Kizaba
Profile added by Nikilitha Guda on 16 Sep 2026
Montreal, Congo (Kinshasa)
2026
Kizaba
BIO
Kizaba: Bridging Congolese Roots and the Future of Music
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and now based in Montréal, Canada, Lionel Kizaba is a singer-songwriter, drummer and multi-instrumentalist whose music exists at the intersection of ancestral Congolese traditions and contemporary electronic sound. Recognised for his pioneering approach to Afro-Congolese electro music, Kizaba has cultivated a distinctive afro-futurist identity that celebrates African heritage while imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.
His musical journey began in childhood, shaped by a family deeply rooted in music. Raised by his grandmother, a singer and percussionist, Kizaba developed an early connection to traditional Congolese rhythms. His uncle, jazz musician François Mantuila Nyomo, further nurtured his artistry, introducing him to jazz, blues, funk and other musical influences. These foundations would become central to the sound he would later develop as a solo artist.
Drawing from soukous, Afrobeat, pop-rock, house and electronic music, Kizaba creates a vibrant fusion that reflects both his Congolese heritage and his experiences across continents. His music incorporates French, English, Kikongo and Lingala, allowing him to explore identity, culture, spirituality and the shared human experience through a sound that transcends geographical and musical boundaries.
As the creative force behind Kizaba, he has released projects including Nzela (2017), Kizavibe (2022) and Future Village (2025). His work has earned international recognition, including a Radio-Canada Revelation title for 2024–2025 and a Juno Award nomination for Kizavibe. His performances have taken him across North America, Europe, Asia and South America, establishing him as an artist whose music resonates with audiences around the world.
Beyond the recordings, Kizaba’s live performances are a defining part of his artistry. Combining vocals, percussion, drums, movement and electronic production, he creates an energetic experience that brings his afro-futurist vision to life. His work is not simply a fusion of sounds, but an expression of cultural memory, artistic freedom and the continuous evolution of African music.
Through his music, Kizaba invites audiences to experience the meeting point between the past and the future — a world where Congolese tradition, innovation and global connection exist in harmony.
Photos
Videos
KIZABA | Music Documentary - Hustling - @WOMEXexpo | Tampere Finlande (Officiel)
THE-HUSTLING Testimonial from Marie Caroline Lemieux OFFICIAL DOC RELEASE SEP 5, 26 #danseuse #art
THE-HUSTLING 💫 (Testimonial from Patrice Agbokou) OFFICIAL DOCUMENTARY RELEASE: SEP 5, 26 #festival
KIZABA - THE-HUSTLING Testimonial from Ngoné Gueyé OFFICIAL DOCUMENTARY RELEASE 5 Sep #danseuse
KIZABA - THE-HUSTLING Testimonial from Pierre Belliveau and Maxime Archer Fortin DOC @gonedeville
KIZABA - THE-HUSTLING (Testimonial from Alfredo, Mercedes and Tina) @SunfestLDN @WOMEXexpo #art
THE-HUSTLING - SORTIE OFFICIELLE DU DOCUMENTAIRE : 5 SEPTEMBRE 2026 @espace_st_denis
Kizaba - Performance at Barbican Center in London UK
Kizaba - Performance et Africa Oyé In Liverpool
Kizaba - Performance In Nuits d’Afrique Festival 15 Juillet 2026
Kizaba - Performance au 40 ans du Festival International Nuits d’Afrique 15 juillet 2026
Super excited to perform in the 🇬🇧 UK!
12 mai 2026
Kizaba - Showcase @tallinnmusicweek 2026
Kizaba - Performance Dj-Set Clôture du Festival Nuit d’Afrique, Montréal (Mix Kizaba VS Werrason)
Social Networks and Websites
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