Top 10 Musicians in DRC 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has historically been the center of African music, featuring a rich tradition of rumba, soukous, and lively, varied musical genres. From the avenues of Kinshasa to the global arena, Congolese music keeps making an impact, fueled by a fresh wave of artists who are expanding the limits of the genre while respecting its heritage.

With the evolving music landscape in the DRC, these artists lead the way, captivating audiences both domestically and abroad. The top 10 musical legends of the DRC in 2025 showcases an exhilarating lineup of artists who are reshaping the scene of Congolese music. From famous icons to rising stars, the country’s music scene is lively with passion, talent, and creativity.

Here, we emphasize the ten leading artists anticipated to have the most significant influence in 2025, ranked according to their cultural significance, musical creativity, and capacity to engage with listeners.

1. Fally Ipupa

Fally Ipupa is the king of music in DRC. His hit sing “Eloko Oyo” has gained over 105 million views on YouTube. He is the undeniable ruler and one of the most influential artist in DRC and beyond. His capacity to merge tradition with contemporary styles has garnered him global recognition, and his performances consistently thrill audiences. As a trailblazer of the genre, Fally Ipupa continues to represent Congolese music globally.

2. Innoss’B

Innoss’B’s rise to fame is truly remarkable. He has rapidly gained recognition as a household name in DRC. His track “Yope” has amassed over 65 million views on YouTube, not only reaching the top of charts in Africa but also gaining popularity in global markets. Ranked #2 on this list from #3, Innoss’B’s talent for blending African music with global trends sets him up to be a legendary figure in the future.

3. Hiro Le Coq

Hiro Le Coq is causing a stir with his unique style and strong vocals. Renowned for merging contemporary Congolese pop with classic rumba, Hiro’s music strikes a chord with younger audiences. His songs such as “La Danse” boast over 36 million views on YouTube, highlighting his distinctive talent for blending infectious beats with intimate narratives, and lively stage presence makes him a crowd favorite during live shows. Ranked #3 from #4 on Research 8020’s 2025 list, Hiro Le Coq is poised to shape the future of Congolese music

4. Ferre Gola

Ferre Gola, referred to as “Le Padre,” is an experienced artist whose poetic lyrics and performance have garnered him a fanbase worldwide. A maestro of rumba and soukous, Gola’s tracks such as “Judgement,” which has garnered more than 19 million views on YouTube, continue to enchant both traditional and contemporary audiences. His strong bond with Congolese culture and abundant musical talent have established him as one of the leading musicians in the DRC, exerting considerable influence over the past ten years.

5. Heritier Watanabe

Héritier Watanabe is one of the most esteemed personalities in Congolese music. He fuses traditional Congolese styles with modern rhythms, resulting in a sound that is distinctly his own. In Research 8020’s rankings, he has ascended from position #6 to #5. Recognized for popular tracks such as “B.M,” with over 16 million views on YouTube, Héritier’s passionate performances enchant audiences both locally and internationally, reinforcing his status as one of the nation’s premier artists.

6. Rogaroga

Roga Roga is a cornerstone in Congolese music. His distinctive style, blending soukous, rumba, and African folk music, has established him as an iconic figure. In Research 8020’s ranking, he has fallen from position #7 to #6. With tracks like “bokoko” that accumulated more than 54 million views, Roga Roga’s talent for preserving traditional Congolese music while incorporating modern elements has established him as a cultural gem for DRC.

7. Gaz Mawete

Gaz Mawete is rapidly emerging as a leading voice in Afrobeat, fusing the genre with Congolese elements to produce a sound that connects with audiences throughout Africa. Renowned for tracks like “500” with more than 54 million views, Gaz’s vibrant energy and engaging stage presence have turned him into a beloved figure in the DRC and elsewhere. In the ranking of Research 8020, he has risen from position #9 to #7. His distinct sound is contributing to the evolution of African pop music, and with his swift ascent, Gaz Mawete is undeniably one of the most luminous stars in Congolese music right now.

8. Robinio Mundibu

Robinio Mundibu’s talent for fusing hip-hop, rap, and traditional Congolese rhythms has established him as one of the most impactful young artists in the DRC. His music, frequently emphasizing social challenges and daily life struggles, strikes a deep chord with Congolese youth. He has secured the #8 position in the 2025 Research 8020 ranking. Songs such as “Misu na Misu,” boasting more than 36 million views on YouTube, serve as anthems for the streets, and Robinio’s bold approach to his art has secured him a place as one of DRC’s most promising talents.

9. Mbilia Bel

Mbilia Bel is not merely a name, she represents a musical legacy. She is the reigning queen of Congolese music. Mbilia Bel’s music career has lasted for over three decades, and her legacy remains impactful throughout Africa and beyond. Mbilia Bel has secured her spot as one of the most legendary female figures in African music history. She has made it into the top 10 list, holding the #9 spot in Research 8020’s rankings. Her hit song “Nakei Nairobi” has over 30 million views on YouTube. Mbilia Bel continues to be a significant presence in the music industry, impacting both veteran musicians and emerging talents alike.

10. Koffi Olomide

Despite a music career spanning many years, Koffi Olomide’s influence in 2025 remains exceptionally strong. As a trailblazer of soukous and Congolese Rumba, Koffi has guided African music for many generations. His iconic songs like “Loi” have garnered more than 9 million views on YouTube and keep shaping the music scene, while his enduring charm maintains his position as a legend in Congolese music. He concludes our top 10 list by ranking at #10. Koffi Olomide remains a key figure in the musical identity of the DRC.

Here you have it – the top 10 music artists influencing DRC in 2025.

From established icons to new talents and rising stars, these artists represent the finest of the vibrant DRC music scene.

View the full report that showcases 50 artists here.

For additional details regarding this report and its preparation, kindly contact us.

We hope you enjoyed this examination of the top artists in DRC!