Awilo Longomba Explained
Awilo Longomba |
Birth Date: | 5 May 1962 |
Birth Place: | Kinshasa, Republic of the Congo (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
Years Active: | 1980s—present |
Associated Acts: | Viva la Musica |
Website: | https://awilolongomba.skyrock.com |
Louis Albert William Longomba[1] [2] [3] (born 5 May 1962), known professionally as Awilo Longomba, is a Congolese soukous singer, composer, drummer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.[4] [5] [6] [7] William is known for pioneering the techno-soukous genre,[8] [6] a variant of soukous that blends techno music with ndombolo, often incorporating elements of electro, dance music, and zouk.[9]
Between 1980 and 1995, William made his music debut as a drummer for Viva La Musica, Stukas, Loketo, Nouvelle Génération.[10] [11] [12] He rose to fame in 1995 with the release of his debut solo studio album Moto Pamba, which catapulted him to stardom in Africa and Europe.[13] [14] [15] Moto Pamba won him two consecutive Best Artist of Central Africa at the 1996 and 1997 Kora Awards. In 1998, William unveiled his second studio album, Coupé Bibamba. The album's eponymous single, which featured Martinican singer Jocelyne Béroard, became a chart-topper in Africa and gained a considerable following in Europe and America. It is often often regarded as one of Africa's most acclaimed Lingala songs.[16] [17] [18] [19] [20] William became the first artist to sold-out the Lagos National Stadium for three consecutive days.[21] The song was later featured in the "World Tribute to the Funk" compilation by Sony Music, featuring a new funk remix version with James D-Train Williams.[22]
William is the first Congolese artist to have performed in São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as the only Sub-Saharan African, along with Miriam Makeba, to have performed in Libya during the creation of the African Union.[23] His third studio album Kafou Kafou, debuted in July 2000, later won him the Judges' Special Awards at the 2001 Kora Awards for his contribution to African music. In 2009, William clinched the accolade of Best Soukous Entertainer at the IRAWMA Awards.[24] In September 2003, he issued his fourth studio album, Mondongo. In August 2008, he published his fifth studio album, Superman. William is one of Africa and Europe's "most wanted" Congolese artists.[25] [26]
Early life and career
1962–1994: Childhood, education and music debut
Awilo Longomba was born Louis Albert William Longomba on 5 May 1962, in Kinshasa (formerly Léopoldville) to a Mongo father and a Ngombe mother from Équateur Province. Longomba hailed from a well-known musical family: his father, Vicky Longomba, was the lead vocalist and founding member of Tout Puissant OK Jazz.[27] [28] [29] He has six sisters and three brothers.[30] [31] [32] [33] He is the uncle of the Kenyan-based music duo Lovy Longomba and the late Christian Longomba.[34] [35] His older sister, Malou Longomba, is the mother of French professional soccer player Claude Makélélé.
As a child, Longomba spent every moment around music, frequently attending his father's rehearsals. His father, influenced by his views on contemporary musicians as dissolute figures, often clothed himself in sartorial splendor and ardently discouraged his son from pursuing a music career. In an interview with the Daily Nation, Longomba mentioned, "My father inspired me but he never wanted me to get into music. Despite that, he was a loving father who ensured that all his children got a good education".[36] Logomba's passion for music burgeoned exponentially, leading him to abandon school and become a drummer for Papa Wemba's band Viva La Musica in 1985.[37] [38] [39] In 1986, as part of their Euro–Asia tours, Longomba and Viva La Musica toured Matonge in Brussels to record their album Destin ya Moto at Gina Efonge's bar. There, his stature as an exceptional drummer within the group gained momentum.[40] [41] In 1989, he permanently relocated to Paris and applied for his Carte de Séjour.[42] During his residency in Paris, Longomba encountered prejudiced attitudes towards Afro-French and became increasingly resentful of the emergence of Jean-Marie Le Pen's movement, which accentuated the pervasiveness of racism in France, particularly within political factions like the National Front. In a 1996 interview with historian James A. Winders of Appalachian State University, Longomba noted "....I saw that there was discrimination coming from the prefecture-how they spoke to people, to Africans, to others who did not understand French well. It was there that I saw that there is a very dangerous discrimination." Though not as high-profile as Ray Lema, he had assimilated into Parisian life and had formed a personal attachment to the city.
In the early 1990s, Longomba became a drummer for various Congolese groups, including Orchestre Stukas and Loketo. In 1991, he embarked on his debut tour to Kenya, where he served as a drummer accompanying Aurlus Mabélé and his Loketo group.[43]
In 1992, Longomba parted ways with Viva La Musica and founded his ensemble, La Nouvelle Génération, of which he became the bandleader, accompanied by members Luciana de Mingongo, Lidjo Kwempa, Fataki Ndoko José, Maray Maray, Maestro Fanfan, and Fafa de Molokaï. The newly established group swiftly garnered acclaim in Africa and produced several albums. He collaborated on numerous records in France and toured globally with prominent African artists.[44] [45] [46] [47] He became a French citizen in 1994, having married a French woman.
Solo career
1995–1998: Moto Pamba and Kampala Serena Hotel concert
In 1995, Longomba departed from La Nouvelle Génération and went on to unveil his debut solo studio album, titled Moto Pamba.[48] [49] The record, which consisted of eight tracks, was produced by Paris-based Jip Productions and distributed by Mélodie Distribution. Moto Pamba was a blend of Congolese rumba and soukous.[50] He was the album's composer, lead vocalist, and drummer, while Ballou Canta and Shimita provided backing vocals, and Miguel Yamba, Ngouma Lokito, and Pablo Lubadika Porthos contributed on bass guitar. Moto Pamba also featured guitars by Lokassa Ya M'Bongo, Emmanuel Samba, Rigo Star, Dally Kimoko, and Syran Mbenza, with mixing by Thierry Doumergue and percussion by 3615 Niaou and Mavungu Malanda. Additional vocals were provided by Abby Surya, Dindo Yogo, Kuleta Pompon, Luciana Demingongo, and Sam Mangwana.[51] In an interview with La Prospérité, Longomba revealed that during the album's production, the director exhorted him to prioritize singing over drumming. He also briefed the press that his vocal prowess astonished everyone when the record came out. The album's breakout singles "Moyen Te" and "Betty Mulanga" gained significant success in Africa.[52] Despite the album's success, Longomba continued to work as a drummer for various artists, including Gabonese singer Oliver N'Goma and Tshala Muana's backup group.
During a performance at Kampala Serena Hotel that same year, where he accompanied Oliver N'Goma, Longomba chose to perform incognito in the first show and adopt the pseudonym "Willy" to avoid stealing N'Goma's spotlight. However, he eventually revealed himself during the second show and received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The Seychelles Nation even noted that his presence compelled "Oliver N'Goma to take the risk of presenting it". The concert provided an opportunity to promote Moto-Pamba. In 1996, Longomba further promoted the album through a live performance at Parc de la Villette in Paris and subsequently won the Best Artist of Central Africa at the first edition of the Kora Awards.[53] He received the same accolade on 1 October 1997.[54]
1998–2000: Continent-wide success with "Coupé Bibamba"
On 27 October 1998, Longomba debuted his second studio album, Coupé Bibamba.[55] [56] The album was produced by Jip Productions and distributed in multiple formats, such as compact disc and cassette, across several countries, including France, Ivory Coast, and Kenya. Comprising ten tracks, the album was arranged by Lazare Gamand and Ntoumba Minka, and includes backing and leading vocals by Jocelyne Béroard, Guy-Guy Fall, Tutu Callugi, Abby Surya, Awa Maïga, Lidjo Kwempa, Marilyn Komba, Patricia Aubou, and Alain Mpéla Yoka.[57] [58] [59] Longomba played the drums, with Faustino Ngoita and Ntoumba Minka on bass guitars, and Caien Madoka, Dally Kimoko, and Japonais Maladi on lead guitars. Mavungu Malanda and Zé Luis Nascimento contributed on percussion, and Briscard Kouadio and Japonais Maladi on rhythm guitars.
