Jump to content

M'bilia Bel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
M'bilia Bel
Birth nameMarie Claire Mboyo Moseka
Born (1959-01-10) January 10, 1959 (age 65)
Belgian Congo (now DR Congo
GenresCongolese rumba and soukous
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1979—present
LabelsRounder Records, Shanachie Records and more

Marie-Claire Mboyo Moseka (born 10 January 1959), known professionally as M'bilia Bel, is a Congolese rumba and soukous singer and songwriter.[1] She is known as the "Queen of African Rumba".[2] She rose to fame after first being discovered by Sam Manguana and later by Tabu Ley Rochereau who helped her gain confidence, master her powerful soprano voice, and achieve acclaim as one of the best Congolese female singers.[3][4][5]

Early years

[edit]

M'bilia Bel was born Marie-Claire Mboyo Moseka on 10 January 1959 in what was then the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), to Mbala Mbondi and Mboyo Mbilia.[6][7][8] Her father, Mbala Mbondi, known as "Louis XIV," was a charanga dancer in Bumba, Mongala Province. Mboyo developed a passion for music after being bedazzled by Togolese singer Bella Bellow during her 1969 tour of Zaire.[6][8][9] She began singing as a backup singer within the Catholic parish across 12 neighborhoods in the N'Djili commune.[6][8][9]

Career

[edit]

1979–1987: Les Redoutables, International Sam and Afrisa International

[edit]

In 1976, at the age of 17, Mboyo responded to a radio advertisement soliciting backing singers for Abeti Masikini's group, Les Redoutables.[6] Following a successful audition, she was inducted into the group.[6][8] A few months later, Mboyo departed from Les Redoutables and chose to undertake a year-long sabbatical. She subsequently rejoined Les Redoutables in 1979 at Abeti's behest but once more exited in 1980 to pursue academic aspirations, enrolling in an institution in Gombe for executive secretarial training.[6][8] In mid-1981, she was presented with the opportunity to accompany Sam Mangwana's Bo-Bongo orchestra. Mboyo assimilated into Mangwana's group International Sam as a dancer, where she performed Bella Bellow's repertoire.[6] During this period, Sam Mangwana introduced Mboyo on the Zaire N°1 show by Benoit Lukunku Sampu, which catapulted her into prominence at the Mama Angebi studio of the Office Zaïrois de Radio Télévision (OZRT).[6][8]

Following disillusionment during a tour in Shaba, Mboyo left International Sam.[6][8] Subsequently, Michel Sax, a saxophonist with Tabu Ley Rochereau's orchestra Afrisa International, recommended Mboyo to Tabu Ley as a substitute for the Yondo Sisters, two singing and dancing siblings who had vacated Afrisa International.[6][8] Impressed by her audition, Tabu Ley promptly renamed her "M'bilia Bel."[6][8]

M'bilia Bel's debut track with Afrisa International, "Mpeve Ya Longo," released in early 1982, addresses the issue of spousal abuse.[6][8][10] In the song, she narrates the ordeal of a woman abandoned by her husband and has to raise her children alone.[6] "Mpeve Ya Longo" struck a chord with women and received widespread recognition nationwide.[6][10][11] This was followed by the Tabu Ley-composed single "Yamba Ngai," which also debuted in the same year.[10] By the following year, M'bilia Bel had earned the sobriquet "Cleopatra of Zairean music."[10] She co-composed and performed on Afrisa International's album Eswi Yo Wapi, which was produced in France and later distributed across various African nations, including Kenya and Zaire.[12][13][14] The album's eponymous single won Best Song, and M'bilia Bel was awarded Best Newcomer.[15] Afrisa's popularity began to rival that of François Luambo's band OK Jazz.[16] During that year, M'bilia Bel was featured on Afrisa International's album Faux Pas, which was released by Genidia, a label owned by Tabu Ley.[10][17] In 1984, she appeared in Afrisa International's production, Loyenghe, and subsequently performed four politically charged songs with the orchestra: "Mobutu Peuple Ba Vote Yo Massivement," "Otumoli Mobutu Otumoli Ba Mama," "La Zaïroise (Hymne National Du Zaïre)," and "Candidat Ya MPR: Mobutu". These tracks supported Mobutu Sese Seko's regime and its political propaganda promoting the one-party state's ideology of Authenticité, which emphasized "traditional" elements to bolster the regime's image.[18][19][20] That same year, she contributed to two albums and one joint album, including Bameli Soy, Ba Gerants Ya Mabala, and the four-track collaboration Keyna Et Cadence Mudanda, which included the hit single "Nakei Nairobi" praising Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi and brought her significant acclaim across Africa.[21][22][23][10]

