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Robinio Mundibu

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Robinio Mundibu
Birth nameMongala Akelembi
Also known asEl Généralissimo
Born (1985-11-04) November 4, 1985 (age 39)
Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental, Zaire
(modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • record producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocal
Years active2002–present
Formerly ofWenge Musica Maison Mère

Mongala Akelembi (born 4 November 1985), professionally known as Robinio Mundibu, is a Congolese singer, songwriter and dancer. Akelembi began his career as a protégé of Do Akongo and later worked with Tutu Caludji, an ex-singer of Wenge Musica BCBG. In 2009, he joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère before going solo in 2014 with his debut singles "Vantard" and "Mbonzimbonzi".[1][2][3][4][5] The following year, Akelembi debuted four singles "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".[2][1][3]

In 2016, he signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music and dropped his six-track Extended Play (EP) Chiffre 9, which yielded his widely acclaimed hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".[2][1] Akelembi's follow-up hit "Misu Na Misu", released on 6 June 2019, catapulted him to stardom in Africa with over 30 million views on YouTube.[6][7] On 26 May 2021, he premiered his EP Noir et Blanc.[8][9]

Early life and career

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Mbuji-Mayi, the birthplace of Robinio Mundibu, is the capital of Kasai-Oriental Province.

Mongala Akelembi was born on 4 November 1985, in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).[2][1] In 2000, he obtained a state diploma in electrical engineering. Although he continued practicing the same job, he became interested in music after being bedazzled by Wenge Musica, Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and Quartier Latin International.[2][4][1]

In 2002, Akelembi encountered Do Akongo, a former member of Quartier Latin International, who was departing from the band to establish his own orchestra.[2] Recalling the encounter in an interview with Pan African Music, Akelembi stated, "I visited his home while he was rehearsing with his musicians, and we had a conversation... Despite my lack of experience, he agreed to take me on."[2] After four years of refining his skills in Congolese rumba, Akelembi left the orchestra in pursuit of a group offering better remuneration and more visibility to its artists.[2][1][10] He then attempted to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère and Quartier Latin International but failed the selection test.[2]

In 2006, Akelembi crossed paths with Tutu Caludji, a former member of Wenge Musica who was establishing his ensemble after departing from the band.[2] During his audition, he sang and danced, earning the nickname "Robinio", a nod to the Brazilian footballer Robinho.[2] He then started working on Caludji's forthcoming record. However, Caludji's departure to Paris for a two-year album finalization left the ensemble bereft of leadership and pecuniary sustenance. Akelembi began his quest to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère.[2] He financed televised and radiated performances to attract attention as an unaffiliated artist seeking a group to join.[2] In 2009, he successfully joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère and made substantial contributions to the band's forthcoming album, Techno Malewa Sans Cesse, Vol. 1. Shortly thereafter, he adopted the stage name "Mundibu," which ultimately culminated in the full name "Robinio Mundibu".[2]

Solo career

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2014–June 2019: Standalone releases and Chiffre 9

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In 2014, Mundibu departed from Wenge Musica Maison Mère and released his debut singles, "Vantard" and "Mbonzi Mbonzi", which incorporated Congolese rumba and ndombolo rhythm, respectively.[2][3][1] These singles gained significant popularity, accumulating a total of 60,000 plays.[2] Subsequently, Mundibu released four successful singles in 2015, including "Ye Yo Ok", which became a major hit in the DRC with 150,000 plays.[2][10]

In 2016, Mundibu signed a record contract with French labels EPM and Cantos Music and unveiled his six-track EP, titled Chiffre 9, named after his newly-formed group.[2] Chiffre 9 garnered international recognition with standout hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".[3][2][10] "Tsha Nanu Boye" gained immense popularity in Kinshasa with over one million views on YouTube.[11] In May 2017, Mundibu performed the song at his father's funeral and stated that its lyrics had the power to "transform sadness into joy".[12] To promote Chiffre 9, Mundibu sold-out two consecutive concerts at Halle de la Gombe,[13][14] followed by a concert in Goma on 26 November 2017.[15][16] He concluded the year with a show at Pomba Branca in Angola, followed by a gig at Piscine Alvalade in Angola on 1 January 2018.[17] In August 2018, Mundibu was brought onto the stage by Fally Ipupa during his showcase in Brazzaville, where he performed a rendition of Chiffre 9.[18] To promote Chiffre 9 further, Mundibu embarked on his "Playing the Balloon Tour" with shows in Brazzaville, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.[19]