The album's eponymous techno-soukous-infused-single, which featured Jocelyne Béroard, became a massive hit in Africa and Europe, as well as among diaspora communities worldwide, and remains a timeless classic in African music.[60] [61] The song addresses the issue of poverty in Africa. In an interview with the Daily Nation, Longomba expressed that in his song "Coupé Bibamba," he urges young people to pursue education, attend church, and have faith in themselves to combat poverty in Africa. The incorporation of mabanga, a practice where musicians mention an individual's name during a song for a fee, was notable, with the mention directed at Robert Ogwal, also known as Rasta Rob, a prominent radio presenter in the African Great Lakes Region at the time.[62] "Coupé Bibamba" success enabled Longomba to embark on an East African tour in early 1999, with sold-out performances in Tanzania, including shows in Dar es Salaam, Moshi, Arusha, and Mwanza. Due to overwhelming public demand, he extended his stay, and numerous fans were unable to gain entry to his debut show at the Diamond Jubilee Upanga in Dar es Salaam. He then performed in Kenya at the Carnivore in Nairobi before proceeding to Mamba Village in Mombasa and the Kimwa Grand Hotel in Kisumu.
"Coupé Bibamba" also augmented Longomba's visibility in West Africa, where it led to interpretations in various native languages, including Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin.[63] As reported by This Day, his music gained substantial recognition in southern Nigeria and swiftly proliferated to the north, where "every verse of the Koran, Hausa children know two lines of Comment tu t'appelle or Gaou".[64] In 2000, Longomba achieved the unprecedented feat of selling out three consecutive concerts at Lagos National Stadium. He also filled the 22,000-seat Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, and later the 30,000-seat Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, in 2003, making him the first Congolese artist to dominate Nigerian airwaves.[65] [66] Longomba's collaboration with Sony Music for a funk remix of "Coupé Bibamba," featuring James D-Train Williams, gained traction in France and the US and was included in the African Dance Floor compilation. This led to Longomba's performance at Zénith de Paris alongside Jocelyn Lorette Brown, Oliver Cheatham, Jerome Prister, Imagination and Anita Ward, all of whom were part of the compilation.
2000–2008: Kafou Kafou, Mondongo and performances
In July 2000, Longomba released his third studio album, Kafou Kafou. Consisting of 10 tracks, Kafou Kafou was produced by Jip Productions.[67] [68] It later earned him the Jury Special Award at the 2001 Kora Awards, which he offered to Nelson Mandela at Sun City.[69] In an interview with Foster Romanus of the Late Nite Celebrity Show, he expressed that having Mandela in attendance was a significant honor, due to his profound respect for Mandela's influential contributions to Africa.[70]
In September 2003, Longomba debuted his fourth studio album, Mondongo, which included hit singles like "Karolina", "Zumbeya", "Mupenzi", "Pinzoli", "Gladys", "Kayembe", "Mondongo", "Champion", "Mia Muliere", and "Dance Floor".[71] Mondongo was a blend of Congolese rumba, soukous, R&B, and Kompa.[72] It achieved widespread acclaim in Africa and sold over 30,000 copies in France.[73] The album's lead single, "Karolina", became a staple at hall parties and is often cited as the most-played song at African events. In the song, Longomba expresses his admiration for his muse, Karolina, extolling her physical appeal comprehensively — from head to toe, front, and back.[74] Longomba promoted the album with sold-out shows in Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza towards the year's end, alongside Zimbabwean singer Alick Macheso.[75] To further support Mondongo, Longomba went on a tour in Cameroon in 2004, with performances at Cinéma Le Wouri, Stade Mbappé Léppé, Cinéma Abbia, and Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.[76] In November that year, Longomba received a nomination for "Karolina" at the 2004 Kora Awards.[77]
In March 2005, Longomba took the stage at the Africa Live 2005 concert, a malaria-fighting event hosted at the Iba-Mar-Diop Stadium, where he performed in front of 40,000 people with other co-performers included Youssou N'Dour, Orchestra Baobab, Tinariwen, Didier Awadi, Corneille, Salif Keita, Rokia Traoré, Manu Dibango, and Seun Kuti.[78] The event was organized by Youssou N'Dour as part of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), an initiative launched in 1998 by the World Health Organization, United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, and the World Bank. On 16 April, he performed at the French venue, C'est La Vie club in Atlanta.[79]
