Introduction to Barbara KanamBarbara Kanam Mutund, better known by her stage name Barbara Kanam, is one of the most celebrated figures in Congolese music. Born on September 27, 1973, in Bukavu, Zaïre (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Kanam is a multifaceted artist—singer-songwriter, music...
Origins and Formation in BrazzavilleExtra Musica was founded in the vibrant Ouenzé district of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, in August 1993. This groundbreaking band was established by Roga Roga, Espé Bass, Kila Mbongo, Durell Loemba, Guy-Guy Fall, Ramatoulaye Ngolali, and Quentin Moyascko, most of...
The Birth of a Congolese LegendHenri Bowane, born in 1926 in the Belgian Congo, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Congolese Rumba. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Bowane was not just a musician but a pioneer who helped shape the sound that...
Mose Se Sengo, widely known as Mose Fan Fan, was a Congolese guitarist, composer, and bandleader who left an indelible mark on the African music scene. Born in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1945, his musical journey spanned over...
Early Beginnings in BrazzavilleMav Cacharel, born Hilaire Youla on January 14, 1957, in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age. Starting with his first group, Les Ombres, at just 13 years old, Mav's early performances in Brazzaville laid...
The Underrated Role of Women in Congolese MusicWhile many of the most celebrated names in Congolese music are male—such as Franco Luambo Makiadi and Papa Wemba—women have played an equally vital role in shaping the genre's history. From vocalists to composers, they have contributed to...
