Awilo Longomba Biography
Awilo Longomba was born in Kinshasa (formally, Léopoldville). His father was from the Mongo region of the Ecuador and his mother was also from the Ecuador region of Ngombe and Congo Brazzaville. His father, Vicky Longomba, was the famous lead singer and founder of “Tout puissant OK Jazz” during the golden age of Congolese rumba, had a big influence on our artist.
Awilo Longomba Age
Awilo Longomba was born on May 5, 1962,He is 56 years as of 2018.
Awilo Longomba Family
Awilo Longomba was born in Kinshasa (formally, Léopoldville). His father was from the Mongo region of the Ecuador and his mother was also from the Ecuador region of Ngombe and Congo Brazzaville. His father, Vicky Longomba, was the famous lead singer and founder of “Tout puissant OK Jazz” during the golden age of Congolese rumba, had a big influence on our artist. Since childhood, Awilo spent every waking moment in the music scenes attending his father’s rehearsals.
Awilo Longomba wife
Awilo Longomba is married to Paradis Kacharelle and they have a son called Lovy Longomba.
Awilo Longomba Children
Lovy Longomba is belived to be the son of Awilo Longomba
Awilo Longomba Carrer
Since childhood, Awilo spent every waking moment in the music scenes attending his father’s rehearsals. Very quickly his passion for music grew, and instead of going to classes, he started drumming for various groups of Kinshasa, including “l’orchestre de Lita Bembo. He joined the orchestra “Viva La Musica” led by the great Papa Wemba as a drummer, and Awilo had his real first taste of live performance on his first international tour in Europe and to Japan in 1985 and 1986.
As the fever he caught during his tour grew stronger, he decided to pursue his artistic carrier and moved to France. His reputation as one of the best drummers in France spread very quickly. This allowed him to collaborate on numerous records and toured worldwide with several African artists such as Tshala Muana, Oliver Ngoma, Kanda Bongo Man just to name a few.
But Awilo’s ambition didn’t stop there. In 1992 he decided to leave “Viva La Musica” and formed his own group “La Nouvelle Génération” of which he became the leader. This new band became very popular in Europe and produced several albums.
In 1995, the career of Awilo, the singer, took off and he left “La Nouvelle Génération”. He released his first solo album “Moto Pamba” in which, he was the composer, the lead singer and of course the drummer. The Techno-Soukous star was born. His success couldn’t be ignored! He finally put the drums down and decided to concentrate on his singing and started touring in East Africa and in Europe. This first CD land him the “Best Central Africa Artist Awards” at the KORA AWARDS 1996 and 1997 (All Africa Music Awards, held in Sun City, South Africa)
Since then, it has been non-stop for Awilo. His second round in the studio validated his popularity. He released “Coupe Bibamba”, in 1998 with the collaboration of Jocelyne Bérouard. The controversial title cut “Coupé Bibamba” that denounces poverty in Africa with catchy song lines: Comment tu t’appelles? Je m’appelle… Coupé Coupé Bibamba! The title hits the number 1 spot on the African and European charts very quick and stayed for several weeks. Several titles from the same CD followed.
In July 2000, Awilo released his third CD “Kafou Kafou” this CD sent him back to the KORA 2001 where Awilo was recognized for his outstanding contribution to African music and received “Judges Special Awards” during the KORA 2001.
Awilo is the MOST WANTED Congolese artists on the African continent and Europe. He has toured in African counties such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Zambia, Gabon, Mali etc…). Awilo also has toured in Europe (Switzerland, Belgium, Great Britain etc…) as well as the United States.
His talent received notoriety when Sony music requested a remix funk version of his “Coupé bibamba” with James D-Train to be included in the compilation “Tribute to the Funk” released in June 2003 and became a summer hit. The remix will also be included in “African Dance Floor” compilation. Awilo also performed at Zenith concert hall in Paris with other American artists (Jocelyn Brown, Anita Ward, Imagination…) who were part of the compilation.
Awilo has once again demonstrated his talent by producing his latest CD “Mondongo”. It is an electrifying blend of kompas, rumba, R&B and soukouss… with the collaboration of other great African artists such as Lokua Kanza, “Mondongo” is a guaranteed success!.