In 1985, M'bilia Bel performed with Afrisa International on two albums: Boya Ye, released in the UK by Sterns, and La Beauté D'Une Femme.[17] She also performed on the standalone single "Shauri Yako" with Tabu Ley and Afrisa International and made her British debut at the World of Music, Arts and Dance festival at Mersea Island in Essex, performing alongside artists like New Order, The Fall, Toots & The Maytals, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Pogues, A Certain Ratio, and Penguin Cafe Orchestra.[24][25] During the mid-1980s, M'bilia Bel married Tabu Ley and they had a daughter named Melody Tabu.[15] In 1986, Tabu Ley enlisted another female singer, Thérèse Kishila Ngoyi (popularly known as Faya Tess).[15] That same year, Afrisa International embarked on a tour of East Africa, performing in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, culminating in the album Nadina, which featured both Lingala and Swahili versions of the title track.[15] The tour was well-received. M'bilia Bel took center stage, overshadowing other Afrisa International artists, including Ndombe Opetum, who had returned from OK Jazz.[15] Following their return to Kinshasa, rumors began circulating about a rift between Tabu Ley and M'bilia Bel. Both denied any discord when speaking to the press, and she rejoined Tabu Ley in 1987 for the Genidia-produced album Beyanga.[15][26][27]

Solo career

[edit]

1988–1995: Departure from Afrisa International and releases

[edit]

The recruitment of Faya Tess continued to fuel internal discord within Afrisa International, impacting the orchestra's consistency on their forthcoming record Contre ma volonté.[10][9] M'bilia Bel departed from Afrisa International to pursue a solo career, citing the lack of transparency in management and the conflation of professional and personal relationships.[9][10] She briefly collaborated with a Gabonese producer in Libreville before relocating to Paris, where she joined forces with guitarist Rigo Star Bamundele.[15]

In 1988, M'bilia Bel debuted with her solo studio album Phénomène, which includes six songs.[9][10] It was produced by her record label, Mbilia Production, and distributed through Mélodie Distribution.[9][10][28] Phénomene was recorded at Studio Davout and mixed at Studio Plus XXX. Rigo Star Bamundele arranged, provided backing vocals, and mixed the album.[9][10][28] Phénomène achieved immense success in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, as well as internationally. The album's eponymous single and "Tika Bazuwa" teased her stormy relationship with Tabu Ley.[9][10][28]

In 1989, M'bilia Bel teamed up with Rigo Star and Madilu System for a trio album project called Exploration, which blended Congolese rumba, soukous, and rap.[29] Produced by Kilimanjaro Int'l Productions and distributed internationally, the album was reissued in CD format in 1997 by Terrascape in Belgium.[30][31]

M'bilia Bel released her second studio album, Désolé!!!, in 1991.[29][32] It was co-produced by Celluloid, a French record label, and KS Production and consisted of eight tracks available in both LP and CD formats.[33] According to British musicologist Gary Stewart, Rigo Star conceived, arranged, and programmed the music, including drums, percussion, and synthesizers. Rigo Star played all guitar and bass parts and contributed to the backing vocals.[34] M'bilia Bel then worked with Rigo Star on a joint album titled Ironie, which came out in 1993. The nine-track album was produced by Celluloid, with Rigo Star handling the production and musical arrangement.[35][36] That same year, M'bilia Bel released the ten-track album 8/10 Benedicta, produced by A Music Production in Belgium and later reissued in 1994 by SonoDisc in France.[37][38]

