Top 10 Musicians in DRC 2024

Welcome to the rhythmic Rhumba world of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the vibrant sounds of Afro-music transcend boundaries and ignite the soul from time immemorial during the reigning decades of Franco Luambo the Rhumba Maestro.

Here, we will dive headfirst into the pulsating beats and captivating melodies of the top 10 musicians who are setting the stage ablaze in DRC in 2024. From the soporific fusion of soukous and rumba to the contagious rhythms of afrobeat and ndombolo, join us as we venture on a musical voyage that will make you dance, pipe, and fall in love with the rich music set of the Congo.

Get prepared to groove to the lyrical symphony of talent and uncover the top 10 extraordinary artists who are taking the country by storm.

1. Fally Ipupa

Fally Ipupa, the stunning Congolese musician, reigns supreme as the number one artist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His chart-topping hit is “Eloko Oyo” with over 96 million views. Fally Ipupa has firmed his pole position, charming audiences with his mesmerizing vocals and infectious rhythms. His unparalleled success is a testament to his immense talent and the impact he has made on the music industry.

Fally Ipupa has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including multiple MTV Africa Music Awards and a Kora Award. His mega world tours have carried him to stages across Africa, Europe, and North America. Fally Ipupa ventured into his music career at a young age and his astonishing rise to stardom showcases his unwavering dedication and passion for the art form.

2. Koffi Olomide

Koffi Olomide claims the esteemed position of the second-top musician in DRC. He has consistently dominated the charts reigning as the number-one artist in DRC throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His iconic song “Papa Ngwasuma” with over 44 million views stands as a testament to his musical prowess. Some of his other renowned hits like “Loi” and “Ekotite.”

Koffi Olomide’s remarkable achievements include multiple Kora Awards and accolades such as the Best African Artist at the World Music Awards. His mega world tours have showcased his captivating performances to audiences worldwide. Koffi Olomide embarked on his music career at a young age and continues to captivate fans with his timeless music. Despite being in the music industry for decades, he remains a prominent force in the Congolese music industry.

3. Innoss’B

Innoss’B a rising star in the Congolese music scene has swiftly made his mark as one of the leading musicians at number #3. His music has resonated with audiences across Africa and beyond. “Papa Yo Pe” stands as a testament to his talent, dominating the charts and earning him immense respect. Other renowned hits like “Yope Remix” featuring Diamond Platnumz have over 59 million views. The song “Olandi” has further paddled his musical career to new heights.

His meteoric rise has garnered him accolades such as the AFRIMMA Best African Artist Award and the Afrima Best Male Artist in Central Africa Award. His electrifying performances have intrigued audiences on mega world tours such as the “Yope Tour” and the “Congo to the World Tour.”

Motivated by the likes of Koffi Olomide and Fally Ipupa, Innoss’B started singing at a young age. He continues to shine as a beacon of talent in the industry. He represents the new generation of Congolese musicians and has pushed himself to the forefront of the music scene with his charismatic musical energy and captivating sound.

4. Hiro Le Coq

Hiro Le Coq, a celebrated Congolese musician, has solidified his position as number 4 on the top artists list. His collaboration with the group BMYE on the hit song “La Danse” has topped the charts with 35 million views. Other famed hits, such as “À Découvert” and “Mayday,” have further showcased his musical prowess.

Hiro’s talent has garnered him accolades, including the Best Male Central Africa Award at the Afrima Awards. His flourishing career has seen him embark on mega world tours, including the “Hiro Tour” and the “Mayday Tour,” captivating audiences with his electrifying concerts. Inspired by the likes of Koffi Olomide and Fally Ipupa, Hiro commenced singing at a young age and continues to thrive as a celebrated artist in the industry.

5. Ferre Gola

Ferre Gola, a highly applauded Congolese musician, has proved himself as one of the top artists holding the number 5. His music has captured the hearts of audiences across the DRC and Africa. His collaborations with famous artists like Fally Ipupa on the hit songs “100 Kilos” and “Porte-Monnaie” have conquered radio waves, firming his position as a musical force to be reckoned with.

However, it is his song “Judgement” that truly stands out, crowning the charts and earning him immense respect. The song currently holds a tally of over 17 million views, highlighting its status as one of his top songs. Motivated by the likes of Papa Wemba and Koffi Olomide, Ferre Gola began his singing profession at a young age and continues to flourish as a prominent figure in the industry.

