Félix Wazekwa

Félix Nlandu Wazekwa (born 14 September 1962), known professionally as Félix Wazekwa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, author, filmmaker, dancer, and bandleader. Known for his Lingala deep lyrics and baritone voice, he is regarded as an influential figure in soukous and Congolese rumba music and one of the most prominent lyricists of his generation.

Wazekwa began his music career as a member of the Kinshasa-based group Kin-Verso. In 1995, he released his debut solo studio album, Tétragramme, which featured Papa Wemba and Madilu System. In 1997, Wazekwa released his second studio album titled Pauvres, Mais. His third studio album, Bonjour Monsieur, published on 10 November 1998, became a significant success throughout Africa, earning him the Revelation accolade of that year. In 1999, he formed his backing band, Cultur'A Pays Vie, and then released his fourth studio album, Sponsor, followed by Signature (2001) and Yo Nani? (2002). On 25 August 2004, Wazekwa issued his seventh studio album, Et Après..., succeeded by Faux Mutu Moko Boye in 2005. In 2008, he released his ninth studio album, Que Demande Le Peuple?, followed by Mémoire ya Nzambe in 2010. He returned with Adamu na Eva in 2013,  and I Love You in January 2015.

Wazekwa gained widespread recognition with his breakout ndombolo-infused single, "Fimbu," which debuted in September 2015 in support of the Congolese national football team, nicknamed Les Léopards. The song gained significant popularity during the run-up to the 2016 African Nations Championship and went on to become a sleeper hit in 2017 during the Africa Cup of Nations. It was accompanied by the "Fimbu chicotte" dance, which saw players raising their left arm while waving their right as they moved collectively down the pitch.

His book Les Petits Bonbons de la Sagesse was published by Bergame on 10 January 2018. Wazekwa released his thirteenth studio album, Article 23, in 2020.

1962–1995: Childhood, education and music debut
Félix Nlandu Wazekwa was born on 14 September 1962 in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), in what was then the Belgian Congo (and was later the Republic of the Congo, then Zaire, and is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Wazekwa was drawn to music at a young age and formed a troupe of local children in the 1970s. During this time, Wazekwa gained recognition for his prowess in dancing. He subsequently founded a traditional music ensemble known as SODEPA in the Kinshasa's Matete commune, where he became celebrated for his singing and dancing abilities. Between 1982 and 1983, he formed another musical collective named Kin-Verso in the Matete commune.

After graduating from high school with a French baccalaureate from the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Kinshasa, Wazekwa pursued economics studies at Paris 8 University Vincennes-Saint-Denis in 1985. Thereafter, he became an autodidact and augmented his knowledge through reading, which gave him an interest in literary polymaths like Henry Nelson and Paul Valéry, alongside contemporary writers like Jean d'Ormesson and Michel Serres. After completing his studies, he returned to Kinshasa and began working as a songwriter for various up-and-coming Zairean artists. He quickly garnered attention from Koffi Olomidé, who incorporated Wazekwa's compositions into his projects between 1991 and 1993, notably featured in albums such as Haut De Gamme - Koweit, Rive Gauche, and Noblesse Oblige.

After a brief stint with Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba approached Wazekwa to assist him in refining his songwriting abilities. In 1994, Wazekwa contributed four tracks to Papa Wemba's band Viva La Musica's album Foridoles, with the track "Reference," composed by Wazekwa, gaining prominence as the album's standout piece. Wazekwa also claimed authorship of the song "Nzete Ya Séquoia." Following this, he participated in Papa Wemba's 1995 release, Pôle Position.

1995–1997: Tétragramme and Pauvres, Mais…
While simultaneously involved in the production of Papa Wemba's album Pôle Position, Wazekwa was encouraged by Papa Wemba to pursue a solo musical career. During an interview with Radio Okapi, Wazekwa expressed, "It was Papa Wemba who urged me to take the stage... you can keep giving me songs, but you can also sing." That same year, Wazekwa commenced work on his debut studio album, Tétragramme, with support of Papa Wemba and Madilu System. In an Afropop Worldwide interview, Wazekwa revealed that during the creation of Tétragramme, he was a gospel singer. The record, a blend of Congolese rumba and soukous, featured collaborations with Tabu Ley Rochereau, Bozi Boziana, and Déesse Mukangi. Tétragramme garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning Wazekwa the Best Revelation of the Year accolade from ACMCO.

In 1997, Wazekwa released his second studio album, titled Pauvres, Mais… (Poor, but...), which received widespread praise throughout the country for its lyrical content. The album's songs explored themes of love and socioeconomic commentary. The track "Biléi Ya Mobóla" metaphorically addresses the concept of love while drawing attention to the struggles of underprivileged people who are left with nothing but bones to eat. Meanwhile, the album's eponymous single is a critique against those who scorn the economically marginalized.

1998–2004: Bonjour Monsieur, Sponsor, Signature, Yo Nani?, and Et Après...
Bonjour Monsieur, Wazekwa's third studio album, debuted on 10 November 1998, propelled Wazekwa into the spotlight and received accolades across Africa.

In 1999, Wazekwa founded his own band Cultur'A Pays-Vie, which altered plans for his upcoming 10-track album, Sponsor. Recorded at Meko Studio in Kinshasa and Marcadet Studio in Paris, Sponsor was issued in December 1999 under the Cameroonian label JPS Production, owned by Jean-Pierre Sahi. The album's success allowed Cultur'A Pays-Vie to embark on their debut European tour, which provided them a substantial platform to promote the album. They subsequently secured sponsorship from the brewing company Bralima, which supported Wazekwa's promotional activities, and invested heavily in the album's promotion with Wazekwa exclusively endorsing Bralima.

Prior to the release of his fifth studio album, Signature, in mid-June 2001, Wazekwa attended the Union des Musiciens du Congo convocation at the Vévé-Center in Kinshasa, which aimed to conceive a patriotic song. On 16 June, Wazekwa and Cultur'A Pays-Vie performed to a sold-out audience at the YMCA square in Matonge. The album, recorded in Paris at Marcadet Studio, comprised 12 tracks and was distributed by JPS Production. Signature sparked the emergence of the dance phenomena "King-Kong" and "Ekiti Talo," which gained nationwide renown. To further promote Signature, Wazekwa and Cultur'A Pays-Vie hosted a sold-out event at the Cinemax in Kinshasa. According to the Congolese daily newspaper Le Phare, the show was well-attended that many people remained outside, with the "sound pouring from this amphitheater." Wazekwa subsequently won two consecutive CHADA for Best Artist of the Year and Best Group of the Year for Cultur'A Pays-Vie. He also garnered three ACMCO awards for Best Composer, Best Artist, and Best Orchestra for Cultur'A Pays-Vie.

Wazekwa began work on his sixth studio album, Yo Nani? in early 2002. He toured Paris in May of that year with Cultur'A Pays-Vie to prepare for Yo Nani?, where he secured a production contract for a show at LSC in Paris on July 20. He later returned to Kinshasa to finalize Yo Nani? 's production. Released on 12 November 2002, and produced by JPS Production, Yo Nani? explored themes of existentialism and societal structure. Reviewing for Le Phare, Mavambu Leya Guyo, noted that Yo Nani? departed from Wazekwa's usual guitar notes.

On 25 August 2004, Wazekwa published his seventh studio album, Et Après.... The album was co-produced in both Africa and Europe by Cameroonian arranger-producer Edgar Yonkeu and Kiki Productions, owned by Franco-Guinean producer Kiki Touré. Et Après... attained notable success, particularly with the hit dance track "Sautez Déjà", and the accompanying dance trend known as "nzoto ya mama elengi", meaning "the woman's body is welcoming." The album's success earned Wazekwa the Best Central African Male at the Kora Awards in South Africa.

2005–2010: from Faux Mutu Moko Boye to Mémoire ya Nzambe
In December 2005, Wazekwa issued his eighth studio album, Faux Mutu Moko Boye, often abbreviated FMMB. Wazekwa recorded Faux Mutu Moko Boye in Paris with Cultur'A Pays-Vie. The album was highly successful and widely praised by the Kinshasa audience, with Wazekwa selling out performances.

In February 2006, Wazekwa made his debut American tour with shows in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, including a notable appearance at Harvard University during a symposium on Congolese culture. Towards the year's end, Wazekwa issued a six-track maxi-single titled Mosapi Liboso as part of his Bralima sponsorship. However, in 2007, Cultur'A Pays experienced consecutive departures of several key members who joined the Quartier Latin International led by Wazekwa's former collaborator and rival, Koffi Olomidé. In early 2008, Wazekwa recruited new backing vocalists and unveiled his ninth studio album, Que Demande Le Peuple?, which became Cultur'A Pays's debut album. He presented a major concert at the Olympia Hall in Paris and another at the Zénith de Lille.