In April 2019, Mundibu joined Awilo Longomba on stage during his concert in Kampala.[20] On 2 June 2019, he performed at the B-One Music show in Kinshasa, attended by the Congolese Minister of National Economy, Vital Kamerhe, and his spouse, Hamida Chatur, who were spotted dancing to "Tsha Nanu Boye".[21] Mundibu subsequently received a special visit from former Congolese First Lady, Olive Lembe di Sita.[21]

June 2019–July 2019: "Misu Na Misu", censorship and resurgence

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On 6 June 2019, Mundibu debuted the ndombolo-infused single "Misu Na Misu", which contains a saxophone sample from "Dumalana" by Vee Mampeezy and Zimbabwean singer Dr. Tawanda.[22] The song's music video showcased Mundibu and his group dancing bare-chest in a plot, fields, and even in the street amidst the crowd.[23] One week after its debut, Mundibu announced on his Instagram that he had started working on the "Misu Na Misu" remix with Awilo Longomba.[24]

On 22 June, the DRC's National Censorship Commission barred "Misu Na Misu" from being broadcast on television and radio due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.[25][4][26][27] The lyrics, particularly "Oko mata nga lelo, Oko mata nga na mokongo" (translating to: "Today you are going to ride on me, today you are going to ride on my back"), were adjudicated obscene, construed as "nothing more and nothing less than a disguised call for sexual antics." Parenthetically, the phrase "Kotisa bimisa" (meaning "bring in and bring out") was perceived as a metaphor for "coitus."[25][26] Nevertheless, the song gained immense popularity in the DRC and across Africa, played in bars and discos, and viewed more than a million times on YouTube.[25][28][29] In July 2019, Mundibu presented a live concert at Village Chez Ntemba in Kinshasa, sharing the spotlight with Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, and Maman Kalunga.[30]

2020–present: Noir et Blanc and standalone releases

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Mundibu began recording his debut studio album, Noir et Blanc, in 2017.[31] Initially slated for release in 2018, the album's debut was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then shifted his focus towards a five-track EP and announced the forthcoming release of the album in the ensuing years.[32][8] On 30 June 2018, Mundibu dropped the promotional single for Noir et Blanc, "Kita Mata".[33] On 20 December 2019, he premiered "Bina Na Bina," a follow-up to his previous hit, "Misu Na Misu".[34][35][36] "Bina Na Bina" achieved considerable popularity in Africa, garnering over one million views and recognition in France and Belgium.[37] While working on Noir et Blanc's production, Mundibu was the opening act for Fally's concert at Accor Arena.[38][39] The track "Goûter," blending ndombolo and coupé-décalé, premiered on 6 November 2020, which featured Freddy Mbolongo, a prominent Congolese belly dancer.[40][41][42] The multilingual track "Tonight", fusing soukous urban rhythm and incorporating lyrics in English, French, and Lingala, debuted on 9 December 2020.[43][44] Noir et Blanc was officially released on 26 May 2021 and included the three previously released singles "Bina Na Bina", "Goûter", and "Tonight".[8][9]

On 15 December, Mundibu released the single "Kulumba",[44] which was quickly barred from television and radio broadcasts nine days later by the National Censorship Commission for its explicit content in the music video.[45] Despite the ban, "Kulumba" paradoxically dominated discos, bars, and clubs nationwide and amassed one million YouTube views within a month.[46][47] In April 2023, Mundibu hosted a concert in Matonge, during which he performed Fally's "Mayday" from his seventh studio album, Formule 7.[48] He followed this performance with a ndombolo-inspired single "Eloko" featuring Gaz Mawete.[49] On 31 May 2024, Mundibu introduced the single "Ne Lâche Pas", a fusion of amapiano, Afrobeats, and ndombolo, which gave rise to an eponymous dance style.[50][51] On 20 October, he unveiled the ndombolo-inflected animated single "Epompa".[52]

