Lokua Kanza

In late 1992, Lokua Kanza began recording his debut album Lokua Kanza, using a small studio lent to him by a friend, without the support of a major studio and technicians. Before its official release, he delivered two successful acoustic concerts at the Auditorium des Halles in Paris, accompanied by just two musicians — his brother, percussionist Didi Ekukuan, and Senegalese singer Julia Sarr. They went on tour in France and Belgium until the album was released in October 1993.[9][12][3]

By January 1994, the album had already sold 5,000 copies. Lokua Kanza emerged as a musical star, celebrated for his mellifluous croon, virtuoso guitar prowess, poignant melodies, and lyrical poignancy, similar to Ismaël Lô. His compositions, succinct and evocative, akin to three-minute pearls, resonated with many audiences.[14][12] In May 1994, he opened for Manu Dibango at the Casino de Paris, and in November, French singer Jean-Louis Aubert invited him to perform as an opening act in front of large audiences. Youssou N'Dour also enlisted his vocal talents for his album The Guide (Wommat).[14][12] Following an extensive tour from November 1993 to May 1994 and the release of his album in various European countries, Japan, and North America, Lokua Kanza reunited with Youssou in June in New York City during a concert at the Manhattan Center. He gained recognition and acclaim beyond French borders.[12][14] During the summer, he contributed to Papa Wemba's Emotion album, exploring arrangements and production at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in England. In September, he was invited by Patrick Bruel to perform as an opening act, a success despite the audience's strong devotion to Patrick Bruel.[12][14] He performed three concerts at the now-defunct Hot Brass venue in Paris, introducing a new show with a larger group featuring six choristers. In December, he won the Best African Album prize at the African Music Awards.[11][14][12]

In January 1995, he began recording his second album. The album, titled Wapi Yo (Where Are You?), was released in October 1995 by BMG.[15][8] The label released the album in 26 countries at once, and the demand was immense. Lokua occupied the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris for a sold-out week, with his first single "Shadow Dancer" entering many European charts. Though much more "Westernized" than his earliest repertoire, with the title in English and a French version, the majority of the other tracks were in Lingala and Swahili.[12][11] In November, he returned to Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios for a new production on the Real World label, this time collaborating with Ugandan artist Geoffrey Oryema. Lokua's work as an arranger on the Emotion album was rewarded in December during the new edition of the African Music Awards, held in Libreville, Gabon.[11][12]

In February 1996, he was nominated for three awards at the Victoires de la Musique in France.[16] On April 1, 1996, he performed on the Olympia stage and continued to perform at significant spring festivals, from Bourges to Angoulême.[11][14] On July 13, the Francofolies festival in La Rochelle organized "La Fête à Lokua", a soirée where a pantheon of African stars, including Youssou N'Dour and Papa Wemba, performed alongside Lokua Kanza.[11] Shortly after, he performed at the prestigious Montreux Festival. He spent the remainder of the summer performing in Africa, including a concert in South Africa, the Kora ceremony in September (where he won the 'Most Promising Male Artist of Africa' award), and finally, the Madajazzcar festival in October.[17]

In 1997, Lokua Kanza toured the United States, performing several concerts at the beginning of the year and returning in July to New York City (at the Vive la World festival) and Los Angeles. In April of that year, he was invited by Brazilian musician Djavan Caetano Viana to participate in the Festival de Todos os Sons (Festival of All Sounds) in Curitiba.[11] In June 1997, he performed at the Espace Austerlitz in Paris, serenading attendees in support of undocumented migrants residing illegally in France with the help of many artists.[11][17]

On June 1, 1998, he participated in the Africa Festival of Würzburg in Bavaria. By the end of the summer, he was featured on the last album of Natalie Merchant, Ophelia. However, he mainly worked on his upcoming album, which was released in the fall under the name Lokua Kanza 3.[11] The album incorporated more orchestration, with string ensembles enhancing the songs. Lyrics were presented in Lingala, Swahili, French, and English, with themes delving into the profundities of quotidian existence.[17] The album also featured collaborations with American artists, including Lamont Dozier, a pivotal figure from the Motown label, and Siedah Garrett, known for her work with Michael Jackson.[10][17]

At the end of 2001, he released the album Toyebi Té (Nobody Knows Where He's Going"), a compendium of folk ballads crooned in English, French and Lingala. The album featured collaborations with his four children, French jazz guitarist Sylvain Luc, French rapper Passi, the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, and his choristers, Julia Sarr and Didi Ekukuan. In March 2002, the singer began a tour through France and Europe.[18][17][19]

In April 2004, he collaborated with Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and West Indian singer-songwriter Gérald Toto on a trio album project, Toto Bona Lokua, released on the aptly named No Format! label.[20][17]

Lokua Kanza (left), January 2013

In February 2005, he released the album Plus vivant. The titular track featured Corneille Nyungura.[21] During his tour, he performed on May 27 at the Café de la Danse in Paris. In 2007, he relocated to Brazil, where he spent several years developing his career. While working on a new album, he also wrote for several artists, such as Ney Matogrosso and Vanessa de Mata.[17][8]

On March 25, 2010, Kanza released the album Nkolo. The album reconnected with his mother tongue, Lingala, and spirituality, accentuated by sober and delicate notes: chiseled guitars, thumb piano, Martenot waves, and Cristal Baschet. A legacy of his new Brazilian life, Congolese rumba rhythms infuse most tracks, some of which are sung in Portuguese and French.[22][17][23] Nkolo includes two duets: one with the Brazilian Vander Lee, the other with Fally Ipupa.[24][17] In May 2010, Lokua Kanza embarked on a European tour with several dates in France, Spain, Germany, and others. On May 6 and 7, he performed in Paris. He continued to tour in many European cities from March 2010 to present his album.[17]

On May 31 and June 1, 2014, he celebrated his 20-year solo career by giving two resplendent concerts: one at the Théâtre de la Verdure in Kinshasa, the other on the stage of the eighth edition of the International Jazz Festival in Kinshasa.[25][26][27] He was accompanied by prominent artists on stage, including Richard Bona, Jean Goubald Kalala, Sara Tavares, Fally Ipupa, Olivier Tshimanga, and Malaika Lokua.[25] In 2016, he recorded a duet with Christophe Maé, aptly titled "Lampedusa," which appears on Maé's album L'attrape-rêves.[28] In October, he became a member of the panel of judges for The Voice Afrique Francophone, alongside A'Salfo from Magic System, Charlotte Dipanda, and Singuila.[8][29][30]

On September 12, 2020, Kanza announced the release of his forthcoming album Moko during an interview on Radio Okapi.[31] The album was recorded in 12 countries, sung in 14 languages, and features various artists, including Manu Dibango, Richard Bona, Wasis Diop, Paco Séry, Sidiki Diabaté, Charlotte Dipanda, Pamela Baketana, Grady Malonda, and many others. It symbolizes peace, unity, and togetherness and was officially released on April 21, 2021, through a co-production partnership between Nzela Productions and Universal Music Africa.[32][33][34][35]