Robinio Mundibu

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Robinio Mundibu
Birth nameMongala Akelembi
Also known asEl Généralissimo
Born (1985-11-04) November 4, 1985 (age 38)
Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental Province, Zaire
(modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Origin Congolese
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • record producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocal
Years active2002–present

Mongala Akelembi (born November 4, 1985), professionally known as Robinio Mundibu, is a Congolese singer, songwriter and dancer. Akelembi began his career as a protégé of Do Akongo and later worked with Tutu Caludji, an ex-singer of Wenge Musica BCBG. In 2009, he joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère before branching out as a solo artist in 2014 with his debut singles "Vantard" and "Mbonzimbonzi".[1][2][3][4][5] In the following year, he released four singles "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".[2][1][3]

In 2016, Akalembi signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music for his six-track Extended Play (EP) Chiffre 9, which achieved international recognition with hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".[2][1] His single "Misu Na Misu", released on June 6, 2019, catapulted him to stardom in Africa with over 30 million views on YouTube.[6][7] On May 26, 2021, he released his EP Noir et Blanc.[8][9]

Early life and orchestra challenges[edit]

Mongala Akelembi was born on November 4, 1985, in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental Province, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).[2][1] In 2000, he obtained a state diploma in electrical engineering. Although he continued practicing the same job, he became interested in music after being bedazzled by Wenge Musica BCBG, Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and Quartier Latin International.[2][4][1] In 2002, he met Do Akongo, a former member of Quartier Latin International, who was leaving the band to form his orchestra.[2] In an interview with Pan African Music, Akelembi stated, "I went to his house while he was rehearsing with his artists, we talked..... And even though I had no basis, he still accepted me."[2] He started learning the Congolese rumba and soon became popular in his neighborhood, with people coming to watch him perform.[2] After four years of learning the basics of Congolese rumba, he left the orchestra in search of a group offering better remuneration and more visibility to its artists.[2][1][10] He then attempted to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère and Quartier Latin International but failed the selection test.[2]

In 2006, he met Tutu Caludji, a former constituent of Wenge Musica BCBG who was forming his ensemble after leaving the band.[2] During his audition, he sang and danced and was given the nickname "Robinio" for his performances, in reference to the exuberance of Brazilian football player Robinho.[2] He began collaborating with Caludji on his album. However, Caludji's visit to Paris for a two-year album finalization left the ensemble bereft of leadership and pecuniary sustenance. Akelembi began his quest to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère.[2] He financed televised and radiated performances to attract attention as an unaffiliated artist seeking a group to join.[2] In 2009, he joined the Wenge Musica Maison Mère and contributed significantly on the band's forthcoming album Techno Malewa Sans Cesse, Vol. 1.[2] Soon afterwards he adopted the sobriquet "Mundibu", which eventually led to the full name "Robinio Mundibu".[2]

Solo career[edit]

2014–June 2, 2019: Standalone releases and Chiffre 9[edit]

In 2014, Robinio Mundibu left the band and simultaneously released his debut Congolese rumba-infused single, "Vantard", followed by "Mbonzi Mbonzi," featuring ndombolo rhythm.[2][3][1] The singles gained popularity, amassing a total of 60,000 plays.[2] In 2015, he released four triumphant singles: "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué". "Ye Yo Ok" became a massive hit in the DRC, garnering 150,000 plays.[2][10]

In 2016, Robinio Mundibu signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music for his six-track EP, Chiffre 9, named after his newly-formed group.[2] Chiffre 9 garnered international recognition with standout hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".[3][2][10] "Tsha Nanu Boye" gained immense popularity in Kinshasa with over 1 million views on YouTube.[11] In May 2017, Robinio Mundibu performed the song at his father's funeral and stated that its lyrics had the power to "transform sadness into joy".[12] To promote the EP, he sold-out two consecutive concerts at Halle de la Gombe,[13][14] followed by a concert in Goma on November 26, 2017.[15][16] He concluded the year with a show at Pomba Branca in Angola, followed by a gig at Piscine Alvalade in Angola on January 1, 2018.[17] In August 2018, Robinio Mundibu was brought onto the stage by Fally Ipupa during his showcase in Brazzaville, where he performed a rendition of his EP repertoire.[18] To promote the EP further, Robinio Mundibu embarked on his "Playing the Balloon Tour" with shows in Brazzaville, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.[19]