1996–2005: from Yalowa to Belissimo

[edit]

M'bilia Bel's fourth studio album, Yalowa, came out in 1996 in the United States under IMA Records.[39][40] The record, which contains ten tracks, was written and arranged by Rigo Star and included a guest appearance by Vivick Matoua.[39][40] Yalowa received praise for its production quality and rich musical support, with the American magazine JazzTimes describing it as having "beautiful melodies".[26][41] After nearly six years of residing in Paris to broaden her European horizons, M'bilia Bel returned to Zaire later in 1996 to re-establish herself in the Zairean music scene.[42] She guest-performed on Simaro Lutumba's 1997 album Trahison, which commemorates thirty-six years of Lutumba's musical and artistic career. M'bilia Bel performs the song "Mama Kulutu" in a duet with Pépé Kallé on the album.[9][10] The song addresses polygamy, mainly focusing on the grievances of the second wife, who is constantly berated by the first wife.[10] That same year, M'bilia Bel was awarded the Best Singer of the Year by the ACMCO (Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo).[10]

M'bilia Bel reconstituted her orchestra and dance group with Kembo Idrissa, who accompanied her in her VIP productions and rehearsed with Zaïko Langa Langa at Kimpwanza bar in the Kasa-Vubu commune.[9][10] With her group, she embarked on a major tour in East Africa and Gabon, then Scandinavia.[9][10] In 1988, she also participated in the production of Souzy Kasseya's song "Tokufa Pona Congo" alongside Wenge Musica Maison Mère, Jimmy Mbonda, Jolino Kiezowa, Général Defao, Tshala Muana, Paul Ndombe, Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Lassa Lacolyte, Adamo Ekula, Pépé Kallé, and King Kester Emeneya.[9][10][43] She also appeared on Général Defao's album Copinage.[9][10]

In October 2001, M'bilia Bel announced to Le Phare that her upcoming album Welcome was in the conclusive phases of production and slated for debut on 15 November.[44] Comprising ten tracks, the album was produced by Syllart Productions, a France-based label specializing in African and Afro-Latin music established by Senegalese producer Ibrahima Sylla.[45][9][10] Waly Timera served as the executive producer for Welcome, which was distributed by Next Music and Sono.[9][45] The recording took place at Studio Recorder, with Hervé Marignac managing the mixing, and the arrangements handled by Manu Lima alongside Souzy Kasseya.[45][9][10] She promoted it with a sold-out show at Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel on 9 November 2002, where she performed alongside Tshala Muana.[46] She subsequently took part in the Empire Fondation orchestra's concert at Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel on November 30 and appeared at Empire Foundation's debut concert at the LSC in Paris on 27 March 2003.[47][48] In July 2003, M'bilia Bel won ACMCO's Best Singer of 2002 in their annual referendum,[49] and in December, Welcome's success earned her the Best Central Africa Female accolade at the Kora Awards in Sun City.[50][51]

From 27 September to 9 October 2004, M'bilia Bel performed at Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel for the commemorative events marking the tenth anniversary of Abeti Masikini's death.[52] The event was coordinated by the Abeti Masikini Foundation in conjunction with Akueson Worldwide of France and Shabani Records of the DRC.[52] Later that year, M'bilia Bel released her ten-track album Belissimo, which was produced by Syllart Productions and distributed by Stern's Africa in the UK. Belissimo was arranged by Souzy Kasseya and includes backing vocals from Awa Maïga, Melodie Tabu, Monique Ouadjah Koko, Prince Lessa Lassan, and Shakembo.[9][10][43] The album was recorded at Studio Recorder in Paris, with Etienne Colin as the sound engineer.[9][10] To promote Belissimo, M'bilia Bel hosted a show in Kenya in May 2005 and then presented a VIP performance at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on 2 September, with another concert at Mayfair Hotel in Jinja, Uganda, on 3 September.[53][54] She further promoted the album with a tour spanning Dubai, Ethiopia, Zambia, Namibia, and Tanzania.[53] On 13 October, M'bilia Bel was nominated for Best Female Artist at the Kora Awards.[55]

2006–present: from "Kokoka" to The Queen

[edit]

In 2006, M'bilia Bel collaborated with Uganda singer Suzanna Owíyo on the single "Kokoka", which earned them a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 7th edition of Kisima Music Awards.[56][57][58] In October 2007, M'bilia Bel embarked on a tour of Kenya, headlining two concerts, one of which was the Luo Sigalagala event organized by the GoDown Arts Centre.[59] On 29 March 2008, she appeared at Simaro Lutumba's "Vivement Simaro, merci l'artiste" concert at the Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel to celebrate his 70th birthday,[60][61][62] and later performed at Tshala Muana's concert at the same venue to mark her 30-year music career.[63][64] In June 2009, she collaborated with Lutumaba Simaro to interpret his song "Mobali Ya Bato", which quickly peaked atop the Congolese charts.[9][42][10]

In September 2009, M'bilia Bel was part of the opening song for the 29th SADC summit, which was recorded in Kinshasa with other Congolese artists and subsequently played at the summit's opening ceremony.[65][66][67] On 17 October, she performed at the Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel in tribute to Franco Luambo, with former OK Jazz members and contemporary rumba artists, including Koffi Olomide, Malage de Lugendo, Papa Noël Nedule, Wuta Mayi, Edo Nganga, Michel Boyibanda, Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Bozi Boziana, Manda Chante, Papa Wemba, Tshala Muana, Simaro Lutumba, and Bana Ok.[68] On 28 May the next year, she made an appearance at Hotel Apocalypse 22 in the Masina commune as a participant in the Élection de Miss Tshangu, part of the 6th edition of the Festival Socioculturel de la Tshangu (Festsha).[69]

In 2010, M'bilia Bel traveled to Canada and Colombia for concerts. When she performed at the 3rd Afro-Colombian Champeta Festival in Cartagena with guitarist Lokassa Ya Mbongo, the then mayor Judith Pinedo Flórez gave her the key to city.[70][71]

After this tour, M'bilia Bel released a 2011 CD called The Queen with 13 songs, including a special track "Immigration Fatale", a song by singer Nyboma about the death of African children who cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe.

In 2020 she appeared as one of the main acts at Festival Amani where she was appreciated by the 36,000 attendees. Her set included the hits Mpeve ya Longo and Yamba Nga from the 1980s.[72]

After her departure from Afrisa, both the band's popularity and Bel's solo career experienced a decline. However, she made a triumphant comeback in 2004 with the release of her album "Bellissimo" (meaning "very beautiful" in Italian). The album received excellent reviews.[26]

Her music

[edit]

Bel's songs continued to dominate the Congolese music scene, among them "Mobali na ngai wana" ("This Husband of Mine"), composed by Tabu Ley and Roger Izeidi, an adaptation of a traditional song in Lingala with a Rap/animation of Bayanzi. In the song, Bel praises her husband as being winsome, elegant and efficacious and stresses that even though he has the opportunity to choose from any of Kinshasa's beautiful women, he chose her. Other songs that dominated the charts during her reign in Afrisa included "Balle a terre", "Bameli soy", "Ba gerants ya Mabala", "Keyna", "Cadence Mudanda", "Bafosami", "Nakei Nairobi", "Ba jeux de Coin", "Paka Wewe", "Boya Ye", "Yamba Ngai", "ShaWuri Yako" "Beyanga", and "La Beaute D'une Femme".[16]