In 2009, Wazekwa released his tenth studio album, Mémoire ya Nzambe, which includes 13 tracks and features a guest appearance by Simaro Lutumba on its eponymous track. The album subtly taunts his former musicians who left Cultur'A Pays-Vie.

2011–2019: from Haut Les Mains! to "La Chicotte des Léopards"
In 2011, Wazekwa released his 10-track maxi-single titled Haut Les Mains! on compact disc and Digital Video Disc. However, following its debut, Haut Les Mains! was pirated and broadcast clandestinely at Place de la Victoire, one of Kinshasa's primary venues, without facing any consequences.

In May 2012, during an interview with Radio Okapi, Wazekwa announced his forthcoming eleventh studio album, Adamu Na Eva (Adam and Eve). He also told the press that the choice of the album's name stemmed from a desire to affirm the uniqueness of the human race despite variances in complexion, ethnicity, and dialect. Wazekwa further disclosed he was collaborating on the record with fellow Congolese rhythm guitarist Simaro Lutumba. By July 2013, Wazekwa proclaimed that Adamu Na Eva was in its conclusive phases of production, having completed the visual accompaniments, and was in pursuit of reputable distribution entities both domestically in Kinshasa and internationally to avoid falling into the hands of corrupt producers. While awaiting an ideal distributor, Wazekwa and Cultur'A Pays continued rehearsals within the Ngiri-Ngiri commune. Adamu Na Eva was officially launched on 19 September 2013, comprising ten tracks. Wazekwa subsequently supported Adamu Na Eva with a live performance alongside Cultur'A Pays Vie at the Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hôtel on 30 November, followed by a concert in Kongo Central Province at the Ledya Hotel in Matadi. He later performed in Brazzaville with Cultur'A Pays Vie at the Ledger Plaza Maya Maya hotel, and later returned to Kinshasa for a performance at the Venus Hotel in Gombe.

Wazekwa began recording his 13-track twelfth studio album, I Love You, in early 2014 in Kinshasa. During this time, he performed at the Marché de la Liberté in Kinshasa on 13 June 2014 and at the Bralima-sponsored Primus Fete de la Musique at the Théâtre de Verdure in the Ngaliema commune. On 20 December, he released the album's lead single "Bouffez-Moi Tout Ça" in the Paris market. I Love You was officially released on 3 January 2015. He subsequently presented I Love You with a performance at the Foire Internationale de Kinshasa on 4 January.

On 5 September 2015, Wazekwa issued the ndombolo-infused single "Fimbu". The term fimbu in Lingala denotes a type of whip, historically emblematic of Belgian colonial subjugation in the expansive Central African subregion, and persists in contemporary use despite prohibitions on corporal punishment. In an interview with Radio Okapi, Wazekwa explained that "Fimbu" was a call against impunity and violence toward women, claiming that fimbu is primarily a plea for the eradication of impunity and that offenders "deserve to be reprimanded... the dance movements resembled correcting a person with a sprain... this concept could also apply to football." The song quickly gained popularity, particularly in support of the Congolese national football team, Les Léopards. Wazekwa was summoned to perform at Cinema Atlântico in Luanda on 10 October of that year. The accompanying "Fimbu Chicotte" dance gained widespread acclaim across Africa in the lead-up to the 2016 African Nations Championship and later became a sleeper hit in 2017 during the Africa Cup of Nations, emerging as a celebratory dance for Les Léopards to commemorate every goal scored. The dance also propelled Wazekwa to fame across Europe, notably among the continent's diaspora in Belgium and France.

On 1 April 2017, Wazekwa released the audio for "Debout Africains," a remixed version of "Fimbu" with an educational theme promoting African unity. The song incorporates elements of the Congolese national anthem and includes lyrics in English, Swahili, and French. On 16 December, Wazekwa premiered the single "Papa Wemba - Le Prince de la Rumba," as a tribute to Papa Wemba. This was succeeded by "Icône d'Afrique," a tribute to Simaro Lutumba. On 15 June 2019, he dropped "La Chicotte des Léopards" for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to support Les Léopards. Described by Congolese digital media outlet Mbote.cd as a "danceable theme," the song's music video featured Wazekwa and several individuals dancing the fimbu dance around a pool.