In April 2019, he joined Awilo Longomba on stage during his concert in Kampala.[20] On June 2, 2019, he performed at the B-One Music show in Kinshasa, attended by the Congolese Minister of National Economy, Vital Kamerhe, and his spouse, Hamida Chatur, were spotted dancing to his song "Tsha Nanu Boye".[21] He subsequently received a special visit from former Congolese First Lady Olive Lembe di Sita.[21]

June 6, 2019–July 2019: "Misu Na Misu", censorship and resurgence[edit]

On June 6, 2019, Robinio Mundibu released the single "Misu Na Misu". The track includes the saxophone sample from the song "Dumalana" by Botswanan singer Vee Mampeezy and Zimbabwean singer Dr. Tawanda, which was released in February 2019.[22] The music video features Robinio Mundibu and his group dancing bare-chested in a plot, fields, and even in the street amidst the crowd.[23] A week later, he announced on his Instagram that he had commenced working on the "Misu Na Misu" remix with Awilo Longomba.[24]

On June 22, the DRC's National Censorship Commission barred the song from being broadcast on television and radio due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.[25][4][26][27] The lyrics, particularly "Oko mata nga lelo, Oko mata nga na mokongo" (translating to: "Today you are going to ride on me, today you are going to ride on my back"), were adjudicated obscene, construed as "nothing more and nothing less than a disguised call for sexual antics." Parenthetically, the phrase "Kotisa bimisa" (meaning "bring in and bring out") was perceived as a metaphor for "coitus."[25][26] Nevertheless, the song gained immense popularity in the DRC and across Africa, played in bars and discos, and viewed more than a million times on YouTube.[25][28][29]

In July 2019, Robinio Mundibu presented a live concert at Village Chez Ntemba in Kinshasa in July 2018, sharing the spotlight with Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, and Maman Kalunga.[30]

2020–2023: Noir et Blanc[edit]

Robinio Mundibu began recording his debut studio album, Noir et Blanc, in 2017.[31] Noir et Blanc was scheduled for release in 2018 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He subsequently switched his focus to an EP and announced that the album's release would be postponed to later years.[32][8] On June 30, 2018, he released EP's promotional single, "Kita Mata".[33] On December 20, 2019, he released the single "Bina Na Bina," announcing its inclusion in his forthcoming EP. It was a sequel to his earlier hit, "Misu Na Misu."[34][35][36] "Bina Na Bina" was popular in Africa, accumulating over 1 million views and gaining recognition in France and Belgium.[37] While working on the EP's production, he served as the opening act for Fally Ipupa's concert at AccorHotels Arena (now Accor Arena) on February 28, 2020.[38][39] On November 6, 2020, he released the single "Goûter".[40][41][42] "Goûter" melds ndombolo and offbeat Coupé-décalé. The accompanying music video features Freddy Mbolongo, a belly dancer in Africa, complemented by other dancers.[40] On December 9, 2020, Robinio Mundibu released "Tonight," a multilingual song fusing soukous urban rhythm and sung in English, French, and Lingala.[43][44]

The EP was released on May 26, 2021, and included his previous songs.[8][9] In December 2021, he released "Kulumba" as a standalone single.[44]

Discography[edit]

Extended play[edit]