In 1987, Afrisa toured East Africa, particularly Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, culminating in the album Nadina, which had Lingala and Swahili versions of the title song. The tour was well received. M'bilia Bel took center stage, overshadowing other Afrisa artists including Ndombe Opetum, who had returned from T.P OK Jazz. Upon their return to Kinshasa, rumours started surfacing about a rift between Tabu ley and M'bilia Bel. Both publicly denied having any problems when they were interviewed by journalists.[26][16]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year

Title

Certification
1982 Eswi Yo Wapi
1983 Faux Pas
1984 Loyenghe
1984 Ba Gerants Ya Mabal
1984 Bameli Soy
1985 Keyna/Cadence Mudanda
1986 Boya Ye
1987 Beyanga
1987 Contre Ma Volonte
1988 Phénomène
1991 Désolé!!!
1993 Ironie (with Rigo Star)
1997 8/10/Benedicta/8/10
1997 Yalowa
2001 Welcome
2004 Belissimo
2011 Queen
2014 Pantheon
Contributing artist

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Phull, Hardeep (2017-01-07). "The best international music you've never heard of". New York Post. Retrieved 2017-03-06.
  2. ^ "Times of Zambia | Mbilia Bel coming". Times.co.zm. Retrieved 2017-03-06.
  3. ^ Mukanga, Emmanuel N. (May 14, 2021). The Discarded Brick Volume 1: An African Autobiography in 26 countries on 3 continents. A trilogy in 3 seasons. Chennai, India: Notion Press. ISBN 9781638735809.
  4. ^ M'Bilia Bel - Belissimo Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved 2023-07-09
  5. ^ "WATCH: Rhumba queen Mbilia Bel joins raila on the campaign trail". Nairobi News. 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Biographie de Marie-Claire Mboyo Moseka, dit Mbilia Bel" [Biography of Marie-Claire Mboyo Moseka, known as Mbilia Bel]. Kin kiesse (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  7. ^ Romero, Angel (18 July 2016). "World Music Central: M'bilia Bel". World Music Central. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kassy, Justin (24 July 2023). "M'Bilia Bel: Une carrière bien remplie" [M'Bilia Bel: A busy career]. L'Impartial - Notre Credo, La Neutralité (in French). Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Lengo, Paulka Hassan (19 July 2012). "Univers Rumba Congolaise: Mboyo Moseka Marie-Claire alias Mbilia Bel". Universrumbacongolaise.com (in French). Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Ipan, Bienvenu (4 December 2010). "Congo-Kinshasa: Avec son opus "The Queen" - Mbilia Bel marque son retour en force sur la scène musicale" [Congo-Kinshasa: With her opus "The Queen" - Mbilia Bel marks her strong return to the music scene]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  11. ^ Kisangani, Emizet Francois; Bobb, Scott F. (2010). Historical Dictionary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lanham, Maryland, United States: Scarecrow Press. p. 497. ISBN 9780810863255.
  12. ^ African Business, Issues 305-315. London, England, United Kingdom: IC Publications. 2005. p. 66.
  13. ^ Talking Drums: Volume 3, Issues 1-22. Talking Drums. 1985. p. 20.
  14. ^ Blenkinsop, Ian; Ingham, Chris (October 2013). Music: The Definitive Visual History. London, United Kingdom: DK Publishing. p. 443. ISBN 9781465421265.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g "Mbilia Bel biography". Kenya Page. Nairobi, Kenya. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  16. ^ a b c "Artist Profiles: M'bilia Bel | World Music Central". 2016-07-18. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  17. ^ a b Clarke, Donald (1990). The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music. City of Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom: Penguin Books. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-14-051147-5.