6. Heritier Watanabe

Watanabe, a prominent Congolese musician, has secured his place at #6  on the top artists’ list. His music resonates with audiences across Africa and the DRC. Mentored by the likes of Papa Wemba and Koffi Olomide, Héritier Watanabe continues to thrive as a prominent artist in the industry. His collaborations with notable artists like Fally Ipupa on the hit song “Be Bop” and “B.M Remix” featuring J. Martins have dominated radio stations, solidifying his position as a musical powerhouse.

It is his song “B.M” that has truly cemented his position at the top holds a tally of over 15 million views, topping the charts and earning him widespread respect, in addition to other renowned hits like “Dégâts” and “Tout Le Monde Danse.” Héritier Watanabe’s talent has been acknowledged with awards such as the AFRIMMA Best Central Africa Male Artist Award. His successful career has seen him embark on mega world tours, including the “Retirada Tour” and the “Carrière d’Honneur Tour,” captivating audiences with his captivating performances.

7. Rogaroga

Roga Roga has established himself as one of the top artists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked at #7. Roga Roga’s music has resonated with audiences across Africa and the DRC. His collaborations with esteemed artists like Extra Musica on the hit songs “Etat Major” and “Bangui” have dominated radio stations. He has solidified his position as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Notably, “Bokoko” holds a tally of over 43 million views, highlighting its status as one of his top songs. Inspired by the likes of Franco Luambo Makiadi and Papa Wemba, Roga Roga started his singing career at a young age and continues to shine as a legendary figure in the industry. His undeniable talent and contributions have solidified his status as a true icon.

8. Robinio Mundibu

Robinio Mundibu has sifted his position as one of the top artists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is currently sitting at number 8. His music has captivated audiences across DRC and extends to Africa and the globe. His collaborations with notable artists like Fally Ipupa on the hit songs “Cosmopolite” and “Nayo Nayo” have dominated air plays showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. Robinio Mundibu’s talent has been recognized with awards such as the AFRIMMA Best Central Africa Male Artist Award.

His successful career has seen him embark on mega world tours, including the “Misu Na Misu Tour” and the “Tsha Nanu Boye Tour,” captivating audiences with his energetic performances. Notably, “Misu Na Misu” holds a tally of 32.1 views, underscoring its status as one of his top songs. Inspired by African legends like Papa Wemba and Koffi Olomide, Robinio Mundibu’s passion for music led him to pursue a successful career in the industry. His undeniable talent and contributions have solidified his status as a legendary figure in Congolese music.

9. Gaz Mawete

Gaz Mawete has established himself as one of the top artists in the DRC at number 9. His music has taken the African and DRC airwaves by storm. His collaborations with renowned artists like Fally Ipupa on the hit songs “C’est Raté” and “Olingi Nini” have dominated radio stations. However, it is his song “500” that has truly cemented his position at the top with over 13 million views.

Gaz Mawete’s talent has been recognized with accolades such as the AFRIMMA Best Newcomer Award. His successful career has seen him embark on mega world tours, including the “500 Tour” and the “Pika Pika Tour.”  His phenomenal talent, charismatic stage presence, and absolute contributions have firmed his position as a legendary figure in the Congolese music industry.

10. Fabregas Le Metis Noir

Fabregas Le Métis Noir, a legendary Congolese musician, is currently holding position 10. His music has resonated with audiences across Africa and the DRC. He collaborated with notable artists like Fally Ipupa on the hit songs “Kiname” and “Mascara” which have dominated radio stations. The song “Ya Mado” has truly cemented his standing at the top which currently has over 11 million views.

Fabregas Le Métis Noir’s talent has been recognized with awards such as the AFRIMMA Best Central Africa Male Artist Award. His successful career has seen him embark on mega world tours, including the “Ya Mado Tour” and the “Manix Tour.” Notably, “Ya Mado” highlights its status as one of his top songs.

Inspired by legendary Congolese artists like Madilu Système, Papa Wemba, Awilo Longomba, and Franco Luambo, he embarked on his music career with determination and passion. He continues to evolve as an artist experimenting with different musical styles and pushing boundaries within the Congolese music scene.

That concludes our countdown of the top 10 music artists ruling the charts in DRC for 2024. From beloved veterans to rising stars, these talented musicians represent the best the country has to offer.

View the full report featuring 50 artists here.

To find out more about how this report was compiled or to get in touch, please contact us.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey across DRC!