  • Chiffre 9 (2016, EPM and Cantos Music)
  • Noir et Blanc (2021, EPM)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Robinio Mundibu". Music In Africa (in French). 2020-04-28. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Benchebra, Rémi (2020-02-27). "Robinio Mundibu : les pieds dans la rumba, la tête dans l'afro house". Pan African Music (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  3. ^ a b c d Roussel, Jane (May 29, 2021). "Robinio Mundibu: " J'ai des singles qui pèsent autant qu'un album, non ? "". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  4. ^ a b c Mansangu, Raphaël (January 6, 2022). "Robinio Mundibu célèbre ses 10 ans de carrière le 16 janvier au Millionnaire Club" [Robinio Mundibu celebrates his 10th career on January 16 at the Millionaire Club]. ouragan.cd (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  5. ^ "Robinio - Festival Amani (Goma RDC)". amanifestival.com. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  6. ^ "30 millions de vues YouTube pour le clip "Misu na misu" de Robinio Mundibu" [30 million YouTube views for Robinio Mundibu’s “Misu na misu” music video]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2023-02-04. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  7. ^ Mandina, Hervé (2019-06-13). "Afro-club, le hit des platines avec Lynnsha, DJ Moh Green et Black M". RFI Musique (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  8. ^ a b c Mandina, Hervé (2021-12-30). "Afro-Club, le hit des platines avec Sly'A, MDM et Robinio Mundibu". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  9. ^ a b "Robinio Mundibu dévoile le clip festif de " Nzete "" [Robinio Mundibu unveils the festive music video for “Nzete”]. Pan African Music (in French). 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  10. ^ a b c "Robinio Mundibu, artiste congolais à la conquête de l'Europe avec une grande tournée européenne" [Robinio Mundibu, Congolese artist conquering Europe with a major European tour]. www.africaradio.com (in French). June 9, 2022. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  11. ^ "Le clip "Tcha nanu boye" vient d'atteindre 1million des vues" [The music video “Tcha nanu boye” has just reached 1 million views]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-11. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  12. ^ "Robinio Mundibu explique pourquoi il a chanté "Tcha nanu boye" aux obseques de son père" [Robinio Mundibu explains why he sang “Tcha nanu boye” at his father’s funeral]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-05. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  13. ^ "Fest'Kin : Zaiko Langa Langa et Robinio Mundibu ce 25 au 26 mai à la Halle de la Gombe" [Fest'Kin: Zaiko Langa Langa and Robinio Mundibu this May 25 to 26 at the Halle de la Gombe]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  14. ^ "Découvrez Yaya, le nouveau clip de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover Yaya, the new music video by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-25. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  15. ^ "Robinio Mundibu est arrivé à Goma" [Robinio Mundibu arrived in Goma]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-11-24. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  16. ^ "Robinio Mundibu en concert à Goma" [Robinio Mundibu in concert in Goma]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-10-26. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  17. ^ "Robinio Mundibu se produira en Angola pour le nouvel an" [Robinio Mundibu will perform in Angola for the New Year]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  18. ^ "Robinio Mundibu invité par Fally Ipupa lors de son showcase à Brazzaville" [Robinio Mundibu invited by Fally Ipupa during his showcase in Brazzaville]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-08-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  19. ^ "Robinio Mundibu annonce "Jouer le ballon tour"" [Robinio Mundibu announces “Playing trick ball”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-04-23. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  20. ^ "Awilo Longomba invité sur scène Robinio Mundibu lors de son concert à Kampala" [Awilo Longomba invited Robinio Mundibu on stage during his concert in Kampala]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-04-07. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  21. ^ a b "Robinio Mundibu : " J'ai déjà vu dans une vidéo, Vital Kamerhe et Hamida Chatur danser Tcha nanu boye "" [Robinio Mundibu: “I already saw in a video, Vital Kamerhe and Hamida Chatur dancing Tcha nanu boye”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  22. ^ "Robinio Mundibu reconnaît avoir copié la chanson " Dumalana " de l'artiste Botshwanais Vee Mampeenzy et Dr Tawanda" [Robinio Mundibu admits to having copied the song “Dumalana” by Botswana artist Vee Mampeenzy and Dr Tawanda]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  23. ^ "Découvrez le générique " Misu na misu " de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the theme song “Misu na misu” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-02. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  24. ^ "Robinio Mundibu : " Misu na misu remixé, ce sera avec le vieux Awilo Longomba "" [Robinio Mundibu: “Misu na misu remixed, it will be with old Awilo Longomba”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  25. ^ a b c Nsimba, Christian (2019-07-18). "Malgré son interdiction, "Misu na Misu" de Robino Mundibu continue de cartonner". Lemag (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  26. ^ a b Kikim, Kingunza (June 26, 2019). "Le musicien Robinho Mundibu aux arrêts pour avoir chanté des insanités" [Musician Robinho Mundibu arrested for singing nonsense]. www.digitalcongo.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  27. ^ "La chanson " Misu na misu " de Robinio Mundibu, interdite par la Commission des censures" [The song “Misu na misu” by Robinio Mundibu, banned by the Censorship Commission]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  28. ^ "Afrique centrale : Top 10 des vidéos les plus suivies en 2019". Music In Africa. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  29. ^ Mbote, Redaction (2019-06-28). "Robinio Mundibu sur la chanson " Misu na misu " : " Notre avocat va introduire une requête pour qu'on sorte la version autorisée "" [Robinio Mundibu on the song “Misu na misu”: “Our lawyer will file a request to release the authorized version”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  30. ^ "Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, Maman Kalunga, sur scène lors de la production de Robinio Mundibu" [Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, Maman Kalunga, on stage during the production of Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  31. ^ "L'album "Noir et Blanc" de Robinio Mundibu arrive bientôt" [Robinio Mundibu’s album “Noir et Blanc” is coming soon]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-11-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  32. ^ "Robinio Mundibu repousse la sortie de « Noir et blanc » en 2019" [Robinio Mundibu postpones the release of “Black and White” to 2019]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  33. ^ "Robinio Mundibu sort Kita mata", le troisième générique de l'album "Noir et blanc"" [Robinio Mundibu releases Kita mata”, the third song from the album “Noir et blanc”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-07-01. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  34. ^ Pinganayi, Glody (2019-12-21). "Robinio Mundibu provoque ses jaloux dans "Bina na nga"" [Robinio Mundibu provokes his jealous people in “Bina na nga”]. Lemag (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  35. ^ "Robinio Mundibu annonce le générique " Bina Na nga " pour les fêtes de fin d'année" [Robinio Mundibu announces the theme song “Bina Na nga” for the end of year celebrations]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  36. ^ "Robinio Mundibu atteint 1 million des vues sur Youtube avec le clip " Bina na nga "" [Robinio Mundibu reaches 1 million views on Youtube with the music video “Bina na nga”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  37. ^ "Découvrez le clip du générique " Bina na nga " de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the music video for “Bina na nga” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  38. ^ "Jeny Bosenge sera la chorégraphe officielle de Robinio Mundibu au concert de Fally Ipupa" [Jeny Bosenge will be the official choreographer of Robinio Mundibu at the Fally Ipupa concert]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-02-19. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  39. ^ "Concert de Fally Ipupa : Une première réussie de Robinio Mundibu, sur scène à Paris" [Fally Ipupa concert: A successful premiere of Robinio Mundibu, on stage in Paris]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. February 28, 2020. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  40. ^ a b Benchebra, Rémi (2020-11-06). "Robinio Mundibu vous invite à partager le " Goûter "" [Robinio Mundibu invites you to share the “Snack”]. Pan African Music (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  41. ^ "Découvrez le nouveau clip " goûter " de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the new “snack” clip by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  42. ^ "Découvrez "Goûter" de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover “Taste” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  43. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (2020-12-09). "Découvrez la chanson "Tonight" de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the song “Tonight” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  44. ^ a b Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (2021-12-15). "Découvrez " Kulumba ", le nouveau clip de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover “Kulumba”, the new music video by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
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