2020–present: Article 23 and standalone releases
In December 2019, Wazekwa released his thirteenth studio double album titled Article 23, which included guest appearances by Barbara Kanam and Héritier Watanabe. Produced by his record label Foundation Wazekwa, it consisted of 24 tracks. On 14 December, he premiered the album's eponymous ndombolo-infused lead single, which emulated Charlie Chaplin's Tramp character with shouts, notably "Charlie Chaplin Charlot!" and accompanied by a dance where the entire Cultur'A Pays Vie imitated Chaplin's on-screen persona.

On 24 December 2020, Wazekwa released the lyric video for his English-inflected single "It's My Call." He followed up with "Miliki," a song in which Wazekwa extols his partner, likening her to the cherished milk of his childhood. On 14 July 2021, he debuted "Kilelo," a cover compilation of the most successful songs of notable Congolese musicians, including JB Mpiana, Werrason and Jossart N'Yoka Longo. On 19 March 2022, Wazekwa released the single "Leopards Fimbu International" in support of Les Léopards during the play-off phase for the 2022 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The track featured guest appearances by Flaety W. Manuke, Lokua Kanza, Kadiyoyo, JB Mpiana, Barbara Kanam, Koffi Olomide, Cindy le Cœur, Héritier Watanabe, Laetitia Lokua, Adolphe Dominguez, Werrason, Lemiran LEM, Kristy Diamond, Ferré Gola, and Innoss'B.

Wazekwa participated in the sixth anniversary of Papa Wemba's passing alongside his family, A'Salfo, Reddy Amisi, Cathérine Kathungu Furaha, and Viva la Musica. On 25 June, Wazekwa published the single "Épaisseur", followed by "Entrepreneuriat" featuring Jossart N'Yoka Longo, which urges Congolese people to engage in entrepreneurial activities. On 3 February 2023, he collaborated with his erstwhile rival Koffi on the Congolese rumba-infused single "Eau Pure", a year after their reconciliation ended years of conflict that had characterized the Congolese music scene. He then appeared with Cindy Le Coeur on stage alongside Koffi during her concert at Millionaire Club in Kinshasa.

On 12 July, Wazekwa premiered "Tik Tok", featuring a guest appearance by Fabregas Le Métis Noir. He subsequently performed at Stade des Martyrs with Fabregas Le Métis Noir, becoming one of the few Congolese artists to grace the stage at the venue. On 30 September, Wazekwa performed alongside Ferré Gola, JB Mpiana, Werrason, Héritier Watanabe, and Fabregas Le Métis Noir at Stade Tata Raphaël during the "Célébrons le Héros" mega musical event, which expressed gratitude to President Félix Tshisekedi for the successful organization of the 2023 Jeux de la Francophonie held in Kinshasa.

Studio albums

 * Tétragramme, YHWH (1995)
 * Pauvres, Mais… (1997)
 * Bonjour Monsieur (1998)
 * Sponsor (1999)
 * Signature (2001)
 * Yo Nani ? (2002)
 * Et Après... (2004)
 * Faux Mutu Moko Boye (2005)
 * Que Demande Le Peuple? (2008)
 * Mémoire ya Nzambe (2010)
 * Adamu Na Eva (2013)
 * I Love You (2015)
 * Article 23 (2020)

Singles and maxi-singles

 * Mosapi Liboso (2006)
 * La chèvre de Monsieur Seguin (2009)
 * Haut les mains (2011)
 * Miliki (2021)
 * Épaisseur (2022)
 * Eau Pure (2022)
 * Mabele Ma Nzombo (2023)
 * Fimbu des Léopards (2024)
 * Stop Genocide in Congo (2024)

Collaborations

 * Haut de Gamme/Koweït, rive gauche (with Koffi Olomidé, 1992)
 * Noblesse Oblige (with Koffi Olomidé, 1993)
 * Foridoles (with Papa Wemba, 1994)
 * Pole position (with Papa Wemba, 1995)
 * Mi Corazon (album Pauvres, mais...) (Collaboration with Johann Frot, 1997)
 * Stop à la guerre ! (Simaro Lutumba, Innoss'B, Fally Ipupa, Jean Goubald Kalala, King Kester Emeneya, Barbara Kanam, M'bilia Bel, MJ30, Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomidé, etc., 2012)
 * 7 Ans (with Nix'xon, 2020)