  18. ^ Tsioulcas, Anastasia (2 December 2013). "Remembering A Congolese Rumba King". Npr.org. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  19. ^ Ngaira, Amos (5 July 2020). "Tribute to Tabu Ley, the man who gave us 'Muzina... and 50 children". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  20. ^ White, Bob W. (1999). "Modernity's Trickster: "Dipping" and "Throwing" in Congolese Popular Dance Music". Research in African Literatures. 30 (4): 156–175. ISSN 0034-5210.
  21. ^ Clarke, Donald (1998). The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music. City of Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom: Penguin Books. p. 91. ISBN 978-0-14-051370-7.
  22. ^ Lukalo, Fibian Kavulani (2006). Extended Handshake Or Wrestling Match?: Youth and Urban Culture Celebrating Politics in Kenya. Uppsala, Sweden: Nordic Africa Institute. p. 19. ISBN 978-91-7106-567-4.
  23. ^ "Nakei Nairobi: Mbilia Bel Returns to Kenya for DR Congo Independence Concert". Tanzaniatimes.net. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  24. ^ Blues & Soul, Issues 461-473. Croydon, London, England, United Kingdom: Napfield Limited. July 1986. p. 42.
  25. ^ Africa Events, Volume 1. London, United Kingdom: Dar es Salaam Limited. 1985. p. 61.
  26. ^ a b c d Kisangani, Emizet Francois; Bobb, Scott F. (2010). Historical Dictionary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lanham, Maryland, United States: Scarecrow Press. p. 335. ISBN 9780810863255.
  27. ^ "M'BILIA BEL". JazzMusicArchives.com. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  28. ^ a b c X, Norbert; Mbu-Mputu, Deo; Kasereka, Katya. Bamonimambo (The Witnesses): Rediscovering DR Congo and British Isles Common History. South People's Projects-Soppro. p. 158. ISBN 978-1-4477-5791-7.
  29. ^ a b African Business, Issues 305-315. London, England, United Kingdom: IC Publications. 2005. p. 66.
  30. ^ Jovanovic, Rob (2004). Perfect Sound Forever: The Story of Pavement. Justin, Charles & Co. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-932112-07-8.
  31. ^ "Mbilia Bel Discography - DJ Joe Sixpack's African Music Guide". Slipcue.com. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  32. ^ Graham, Ronnie, ed. (1992). The World of African Music, Volume 1. London, England, United Kingdom: Pluto Press. p. 116. ISBN 978-0-948390-03-6.
  33. ^ Shepherd, John, ed. (30 January 2003). Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World: Performance and production. Volume II. London, England, United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Academic. p. 700. ISBN 978-0-8264-6321-0.
  34. ^ Stewart, Gary (5 May 2020). Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos. Verso Books. ISBN 978-1-78960-911-0.
  35. ^ Tchebwa, Manda (9 August 1996). Terre de la chanson: La musique zaïroise hier et aujourd'hui (in French). Louvain-la-neuve, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium: De Boeck Supérieur. p. 190. ISBN 978-2-8011-1128-4.
  36. ^ Revue noire, Issues 20-21 (in French). Paris, France: Publications Editions Bleu Outremer. 1996. p. 92.
  37. ^ 8/10 Benedicta, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States: AllMusic, 1993, retrieved 25 July 2024
  38. ^ "Mbilia Bel – 8/10 Benedicta". Discogs.com. Beaverton, Oregon, United States. 1993. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  39. ^ a b Ebony, Volume 52, Issues 3-6. Negro Digest Publishing Company, Incorporated. 1997. p. 20.
  40. ^ a b Company, Johnson Publishing (April 1997). Ebony, Vol. 52, No. 6. Chicago, Illinois, United States: Johnson Publishing Company. p. 20. ISSN 0012-9011.
  41. ^ Jazz Times. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States: Jazz Times, Volume 27, Issues 6-10. 1997. p. 146.
