Celine Banza blends heartbreak and hope on Mbi Ndo Yemo

At the age 23, Banza’s music career comprises just a handful of songs, but with each of her releases she adopts themes and styles uncommon to most music in her native DRC today. This original approach is honing a sound that is sure to make big impact on African music in the near future.

The 2019 RFI Discovery Prize winner’s latest offering, ‘Mbi Ndo Yemo’ (I Love You), stands out for its purity and simplicity. With a sound inspired by the likes of Lokua Kanza and French singer Indila, it captivates the listener with a beautiful acoustic guitar melody and soft-sung lyrics.

Thematically, the song is about love, longing, heartache and hope. The composition tells the story of woman who has been separated from her lover for far too long. While pining for him she recalls the good times they shared. “I love you even if I know you can’t reach me,” she sings. At this moment, the listener feels like an intruder who is listening in on a love letter being read aloud.

Banza’s phrasing is incredible. She holds and stretches certain words to deliver the lyrical content in a masterful way. This idiosyncratic technique of hers is especially discernible during live performances. “My songs are stories of my life,” she says. 

‘Mbi Ndo Yemo’ is accompanied by a music video directed by Medhy Saleh. Banza’s debut album Praefatio is slated for release in January 2021 on French label Bomaye Musik.

Watch ‘Mbi Ndo Yemo’ below:

Artist: Celine Banza
Song: Mbi Ndo Yemo
Year: 2020 
Label: Bomaye Musik