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''. 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 of the Year from ACMCO. In 1999, Wazekwa 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. Wazekwa released his thirteenth studio album, ''Article 23'', in 2020.

His book ''Les Petits Bonbons de la Sagesse'' was published by Éditions Bergame on 10 January 2018.

Early life and career

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 Zaïre, 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 Viva La Musica's album ''Foridoles'', with "Reference" standing out as the signature track. Wazekwa also claimed authorship of the song "Nzete Ya Séquoia." Following this, he participated in Papa Wemba's 1995 release, ''Pôle Position''.

Solo career

1995–1997: ''Tétragramme'' and ''Pauvres, Mais…''

While simultaneously involved in producing Papa Wemba's album ''Pôle Position'', Wazekwa was exhorted by Papa Wemba to pursue a solo musical career. That same year, Wazekwa commenced work on his 10-track debut studio album, ''Tétragramme'', with support of Papa Wemba and Madilu System. In an interview with ''Afropop Worldwide'', Wazekwa revealed that during ''Tétragramme'''s production, he was active as a gospel singer. Released in December 1995, ''Tétragramme'', a blend of Congolese rumba and soukous, was produced under the French label Sun Records and arranged by Wazekwa and Didier Milla, featuring vocal performances by Luciana Demingongo, Madilu System, Nyboma Mwan'dido, Papa Wemba, Shimita, and Yakini Kiese, with backing vocals by Abby Surya, Patricia Aubou, and Valérie Colau. Rhythm guitars were played by Caien Madoka, Lokassa Ya Mbongo, and Maïka Munan, bass guitars by Guy Nsangué, Ngouma Lokito, drums by Djudjuchet Luvengoka, percussions by Mavungu Malanda, and animated vocals by atalakus Awilo Longomba, Colombani Wa Senga, and Yakini Kiese. ''Tétragramme'' was met with widespread critical acclaim, leading to Wazekwa being honored with the Best Revelation of the Year from ACMCO (''Association des Chroniqueurs de Musique du Congo'').

In 1997, Wazekwa released his second studio album, titled ''Pauvres, Mais…'' (Poor, but...). The album, consisting of ten tracks, was recorded at Studio Macadam. Wazekwa, Claude Liongo, and Serge Masengo produced the album through a French label Rythmo-Disc. It was arranged by Sec Bidens, with Wazekwa and Bidens on acoustic guitars. Vocals were delivered by Wazekwa, Bozi Boziana, Luciana Demingongo, and Tabu Ley Rochereau, with backing vocals provided by Awa Maïga, Bitou Kikinda, Luciana Demingongo, Nyboma, Raphaël Makondika, Shimita, Solo Sita, Valérie Belinga, and Wuta Mayi. Deba Sungu handled percussions while Philippe Guez managed programming. Animated vocals came from atalakus Papy Tshimanga and Prince Moba. ''Pauvres, Mais…'' received widespread praise throughout the country for its lyrical content, which delved into 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. The album, which includes ten tracks, was produced under JPS Production by Cameroonian producer Jean-Pierre Saah, with Elvis Kemayo as the executive producer. Recorded at Studio Marcadet, the album features Wazekwa on lead vocals, accompanied by Abby Surya, Balou Canta, Luciana Demingongo, and Monglisha Kivuna on backing vocals. Ikonola Isibangi played the congas, Komba Bellow handled the drums, Ambroise Voundi managed the audio mixing, Thierry Galion led the programming, and Nono Manzanza featured as an atalaku.

In 1999, Wazekwa established his backing band Cultur'A Pays-Vie, which altered plans for the upcoming 10-track album, ''Sponsor''. Recorded at Meko Studio in Kinshasa and Marcadet Studio in Paris, ''Sponsor'' premiered in December 1999 under JPS Production. The album's success allowed Cultur'A Pays-Vie to embark on their debut European tour, which provided them a substantial platform to promote ''Sponsor''. 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 "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, through Kiki Productions. 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 endorsement with Bralima. However, in 2007, Cultur'A Pays Vie experienced consecutive departures of several key members who joined the Quartier Latin International led by Wazekwa's former collaborator and rival, Koffi Olomidé. In January 2008, Wazekwa recruited new backing vocalists and unveiled his ninth studio album, ''Que Demande Le Peuple?'' through his Foundation Wazekwa label, which became Cultur'A Pays Vie's debut studio album. The following year, he presented a major concert at the Olympia Hall in Paris and another at the Zénith de Lille.

After concluding his European tour, Wazekwa commenced work with Cultur'A Pays Vie on 13 October on the forthcoming three-track maxi-single ''La Chèvre de Monsieur Séguin,'' translated as "The Goat of Mr. Seguin", at ICA Studio of the RTNC's Institut Congolais de l'Audiovisuel et du Multimédia. The maxi-single was released in December under Foundation Wazekwa and supported by singles "La Chèvre de Monsieur Séguin", "Alex Mfumu Nsi", and "Dhedhe Mupasa Mot De Passe". Following ''La Chèvre de Monsieur Séguin'''s release, Wazekwa maximized promotional efforts by granting interviews to the French radio station RFI (''Radio France Internationale'').

In an interview with Nico Kalambay of Radio Okapi on 8 June 2009, Wazekwa announced that his tenth studio album, ''Mémoire ya Nzambe'', was nearing completion. He went to Paris to finalize its production, and the album was eventually released on 15 July 2010. Produced by Kiki Touré through Kiki Productions, the album included 13 tracks and featured Simaro Lutumba on the eponymous track. ''Mémoire ya Nzambe'' subtly taunts his former musicians who left Cultur'A Pays Vie. He promoted ''Mémoire ya Nzambe'' with a performance at Zénith de Paris on 9 October.

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 the 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 17 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.

Discography

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)

Maxi-singles

* ''Mosapi Liboso'' (2006)
* ''La chèvre de Monsieur Seguin'' (2009)
* ''Haut les mains'' (2011)

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)

Awards and nominations

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wazekwa, Felix
1962 births
Living people
Kongo people
Luba people
Soukous musicians
20th-century Democratic Republic of the Congo male singers
21st-century Democratic Republic of the Congo male singers
Democratic Republic of the Congo songwriters
Musicians from Kinshasa
French-language singers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
English-language singers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Swahili-language singers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo