AWILO ‘caught’ in Dakar, opens up on career. Remember Awilo Longomba, the great Congolese highlife performer who mesmerized the music industry in the 1990s?
The famous person spoke openly to us about his efforts to support upcoming musicians in his nation, stating, “I recently floated a record label to offer a platform for them to display their abilities.”
He said that he didn’t have any regrets about starting his solo musical career 28 years ago.
The Congolese singer described his musical path as “eventful” in an interview with our correspondent at the just ended All Africa Music Awards in Dakar, Senegal. Awilo declared himself content with his choice to launch a solo career at the time he did.
Before starting a solo career, I was a drummer. In 1995, I released my debut album, “Moto Pamba.” Since that time, I haven’t turned around, and I don’t regret making those audacious decisions, stated Awilo.
The celebrity did pledge to release an album this year, though. He won a trophy at the Kora Awards for the third time in 2001 with his most recent album, “Kafou Kafou,” which was published in 2000.
I haven’t put out an album in a very long time. But I’m planning to release an album this year,” he said.
The ageless singer stated, “I have launched Awilo Record label, which encourages new Congolese vocalists. In Congo, there are a lot of upcoming musicians, and with my record company, I want to prepare my successors for the music industry. I’ll try my best to mentor and guide them.
With his songs that transcended cultural borders, the Congolese soukous singer swept the airwaves in the late 1980s. He captured the attention of millions of music fans all around the world, but notably in Nigeria, with his repetitive yet catchy tunes and sensual dancing moves.
After starting a solo career in 1995, Awilo published his debut album, “Moto Pamba.” He followed it up in 1998 with “Coupé Bibamba,” which brought him international acclaim.