Discography

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Extended play

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  • Chiffre 9 (2016, EPM and Cantos Music)
  • Noir et Blanc (2021, EPM)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Robinio Mundibu". Music In Africa (in French). 28 April 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Benchebra, Rémi (2020-02-27). "Robinio Mundibu : les pieds dans la rumba, la tête dans l'afro house". Pan African Music (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  3. ^ a b c d Roussel, Jane (29 May 2021). "Robinio Mundibu: "J'ai des singles qui pèsent autant qu'un album, non?"" [Music – Robinio Mundibu: "I have singles that weigh as much as an album, right?"]. JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Mansangu, Raphaël (January 6, 2022). "Robinio Mundibu célèbre ses 10 ans de carrière le 16 janvier au Millionnaire Club" [Robinio Mundibu celebrates his 10th career on January 16 at the Millionaire Club]. ouragan.cd (in French). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  5. ^ "Robinio - Festival Amani (Goma RDC)". amanifestival.com. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  6. ^ "30 millions de vues YouTube pour le clip "Misu na misu" de Robinio Mundibu" [30 million YouTube views for Robinio Mundibu's "Misu Na Misu" music video]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 4 February 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  7. ^ Mandina, Hervé (13 June 2019). "Afro-club, le hit des platines avec Lynnsha, DJ Moh Green et Black M". RFI Musique (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  8. ^ a b c Mandina, Hervé (30 December 2021). "Afro-Club, le hit des platines avec Sly'A, MDM et Robinio Mundibu". RFI Musique (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Robinio Mundibu dévoile le clip festif de " Nzete "" [Robinio Mundibu unveils the festive music video for “Nzete”]. Pan African Music (in French). 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  10. ^ a b c "Robinio Mundibu, artiste congolais à la conquête de l'Europe avec une grande tournée européenne" [Robinio Mundibu, Congolese artist conquering Europe with a major European tour]. www.africaradio.com (in French). June 9, 2022. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  11. ^ "Le clip "Tcha nanu boye" vient d'atteindre 1million des vues" [The music video “Tcha nanu boye” has just reached 1 million views]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-11. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  12. ^ "Robinio Mundibu explique pourquoi il a chanté "Tcha nanu boye" aux obseques de son père" [Robinio Mundibu explains why he sang “Tcha nanu boye” at his father’s funeral]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-05. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  13. ^ "Fest'Kin : Zaiko Langa Langa et Robinio Mundibu ce 25 au 26 mai à la Halle de la Gombe" [Fest'Kin: Zaiko Langa Langa and Robinio Mundibu this May 25 to 26 at the Halle de la Gombe]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  14. ^ "Découvrez Yaya, le nouveau clip de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover Yaya, the new music video by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-05-25. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  15. ^ "Robinio Mundibu est arrivé à Goma" [Robinio Mundibu arrived in Goma]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-11-24. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  16. ^ "Robinio Mundibu en concert à Goma" [Robinio Mundibu in concert in Goma]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-10-26. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  17. ^ "Robinio Mundibu se produira en Angola pour le nouvel an" [Robinio Mundibu will perform in Angola for the New Year]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  18. ^ "Robinio Mundibu invité par Fally Ipupa lors de son showcase à Brazzaville" [Robinio Mundibu invited by Fally Ipupa during his showcase in Brazzaville]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-08-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  19. ^ "Robinio Mundibu annonce "Jouer le ballon tour"" [Robinio Mundibu announces “Playing trick ball”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2018-04-23. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  20. ^ "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]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-04-07. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  21. ^ a b "Robinio Mundibu : " J'ai déjà vu dans une vidéo, Vital Kamerhe et Hamida Chatur danser Tcha nanu boye "" [Robinio Mundibu: “I already saw in a video, Vital Kamerhe and Hamida Chatur dancing Tcha nanu boye”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  22. ^ "Robinio Mundibu reconnaît avoir copié la chanson " Dumalana " de l'artiste Botshwanais Vee Mampeenzy et Dr Tawanda" [Robinio Mundibu admits to having copied the song “Dumalana” by Botswana artist Vee Mampeenzy and Dr Tawanda]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  23. ^ "Découvrez le générique " Misu na misu " de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the theme song "Misu na misu" by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2 June 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  24. ^ "Robinio Mundibu: "Misu na misu remixé, ce sera avec le vieux Awilo Longomba"" [Robinio Mundibu: "Misu na misu remixed, it will be with old Awilo Longomba"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 20 June 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  25. ^ a b c Nsimba, Christian (18 July 2019). "Malgré son interdiction, "Misu na Misu" de Robino Mundibu continue de cartonner" [Despite its ban, Robino Mundibu's "Misu na Misu" continues to be a hit]. Lemag (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  26. ^ a b Kikim, Kingunza (June 26, 2019). "Le musicien Robinho Mundibu aux arrêts pour avoir chanté des insanités" [Musician Robinho Mundibu arrested for singing nonsense]. www.digitalcongo.