JB Mpiana

Jean‑Bedel Mpiana wa Tshituka, known professionally as JB Mpiana, (born 2 June 1967 in Kananga, Kasaï‑Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo) is a legendary Congolese singer, dancer‑chorégraphe, and songwriter whose music has defined generations across Africa and the diaspora.

Raised in Kinshasa from infancy, JB Mpiana developed a passion for singing early — performing in church and school groups before entering the professional music scene. He first rose to fame in the 1980s as a founding member and eventual leader of the iconic Congolese band Wenge Musica, one of the most influential orchestras in the history of Congolese rumba and ndombolo. Under his leadership, Wenge Musica gained widespread acclaim for its energetic rhythms and compelling stage presence.

Following the group’s split in 1997, JB Mpiana founded Wenge BCBG, taking many original members with him and launching a highly successful solo career. His debut solo album, Feux de l’amour (1997), which featured the hit “Ndombolo,” sold extremely well and helped popularize the ndombolo dance style internationally. Over the decades, he has enjoyed numerous milestones, including multiple gold records, performances in major venues like Olympia, Zénith, and Bercy in Paris, and record‑setting concerts in the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. His music blends traditional Congolese rhythms — rumba, ndombolo, and soukous — with modern influences, making him one of the most respected and enduring voices in African music.

JB Mpiana’s career spans 40+ years, and his legacy continues through new music releases and global tours, inspiring a new generation of artists while cementing his place as a cultural icon of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.