  42. ^ a b "Mbilia bel discography meaning" (PDF). img1.wsimg. p. 2. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  43. ^ a b Diop, Jeannot ne Nzau (30 April 2005). "Congo-Kinshasa: Souzy Kaseya : extraordinaire arrangeur, soliste réformateur" [Congo-Kinshasa: Souzy Kaseya: extraordinary arranger, reforming soloist]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  44. ^ Kabeya, Ddy (26 October 2001). "Congo-Kinshasa: Return announcement: Mbilia Bel this November 8 in Kinshasa" [Congo-Kinshasa: Retour annonce : Mbilia Bel ce 8 novembre à Kinshasa]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  45. ^ a b c Mafina, Frederic (3 March 2022). "Les immortelles chansons d'Afrique: "Douceur" de Mbilia Bel" [The immortal songs of Africa: "Douceur" by Mbilia Bel]. Adiac-congo.com (in French). Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  46. ^ Kazadi, Désiré-Israel (12 November 2002). "Congo-Kinshasa: Tshala Muana a enivré les Kinois avec le "Mutuashi"" [Congo-Kinshasa: Tshala Muana intoxicated the people of Kinshasa with "Mutuashi"]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  47. ^ Nkutu, JP. (22 November 2002). "Congo-Kinshasa: Empire Fondation se souvient de Pepé Kallé" [Congo-Kinshasa: Empire Foundation remembers Pepé Kallé]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  48. ^ Nkutu, Jean-Pierre (14 March 2003). "Congo-Kinshasa: Empire Fondation au LSC avec Mbilia Bel" [Congo-Kinshasa: Empire Foundation at LSC with Mbilia Bel]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  49. ^ Kanka, Joseph (15 July 2003). "Congo-Kinshasa: Référendum 2002 : Koffi Olomide a fait carton plein" [Congo-Kinshasa: Referendum 2002: Koffi Olomide wins]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  50. ^ Kanka, Joseph (5 December 2003). "Afrique: Ce samedi 6 décembre en Afrique du Sud, Koffi, Tshala Muana, Mbilia Bel, Yondo sister, Werrason et Bozi en course pour Kora 2003" [Africa: This Saturday, December 6 in South Africa, Koffi, Tshala Muana, Mbilia Bel, Yondo sister, Werrason and Bozi in the race for Kora 2003]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  51. ^ Gango, Thiéry Gervais (10 December 2003). "Cameroun: Koras 2003 : deux soleils camerounais à Sun City" [Cameroon: Koras 2003: two Cameroonian suns at Sun City]. Mutations Multimedia (in French). Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  52. ^ a b Kanka, Joseph (24 September 2004). "Congo-Kinshasa: Du 27 septembre au 9 octobre 2004, un grand Hommage à Abeti Masikini" [Congo-Kinshasa: From September 27 to October 9, 2004, a great Tribute to Abeti Masikini]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  53. ^ a b Kiryowa, Sebidde (12 August 2005). "Uganda: Mbilia to Rock Uganda". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  54. ^ Ssali, Henry H. (23 August 2005). "Uganda: All is Set for Mbilia Show". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  55. ^ Mukendi, R. Serge (17 October 2005). "Congo-Kinshasa: 10ème édition du festival de la musique africaine : la RDC Koffi, JB Mpiana, Werrason, Tshala Muana et Mbilia Bel au KORA 2005" [Congo-Kinshasa: 10th edition of the African music festival: DRC Koffi, JB Mpiana, Werrason, Tshala Muana and Mbilia Bel at KORA 2005]. Lephareonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  56. ^ Banda, Tim Kamuzu (15 September 2007). "Kenya: Fresh From Oslo, Owiyo Vows to Bounce Back". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  57. ^ Tatya, Rafsanjan Abbey (9 July 2007). "Uganda: Seven Ugandans Get Kisima Nominations". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  58. ^ Serunjogi, Titus (14 July 2007). "Uganda: Citizens Lined for Kisima Awards". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  59. ^ Ngaira, Amos (27 October 2007). "Congo-Kinshasa: Get Married? Not Just Yet, Says Songbird Mbilia Bel". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  60. ^ Diop, Jeannot Ne Nzau (22 March 2008). "Congo-Kinshasa: 19 mars 1938 - 19 mars 2008" [Congo-Kinshasa: March 19, 1938 - March 19, 2008]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 27 July 2008.