In September 2005, Longomba held three concerts in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Oshakati.[80] In July next year, Longomba performed in Libreville as part of the Amissa Bongo Foundation and Iriscom International's second edition of the Nuit de la Musique.[81] He also played at the Sumbe International Music Festival, colloquially called "FestiSumbe", in Sumbe in September 2006.[82] In 2007, Longomba held two consecutive sold-out concerts at the Hotel Ivoire in Cocody and the Yopougon Sports Complex in Yopougon.[83] [84] He followed this up with a Labor Day concert in Antananarivo in 2008, where he was joined by about twenty other artists.[85] [86] [87]
2008–present: Superman, performances and collaborations
In August 2008, Longomba published his fifth studio album Superman, which contained standout tracks like "Super Man", "Torticolis", "Les Jaloux", "Malala", "Maze", "Meu Amor", "Banana", "La Go Là", "Baby", "J'Ai Envie de Toi", "BK", and "Banana Remix".[88] [89] Barbara Kanam also made a guest appearance on Superman. He subsequently took the stage at Zénith de Paris on 27 December 2009, to promote Superman.[90] He later appeared in Antananarivo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malagasy Independence on 26 June 2010.[91]
On 5 May 2014, in celebration of his birthday, Longomba debuted an audio preview of his new single, "Bundele," which was co-produced by London-based BA Nuisance and Nigerian producer TeeBeeO.[92] Prior to the premiere of the "Bundele" music video on 29 July 2014, Longomba collaborated with the Nigerian duo P-Square on the track "Enemy Solo."[6] [93] [94] He then made a guest appearance on Nathalie Makoma's single "Eyi Mabe."[95] On 23 January 2017, he premiered the single "Rihanna," featuring Yemi Alade,[96] [97] followed by the Afrobeat-infused single "Esopi Yo," which included a guest appearance by Tiwa Savage.[98] On 25 December 2018, Longomba was featured on BM's remix of "Rosalina," which sparked a global dance trend on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, with professional and amateur dancers showcasing their best moves.[99] [100] [101] [102] In early April 2019, Longomba performed in Kampala, where he brought Robinio Mundibu on stage, providing Mundibu a platform to promote his Extended Play (EP) Chiffre 9.[103] He then unveiled the music video of his Congolese rumba and Afrobeats-inspired single "Canon" on 15 April, which was directed by Ace Video director Moe Musa.[104] On 23 April 2021, Longomba was featured on Harmonize's single "Attitude," which rapidly amassed three million YouTube views in 24 hours.[105] [106] He then appeared on Angel Mary Kato's single "Tanzania," a fusion of Bongo Flava and soukous.[107]
On 29 October 2022, Longomba performed at the Fally Ipupa concert at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte.[108] In November 2022, Longomba collaborated with Werrason, Reddy Amisi, Rebo Tchulo, Jeannot Bombenga, Héritier Watanabe, M'bilia Bel, Sista Becky, Poison Mobutu, Mianda Kabamba and Samarino on "Allons Tous Nous Faire Enrôler", a song composed for CENI's campaign to raise awareness among the population about the identification and enrollment operation for the 2023 Democratic Republic of the Congo general election.[109] [110] On 31 December 2022, Longomba guest-performed on Inoss'B's Afrocongo-style single "Maboko Milayi," which garnered two million views on YouTube within 13 days.[111] [112] [113] In March 2023, Longomba was appointed as a coach for the first season of The Voice Africa, a show tailored for the English-speaking African audience, contrasting with The Voice Afrique Francophone.[114] He later joined Innoss'B on stage during the "Umoja" humanitarian concert at the La Madeleine concert hall in Brussels in December of that year, performing alongside Yemi Alade and Rebo Tchulo.[115] On 6 July 2024, Longomba headlined a concert at Woodbine Park in Toronto as part of the city's three-day annual AfroFest.[116] [117] However, as the festival neared its ending during Longomba's set, an incident involving teenage boys discharging pellet guns incited pandemonium among the crowd, which abruptly terminated the event.