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  27. ^ "La chanson " Misu na misu " de Robinio Mundibu, interdite par la Commission des censures" [The song “Misu na misu” by Robinio Mundibu, banned by the Censorship Commission]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  28. ^ "Afrique centrale: Top 10 des vidéos les plus suivies en 2019" [Central Africa: Top 10 most watched videos in 2019]. Music In Africa (in French). 20 December 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  29. ^ "Robinio Mundibu sur la chanson "Misu na misu": "Notre avocat va introduire une requête pour qu'on sorte la version autorisée"" [Robinio Mundibu on the song "Misu na misu": "Our lawyer will file a request to release the authorized version"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  30. ^ "Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, Maman Kalunga, sur scène lors de la production de Robinio Mundibu" [Gaz Mawete, Ibrator, Anita Mwarabu, Pomba Leader, Maman Kalunga, on stage during the production of Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  31. ^ "L'album "Noir et Blanc" de Robinio Mundibu arrive bientôt" [Robinio Mundibu’s album “Noir et Blanc” is coming soon]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2017-11-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  32. ^ "Robinio Mundibu repousse la sortie de «Noir et blanc» en 2019" [Robinio Mundibu postpones the release of “Black and White” to 2019]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 22 August 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  33. ^ "Robinio Mundibu sort Kita mata", le troisième générique de l'album "Noir et Blanc"" [Robinio Mundibu releases "Kita Mata", the third song from the album "Noir et Blanc"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 July 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  34. ^ Pinganayi, Glody (21 December 2019). "Robinio Mundibu provoque ses jaloux dans "Bina na nga" [Robinio Mundibu provokes his jealous people in "Bina na nga"]. Lemag (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Robinio Mundibu annonce le générique " Bina Na nga " pour les fêtes de fin d'année" [Robinio Mundibu announces the theme song “Bina Na nga” for the end of year celebrations]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  36. ^ "Robinio Mundibu atteint 1 million des vues sur Youtube avec le clip " Bina na nga "" [Robinio Mundibu reaches 1 million views on Youtube with the music video “Bina na nga”]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  37. ^ "Découvrez le clip du générique " Bina na nga " de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the music video for “Bina na nga” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  38. ^ "Jeny Bosenge sera la chorégraphe officielle de Robinio Mundibu au concert de Fally Ipupa" [Jeny Bosenge will be the official choreographer of Robinio Mundibu at the Fally Ipupa concert]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2020-02-19. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  39. ^ "Concert de Fally Ipupa : Une première réussie de Robinio Mundibu, sur scène à Paris" [Fally Ipupa concert: A successful premiere of Robinio Mundibu, on stage in Paris]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. February 28, 2020. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  40. ^ Benchebra, Rémi (6 November 2020). "Robinio Mundibu vous invite à partager le "Goûter" [Robinio Mundibu invites you to share the "Goûter"]. Pan African Music (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  41. ^ "Découvrez le nouveau clip "goûter" de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the new "goûter" clip by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 6 November 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  42. ^ "Découvrez "Goûter" de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover "Goûter" by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 6 November 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  43. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (2020-12-09). "Découvrez la chanson "Tonight" de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover the song “Tonight” by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  44. ^ a b Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (15 December 2021). "Découvrez "Kulumba", le nouveau clip de Robinio Mundibu" [Discover "Kulumba", the new music video by Robinio Mundibu]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  45. ^ Mpiutu, Miguel Jegou (25 December 2021). "La chanson "Kulumba" de Robinio Mundibu censurée" [Robinio Mundibu's song "Kulumba" censored]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  46. ^ "Robinio Mundibu se rejouit du succès de sa chanson «Kulumba»" [Robinio Mundibu is delighted with the success of his song "Kulumba"]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 16 January 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  47. ^ "Robinio Mundibu: le clip «Kulumba» franchit la barre de 1 million des vues sur YouTube" [Robinio Mundibu: the clip "Kulumba" crosses the 1 million views mark on YouTube]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 27 February 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  48. ^ "Robinio Mundibu chante «Mayday» de Fally Ipupa pendant son concert – Mbote" [Robinio Mundibu sings "Mayday" by Fally Ipupa during his concert]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 30 April 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  49. ^ Diakubama, Grace Izi (5 May 2023). "Robinio Mundibu et Gaz Mawete nous proposent leur nouveau clip « Eloko » – Mbote" [Robinio Mundibu and Gaz Mawete offer us their new clip "Eloko"]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  50. ^ "Robinio Mundibu dévoile son clip «Ne lâche pas»" [Robinio Mundibu unveils his video clip "Ne lâche Pas"]. Mbote.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  51. ^ "Robinio Mundibu figure incontournable de la nouvelle scène musicale congolaise" [Robinio Mundibu, a key figure in the new Congolese music scene]. Africaradio.com (in French). 24 June 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  52. ^ Mande, Ordi (21 October 2024). "Robinio Mundibu de retour avec le titre festif "Epompa"" [Robinio Mundibu is back with the festive title "Epompa"]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
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