  61. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: "Vivement Simaro Lutumba" : l'artiste a été fêté comme il le fallait" [Congo-Kinshasa: "Long live Simaro Lutumba": the artist was celebrated as he deserved]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 April 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  62. ^ Diop, Jeannot Ne Nzau (6 September 2008). "Congo-Kinshasa: "Vivement Simaro" merci l'artiste - Yves Kambala présente les 70 ans de Lutumba sur CD et DVD" [Congo-Kinshasa: "Vivement Simaro" merci l'artiste - Yves Kambala presents Lutumba's 70th anniversary on CD and DVD]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  63. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: Ce mercredi 30 avril au parking du GHK - Tshala Muana fête les 30 ans de sa carrière musicale !" [Congo-Kinshasa: This Wednesday, April 30 at the GHK parking lot - Tshala Muana celebrates 30 years of his musical career!]. Laprosperiteonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2008.
  64. ^ Diop, Jeannot ne Nzau (20 May 2008). "Congo-Kinshasa: Tshala Muana a été honorée à Brazzaville" [Congo-Kinshasa: Tshala Muana was honored in Brazzaville]. Lepotentiel.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  65. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa : Sommet de la SADC – Koffi Olomidé écarté, se lamente!" [Congo-Kinshasa: SADC Summit – Koffi Olomidé dismissed, laments!]. Laprosperiteonline.net/ (in French). 8 September 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  66. ^ "Afrique Australe : Chanson pour "SADC" – Koffi Olomidé se dit marginalisé" [Southern Africa: Song for "SADC" – Koffi Olomidé says he is marginalized]. L'Autre Quotidien (in French). 11 September 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  67. ^ "Communique of the 29th Summit of SADC Head of State and Government – Madagascar". reliefweb.int. 10 September 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  68. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa : Un Grand concert à l'hommage de Franco Luambo ce samedi au GHK!" [Congo-Kinshasa: A big concert in tribute to Franco Luambo this Saturday at the GHK!]. Laprosperiteonline.net/ (in French). 16 October 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  69. ^ "Congo-Kinshasa: Marsavco revient à la charge avec Marie Misamu sur scène!" [Congo-Kinshasa: Marsavco returns to the charge with Marie Misamu on stage!]. Laprosperiteonline.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  70. ^ Alsema, Adriaan (4 August 2010). "Champeta rhythms to take the stage in Cartagena". Colombia Reports. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  71. ^ Orozco Ramos, Dalida. ""La champeta es hija del soukous": Lokassa ya M'bongo" ["The champeta is the daughter of the soukous": Lokassa ya M'bongo]. El Heraldo (in Spanish). Barranquilla, Colombia. p. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2023. Antes de hacerle la primera pregunta, dice en lingala (su lengua natural) que está feliz en Cartagena. "Aquí se dio el fenómeno más importante de mi vida musical. Desde que vine por primera vez (1980), no pude evitar contagiarme con el calor humano y la amabilidad de la gente. Yo me siento como un cartagenero más, y hasta tengo las llaves de la ciudad", dice con orgullo para referirse a la visita de 2010, en la que recibió las llaves de la ciudad Heroica, junto a la otra estrella de la música africana, la gran Mbilia Bel, intérprete de temas como Mobali Na Ngai Wana (La Bollona).
  72. ^ "Amani Festival: The DR Congo music festival celebrating life". BBC News. 2020-02-23. Retrieved 2022-02-05.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=M%27bilia_Bel&oldid=1237038188"