Legacy
Longomba is among the most sought-after Congolese artists in Africa and Europe. Jide Taiwo, writing for Nigerian Entertainment Today, opined that Longomba "inspired a new crop of Nigerian entertainers who made several spoofs of his songs and thus began their own careers". Longomba's musical style has notably influenced several Nigerian musicians, including Funmi Adams, known for her song "Yaro" performed in Hausa in the late 1980s, and Julius Agwu, whose tracks such as "Okombo," "Chop Bisikit," "Bendown Sellect," and "I Buy Kwilikwili" all draw from Longomba's musical style.[118] Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy credited Longomba as a significant source of inspiration during his formative years in a guest appearance on Clique TV.[119]
In February 2023, Nigerian singer Ayra Starr released "Sability," a techno-soukous-inspired single that sampled Longomba's "Coupé Bibamba."[120] This release garnered praise from Tanzanian singer Harmonize, who commended the song's homage to Longomba, expressing admiration for his musical impact and stating, "I want to be like Awilo Longomba."[121]
Discography
Albums
- Moto Pamba (1995)
- Coupe Bibamba (1999)
- Kafou Kafou (2001)
- Mondongo (2003)
- Super-Man (2008)
Famous songs
- "Moto Pamba"
- "Coupé Bibamba" (featuring Jocelyne Béroard)
- "Gaté Le Coin"
- "Manon"
- "Karolina"
- "Champion"
- "Mondongo"
- "Fidele"
- "Bundele"
Awards and nominations
Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
---|
1996 | Kora Awards | Best Artist of Central Africa | Himself | Himself | | |
1997 | Kora Awards | Best Artist of Central Africa | Himself | Himself | | |
2001 | Kora Awards | Jury Special Award | Himself | | [122] |
2009 | IRAWMA Awards | Best Soukous Entertainer | Himself | | |
2019 | AFRIMA | Legend Award | Himself | | [123] | |
External links
- Awilo Longomba Biography/Discography
- https://web.archive.org/web/20110714042528/http://www.martinsinterculture.com/irawma-winners.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20061109045153/http://www.afrodicia.com/artist/awilo/index.html
- http://www.africanmusica.com/awilo-longomba.htm
- http://www.sternsmusic.com/discography/436
- https://web.archive.org/web/20080101094243/http://www.africasounds.com/awilo.htm
- https://web.archive.org/web/20100219074713/http://www.topvisages.net/entrevue/14-02-10.php
- http://myspace.com/awilolongombaofficiel
Notes and References
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- Web site: Diala . Jordache . 15 November 2016 . Congo-Kinshasa : Awilo Longomba – "J'ai eu de bonnes relations avec Barbara Kanam, mais sans fruits" . Congo-Kinshasa: Awilo Longomba – "I've had a good relationship with Barbara Kanam, but without fruit" . 24 May 2024 . Laprosperiteonline.net/ . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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- Web site: Luemba . Firmin . 29 July 2004 . Awilo Longomba: "La musique africaine est la musique du futur" . Awilo Longomba: "African music is the music of the future" . 10 September 2023 . Afrik.com . fr-FR.
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- Mais qui est Vicky Longomba et qui sont ses enfants ? . September 26, 2022 . Longomba . Julien Rocky . Fr . But who is Vicky Longomba and who are his children? . 18 May 2024 . Facebook.com.
- Web site: 2023-12-28 . Hommage à son père Vicky Longomba: Julien Rocky Longomba lance le single " Yeba nameki komeka " . Tribute to his father Vicky Longomba: Julien Rocky Longomba launches the single "Yeba nameki komeka" . 18 May 2024 . Lequotidienrdc.com . fr-FR.
- Web site: Matiko . Thomas . March 13, 2021 . Christian Longomba of 'Vuta Pumz' fame breathes his last . 18 May 2024 . Nation.africa . en . Nairobi, Kenya.
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- Book: Africa international, Issues 330-349 . 2000 . Africa S.A. . Paris, France . 57 . fr.
- Book: Bernadac, Marie-Laure . Africa remix: l'art contemporain d'un continent : exposition présentée au Centre Pompidou, Galerie 1, du 25 mai au 8 août 2005 . Njami . Simon . 2005 . Éditions du centre Pompidou . 978-2-84426-280-6 . Georges Pompidou Center . Paris, France . 239 . fr.
- Web site: Cagnolari . Vladimir . 7 November 2003 . Le nouveau printemps de la musique congolaise . The new spring of Congolese music . 3 July 2024 . RFI Musique . fr . Paris, France.
- Web site: Taiwo . Jide . 9 February 2017 . Throwback Thursday: When Awilo Longomba ruled Nigerian airwaves . 10 September 2023 . . en-US . Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: Vogel . Christoph . 2013-08-23 . Say my name: How 'shout-outs' keep Congolese musicians in the money . 2023-09-11 . the Guardian . en.
- Web site: Powell . Azizi . 2023-04-02 . pancocojams: Awilo Longomba featuring Jocelyne Béroard - "Coupé Bibamba" (1998 Congolese mega-hit record video, information, & comments)) . 2023-09-11 . Pancocojams.