Awilo Longomba Photo
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Awilo Longomba Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/awilolongomba
Awilo Longomba top 50 Songs
- Karolina
- Gâté le coin
- Moyen té
- Coupé bibamba
- coupe bibamba
- Sequestration
- Bundelele
- Cache cache
- Porokondo
- Moyen te
- Mon****o
- Sans papier
- Manon
- Abidjan debout
- Champion
- Fifi
- Esopi Yo (feat. Tiwa Sa***e)
- Moto Pamba
- Zumbeya
- Faux dossier
- Mobimba ya mama
- J’en ai marre
- Rihanna
- Mupenzi
- Gladys
- Le biaka
- Mia muliere
- Happy Birthday
- Mwana mama
- Pinzoli
- Carolina
- Lache la go
- Dance Floor
- Amour perdu
- Kayembé
- Ndombolo
- Polygamie
- Mapouka
- Karoline
- Gâté le coin – Mix
- Tchelele
- Super Man
- awilo longomba – coupe bibamba
- Cache Cache (Hide and Seek)
- Malala
- Kayembe
- Gate Le Coin & Koffi Olomide
- Les jaloux
- Banana
- Mwana Mwana
Awilo Longomba News
On August 3, 2014 12:42 Am
Why I Disappeared From Music Scene – Awilo Longomba
Elated Awilo said in an interview that he was in Nigeria where he performed at the opening gala of MTN Project West Africa, as well as to promote his latest single: “Bundele”
He ruled the airwaves in the late 80s with his songs, which cut across cultural boundaries. But suddenly, he disappeared into thin air, leaving millions of his fans yearning for more of his stimulating music.
Awilo Longomba, the Congolese superstar, who won the hearts of millions of music lovers across the world, especially in Nigeria, with his monotonous but infectious songs and sexy dance steps, has resurfaced again. He disappeared from the music scene after releasing his hit album and since then nothing much has been heard of him.
Interestingly, the Congelese superstar reappeared in Lagos, last week, where he graced the hosting of 2Face’s new album: “Ascension,” by MTV and the organisers of Industry Nite. Indeed, it was a homecoming affair for the “Moto Pamba” crooner, who performed alongside 2Face at the event.
Elated Awilo said in an interview that he was in Nigeria where he performed at the opening gala of MTN Project West Africa, as well as to promote his latest single: “Bundele.” He described 2Face as “a legend of our time”, adding: “After listening to all of his songs, it has been very difficult for me to separate one single from the other because they are all good. It was indeed a difficult choice to make. Tuface is good.
“I was actually invited to come and perform at the gala night of the popular reality TV show, MTN Project Fame. I was due to return to London where I’m currently residing, but I decided to stay back and honour Tuface as they host him tonight. 2Face is a legend of our time.
I love Nigeria and all the English-speaking countries. I relocated to London because I needed to improve on my English speaking art.”
Also, on why he disappeared from the music scene, the Congolese superstar said it was based on global demand for his music. He said: “My disappearance has to do with promotional issues. After releasing my hit album, I was wanted all over the world. I didn’t disappear, rather I was busy touring the whole world and entertaining my fans. Honestly, I think you should inquire from the DJs about me. Yes, I went underground for some years now.
But now, I’m back with a new song, which is currently making waves in Brazil and other parts of the world. Let me add that I am also in Nigeria to promote my single titled: Bundele. It is currently rated as one of the best songs in the world.”
Awilo’s popularity during his reign spread to USA/Canada while on tour then with Nabtry International Cultural Dancers, an African dance group founded in 2007 by Grace Haukwa. The Super-Man tour was successful throughout 2008 and 2009. By popular votes and a historic win at the International Reggae and World Music Awards with over 120 countries voting in, Awilo’s Super-Man won the Best Soukous Entertainer Award 2009.
According to him, Afro-beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, inspired him into music. He said: “The Afro-beat legend, Fela Kuti, inspired my going into music. He was the biggest musician Nigeria ever produced and he popularised the Nigerian music all over the world. As a kid, I enjoyed one of his songs: ‘Shakara.’ That song inspired one of my hit songs, which you all know and sing till date. Afro-beat is the best music genre in the world.”
Awilo’s songs appealed not only to English-speaking countries only but also European countries and other parts of the world. His songs particularly inspired most Nigerian musicians such as Funmi Adams’ ‘Yaro,’ which she sang in Hausa in the late 80’s. Also Julius Agwu’s songs: “Okombo, Chop Bisikit, Bendown Sellect and I Buy Kwilikwili” were all inspired by Awilo’s creativity.
It would be recalled that after Awilo’s hit songs in his Coupe Bilamba album, a lot of other French singing Africans began to outwit each other in releasing songs, which then had a large market in Nigeria. Its influence grew to the extent that comic actor, Julius Agwu, made a comic remix of Awilo’s songs and made a massive impact.
Described as “a huge success”, most musicians, including gospel artistes, made their own versions and also began to play that brand of music though it has waned at the moment.
It was another unforgettable experience when Awilo stormed Nigeria for a concert. Millions of music lovers in Nigeria described that experience as “unprecedented in the history of shows in the country.” What probably could equate the crowd that attended the epoch-making music show is the Paul Adefarasin’s Experience, where Christians of all denominations gather at the Tafawa Balewa Square a once in a year live concert featuring both foreign and local acts. Awilo was in his best element, setting the venue on fire, with his captivating dance steps.
Unfortunately, the Congolese superstar disappeared into thin air, leaving no traces until last week when he reappeared in Lagos. Recently, his fans were shocked when they saw him in a music video of a wave making Nigerian artiste, Praize. Indeed, Awilo is back to reclaim his place in the music scene. But can he pull the same weight as he did during his reign?
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