47.
  9. ^ Njogu, Kimani (2008-01-15). Getting Heard: [Re]claiming Performance Space in Kenya: [Re]claiming Performance Space in Kenya. Oxford, United Kingdom: African Books Collective. p. 169. ISBN 978-9966-028-09-9.
  10. ^ Trapido, Joe (2016-12-01). Breaking Rocks: Music, Ideology and Economic Collapse, from Paris to Kinshasa. New York City, New York State, United States: Berghahn Books. p. 86. ISBN 978-1-78533-399-6.
  11. ^ World Press Review. Muscatine, Iowa, United States: Stanley Center for Peace and Security. 2001.
  12. ^ Perullo, Alex (2011-10-27). Live from Dar Es Salaam: Popular Music and Tanzania's Music Economy. Bloomington, Indiana, United States: Indiana University Press. p. 212. ISBN 978-0-253-22292-3.
  13. ^ Rhythm Music Magazine: RMM. Indianapolis, Indiana, United States: K.F. Russell. 1997. p. 33.
  14. ^ a b Lavaine, Bertrand (2009-12-24). "Awilo, l'héritage Longomba". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  15. ^ a b c d "Awilo Longomba". Music In Africa. 2014-06-04. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  16. ^ Katungulu, Amon (April 3, 2019). "Legendary Congolese musician Awilo Longomba to jet into Uganda today". Nilepost.co.ug. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  17. ^ Entsie, Berlinda (2017-07-24). "These classic songs tell the African story better than most". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  18. ^ "Top 10 Best African Songs of All Time". Punch Newspapers. 2022-03-14. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  19. ^ Ngugi, Fredrick (2016-09-23). "Top 10 African Songs of All Time". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  20. ^ a b c "Archive: Qui est Awilo Longomba?". www.nation.sc (in French). June 3, 2006. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  21. ^ a b c d "Awilo Longomba : « La musique africaine est la musique du futur »". Afrik.com (in French). 2004-07-29. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  22. ^ Nze, Victor (May 21, 2007). "Nigeria: Awilo Longomba - Most Affective Congolese Artiste". AllAfrica. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  23. ^ a b "Awilo Longomba Concert Tickets And Tour Dates". platinumlist.net. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  24. ^ Kaggwa, Andrew (9 September 2015). "Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo win big". The Observer. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  25. ^ The Beat. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Bongo Productions. 1998. p. 51.
  26. ^ Winders, J. (2007-06-05). Paris Africain: Rhythms of the African Diaspora. Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York State, United States: Springer. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-230-60207-6.
  27. ^ "Awilo Longomba biography". Last.fm. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  28. ^ a b c "Tribute to Congolese Music Legend Awilo Longomba". ke.opera.news. December 10, 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  29. ^ Tshimbalanga, Jean Louis (2022-04-12). La vérité de la vérité des urnes de 2018 en RDC - Volume 1: De l'indépendance du Congo en 1960, jusqu'à l'élection présidentielle de 2011 (in French). Orthez, France: Publishroom. ISBN 978-2-38454-098-3.
  30. ^ The Beat. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Bongo Productions. 1998. pp. 50–51.
  31. ^ Africa international (in French). South Africa: Africa S.A. 2000.
  32. ^ a b The Beat. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Bongo Productions. 1998. p. 51.
  33. ^ "African healing". The Mail & Guardian. 1997-10-01. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  34. ^ Awilo Longomba - Coupé Bibamba, 1998, retrieved 2023-09-11
  35. ^ Taiwo, Jide (2017-02-09). "Throwback Thursday: When Awilo Longomba ruled Nigerian airwaves". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  36. ^ Afrique magazine (in French). Paris, France: Jeune Afrique. 2008. p. 72.
  37. ^ Ross, Harold Wallace; White, Katharine Sergeant Angell (December 2009). The New Yorker, Volume 85, Issues 40-48. New York City, New York State, United States: The New Yorker. p. 61.
  38. ^ Powell, Azizi (2023-04-02). "pancocojams: Awilo Longomba featuring Jocelyne Béroard - "Coupé Bibamba" (1998 Congolese mega-hit record video, information, & comments))". Pancocojams. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  39. ^ Vogel, Christoph (2013-08-23). "Say my name: How 'shout-outs' keep Congolese musicians in the money". the Guardian. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  40. ^ Dance Floor, retrieved 2023-09-11
  41. ^ Comment tu t'appelles (Version 2003), 2021-10-15, retrieved 2023-09-11
  42. ^ Awilo Longomba Feat."DTrain" Williams - Comment Tu T'Appelles(World Tribute to the Funk Live 2003), retrieved 2023-09-11
  43. ^ a b "6 Biggest Albums Released by Legend Awilo Longomba". Flash Uganda Media. 2019-02-23. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  44. ^ Awilo Longomba - Mondongo, 2003, retrieved 2023-09-11
  45. ^ Ahura, Shirley (2023-02-14). "Best African love songs: a Valentine's Day playlist". The Face. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  46. ^ Awilo Longomba - Rihanna (Official Video) ft. Yemi Alade, retrieved 2023-09-11

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Awilo_Longomba&oldid=1174858929"