- Web site: Owope . Yomi . 8 February 2002 . Nigeria: Music Wears No Colour in Religion . 31 July 2024 . . Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: Iyanda . Olumide . 10 January 2001 . Nigeria: The Makossa Madness . 31 July 2024 . Tempo . Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: 11 January 2002 . Nigeria: A New Wave of Concert Fever . 31 July 2024 . . Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.
- News: Kanka . Joseph . November 9, 2001 . Afrique: Koras 2001 a Sun City: Werrason n°1 d'Afrique . French . Africa: Koras 2001 at Sun City: Werrason n°1 in Africa . Le Phare . 2023-10-27.
- Web site: 10 July 2000 . Awilo Longomba – Kafou Kafou . 3 May 2024 . Discogs . Beaverton, Oregon, United States.
- News: December 20, 2002 . Afrique du Sud: Face à face Mandela -Awilo en janvier 2003 . French . South Africa: Face to face Mandela -Awilo in January 2003 . Le Phare . 2023-10-27.
- Web site: Quaye . Maureen Dedei . 28 September 2019 . "My most prestigious award is that which I offered Nelson Mandela" - Awilo Longomba . 28 October 2023 . . en-US . Accra, Ghana.
- News: 22 July 2004 . Cameroun: Concert : Awilo traite le dossier K-Tino . Cameroon: Concert: Awilo handles the K-Tino file . 27 October 2023 . Mutations Multimedia . French.
- Web site: 2019-02-23 . 6 Biggest Albums Released by Legend Awilo Longomba . 2023-09-11 . Flash Uganda Media . English.
- News: July 31, 2004 . Sénégal: Awilo Longomba : " La musique africaine est la musique du futur " . French . Senegal: Awilo Longomba: “African music is the music of the future” . Sudquotidien.sn . 2023-10-27.
- Web site: Ahura . Shirley . 2023-02-14 . Best African love songs: a Valentine's Day playlist . 2023-09-11 . The Face . en-gb.
- Web site: 9 January 2004 . Zimbabwean Musicians Take a Breather . 31 July 2024 . . Harare, Zimbabwe.
- News: Gango . Thiéry Gervais . Ekwè . Dorine . 9 August 2004 . Cameroun: Un beau spectacle dissout faute de sous : au concert d'Awilo, il n'y a pas eu de K-Tino au palais des Congrès et point de show à l'Omnisport . Cameroon: A beautiful show dissolved for lack of money: at the Awilo concert, there was no K-Tino at the Palais des Congrès and no show at the Omnisport . 27 October 2023 . Mutations Multimedia . French.
- News: Kanka . Joseph . November 12, 2004 . Congo-Kinshasa: Kora 2004 : Awilo Longomba et Djuna Mumbafu nominés . French . Congo-Kinshasa: Kora 2004: Awilo Longomba and Djuna Mumbafu nominated . Le Phare . 2023-10-27.
- News: Gherab . Hassan . March 15, 2005 . Sénégal: Africa Live pour faire reculer le paludisme : De nombreuses stars africaines à Dakar . Senegal: Africa Live to reduce malaria: Many African stars in Dakar . 2023-10-27 . La Tribune . French.
- Web site: Kiawu . Hassan . 13 April 2005 . Congo-Kinshasa: Awilo to Rock Atlanta . 31 July 2024 . . Monrovia, Liberia.
- Web site: Musariri . Confidence . 20 May 2005 . Namibia: Music Lovers: Watch Out for Awilo Longomba . 31 July 2024 . . Windhoek, Namibia.
- News: 10 July 2006 . Gabon: Plusieurs musiciens internationaux en concert samedi à Libreville . Gabon: Several international musicians in concert Saturday in Libreville . 27 October 2023 . Gabonews . French.
- News: 4 September 2006 . Angola: Beto Dias, Manecas Costa et Awilo Longomba invités au FestiSumbe . Angola: Beto Dias, Manecas Costa and Awilo Longomba invited to FestiSumbe . 28 October 2023 . . Luanda, Angola . French.
- News: April 28, 2007 . Cote d'Ivoire: Hôtel Ivoire de Cocody et Complexe sportif de Yopougon - Awilo va s'éclater en deux parties . French . Ivory Coast: Hotel Ivoire in Cocody and Yopougon Sports Complex - Awilo will have fun in two parts . La Voie . 2023-10-28.
- News: Rabé . Alexis . May 7, 2007 . Cote d'Ivoire: Concert live - Awilo Longomba fait l'essentiel . French . Ivory Coast: Live concert - Awilo Longomba does the essentials . La Voie . 2023-10-28.
- News: Randrianja . Juliano . 7 January 2008 . Madagascar: Le roi du techno-soukous en concert . Madagascar: The king of techno-soukous in concert . 28 October 2023 . . French.
- News: Rabe . Patrice . 2 April 2008 . Madagascar: Evénement - Awilo, le roi du "techno soukouss", à Tana le 4 mai . Madagascar: Event - Awilo, the king of "techno soukouss", in Tana on May 4 . 28 October 2023 . . Antananarivo, Madagascar . fr.
- News: Randrianja . Juliano . 11 April 2008 . Madagascar: Le roi du techno soukouss à Mada . Madagascar: The king of techno soukouss in Mada . 28 October 2023 . . Antananarivo, Madagascar . French.
- Web site: 2008-08-01 . Awilo Longomba . 2023-10-28 . Radio Okapi . fr.
- Web site: 2019-02-23 . 6 Biggest Albums Released by Legend Awilo Longomba . 2023-10-28 . Flash Uganda Media . English.
- News: Enyimo . Martin . November 24, 2009 . Congo-Kinshasa: Awilo Longomba et Fally Ipupa à l'affiche au Zénith de Paris . French . Congo-Kinshasa: Awilo Longomba and Fally Ipupa on display at the Zénith de Paris . AllAfrica . 2023-10-13.
- News: Rivelo . Hernan . June 10, 2010 . Madagascar: Cinquantenaire de l'Indépendance - Le groupe Kassav en tête d'affiche des invités . French . Madagascar: Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence - The Kassav group headlines the guests . L'Express de Madagascar . 2023-10-28.
- Web site: O . Ovie . May 5, 2014 . EXCLUSIVE: Awilo Longomba - Bundelele . May 25, 2024 . NotjustOk . en-US.
- Web site: Diasso . Alain . October 10, 2015 . Tendance musicale : la guerre du " générique " fait rage . 2023-12-19 . www.adiac-congo.com . French . Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 29 May 2015 . Enemy Solo, le battle entre Awilo Longomba et P-Square . Enemy Solo, battle at the top between Awilo Longomba and P-Square . 29 June 2024 . Djolo.net . fr-FR.
- Web site: 2023-01-05 . Gospel: 9 ans après les Makoma reviennent sur scène sans leur cadette Nathalie . Gospel: 9 years later the Makoma return to the stage without their youngest Nathalie . 2024-05-18 . ACP . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Abiola . 2017-01-23 . Entertainment: Music: 'Rihanna' ft Yemi Alade [Video] ]. 2023-12-19 . Pulse Nigeria . en . Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: Uyeh . Patricia . January 19, 2017 . Congolese superstar, Awilo Longomba features Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade on new track "Rihanna" . 2023-12-19 . Allure.vanguardngr.com . English . Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: 2017-07-19 . Découvrez le clip " Esopi yo " de Awilo Longomba featuring Tiwa Savage . Discover the music video "Esopi Yo" by Awilo Longomba featuring Tiwa Savage . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 4 September 2018 . GetMziki: BM Feat Awilo Longamba- Rosalina (Remix) . 2023-09-15 . Getmziki.com . en-US.
- Web site: Tabalia . Jedidah . 2019-11-12 . South African dance moves that have made it internationally . 2023-09-15 . Briefly . en.
- Web site: Gachanja . Nelly . 2019-01-13 . Top 10 African Dance Styles of 2018 - Africa.com . 2023-09-15 . www.africa.com . en-US.
- Web site: 13 September 2018 . 5 chansons qui vous feront danser en septembre . 5 songs that will make you dance in September . 18 May 2024 . Music In Africa . en.
- Web site: 2019-04-07 . Awilo Longomba invité sur scène Robinio Mundibu lors de son concert à Kampala . Awilo Longomba invited Robinio Mundibu on stage during his concert in Kampala . 2023-12-01 . Mbote . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Okhide . Peter . 16 April 2019 . Awilo Longomba - Canon (Official Video) . 25 May 2024 . NotjustOk . en-US.
- Web site: Mpiutu . Miguel Jegou . 2021-04-23 . Découvrez la chanson " Attitude " de Harmonize en featuring avec Awilo Longomba et H Baba . Discover the song "Attitude" by Harmonize featuring Awilo Longomba and H Baba . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2021-04-25 . Le clip " Attitude " de Harmonize feat Awilo Longomba et H Baba fait plus de 3 millions des vues en 24 h . The music video "Attitude" by Harmonize featuring Awilo Longomba and H Baba has more than 3 million views in 24 hours . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Mpiutu . Miguel Jegou . 2021-05-10 . Angel Mary Kato annonce la sortie de sa chanson " Tanzania " en featuring avec Awilo Longomba . Angel Mary Kato announces the release of her song "Tanzania" featuring Awilo Longomba . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2022-10-30 . Gaz Mawete et Awilo Longomba étaient les invités au concert de Fally Ipupa au Stade des Martyrs . Gaz Mawete and Awilo Longomba were guests at the Fally Ipupa concert at the Stade des Martyrs . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2022-11-25 . Enrôlement: Les artistes congolais mobilisent la population . Enrollment: Congolese artists mobilize the population . 2024-05-18 . ACP . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2022-11-18 . Awilo Longomba, Werrason, Mbilia Bel et plusieurs autres artistes en tournage d'une chanson de sensibilisation . Awilo Longomba, Werrason, Mbilia Bel and several other artists filming an awareness song . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Musafiri . Gabriel . December 31, 2022 . Musique : Découvrez"Maboko Milayi", le nouveau clip d'Innoss'B feat Awilo Longomba (vidéo) . Music: Discover "Maboko Milayi", the new clip from Innoss'B feat Awilo Longomba (video) . 2024-03-29 . Iwebrdc.com . fr-FR.
- Web site: December 31, 2022 . Innoss'B et Awilo Longomba sont de retour avec " Maboko Milayi " . Innoss'B and Awilo Longomba are back with "Maboko Milayi" . 2024-03-29 . mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: January 13, 2023 . Innoss'B réalise 2 millions des vues sur Youtube avec " Maboko milayi " ft Awilo Longomba . Innoss'B achieves 2 million views on Youtube with "Maboko milayi" ft Awilo Longomba . 2024-03-29 . mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2023-03-30 . Awilo Longomba sera l’un des coachs de la saison 1 de The Voice Africa . Awilo Longomba will be one of the coaches of season 1 of The Voice Africa . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: 2 December 2023 . Yemi Alade, Awilo Longomba et Rebo Tchulo, les deux invités d’Innoss’B à La Madeleine . Yemi Alade, Awilo Longomba and Rebo Tchulo, the two guests of Innoss'B at La Madeleine . 9 May 2024 . mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Marcelo . Breanna . 17 July 2024 . Indigo to remove Alice Munro photos from some of its stores across Canada . 18 July 2024 . NOW Toronto . en-CA . Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Web site: Shackleton . Al . 5 July 2024 . Afrofest celebrations set for Woodbine Park on July 5, 6 and 7 . 18 July 2024 . Beach Metro Community News . en-US . Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Web site: Njoku . Benjamin . 3 August 2014 . Why I disappeared from music scene — Awilo Longomba . 24 May 2024 . Vanguardngr.com . Lagos, Nigeria.
- Web site: Mpiutu . Miguel Jegou . 2021-12-14 . Burna Boy reconnaît Awilo Longomba comme l'un des héros musicaux de son enfance . Burna Boy recognizes Awilo Longomba as one of his childhood musical heroes . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Ngema . Zee . Ayra Starr Channels Her Inner E-Girl in New Single 'Sability' - Okayplayer . 2023-10-28 . www.okayafrica.com . en.
- Web site: 18 March 2023 . Harmonize: "Je veux être comme Awilo Longomba" . Harmonize: "I want to be like Awilo Longomba" . 2024-05-18 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Kanka . Joseph . 9 November 2001 . Afrique: Koras 2001 a Sun City: Werrason n°1 d'Afrique . Africa: Koras 2001 at Sun City: Werrason n°1 in Africa . 18 May 2024 . Lephareonline.net/ . Fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Web site: Alonge . Bolaji . 24 November 2019 . AFRIMAs 2019: Full list of winners . 2024-05-18 . Music In Africa . en.