This is a list of people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Artists
- Moseka Yogo Ambake (c. 1956–2019) — painter[1]
- Kiripi Katembo (c. 1979–2015) — photographer, documentary filmmaker and painter[2]
- Gosette Lubondo (b. 1993) — photographer
- Albert Mongita (c. 1916–1985) — actor, dramatist, painter, filmmaker and theatre director[3]
- Chéri Samba (c. born 1956) — painter[4]
- Pamela Tulizo (b. 1994) — photographer
- Bodys Isek Kingelez (c. 1948–2015) — sculptor[5]
- Freddy Tsimba (b. 1967) — sculptor[6]
- Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga (b. 1991) — painter[7]
Athletes
- Eshele Botende (b. 1970) — retired football goalkeeper, played for Kaizer Chiefs F.C.and Club Sport Marítimo
- Muteba Kidiaba (b. 1976) — football goalkeeper playing for TP Mazembe football club and the national team
- Jonathan Kuminga (b. 2002) — professional basketball player for Golden State Warriors
- Siadabida Manda (b. 1970) — professional association football player, played for a number of clubs in Greece
- Emmanuel Mudiay (b. 1996) — professional basketball player for Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN)
- Andy Mulumba (b. 1990) — professional American football player Green Bay Packers
- Dikembe Mutombo (b. 1966) — former basketball player who played for several teams in NBA
- Steve Zakuani (b. 1988) — association football player, currently playing for Seattle Sounders FC in The MLS
- Youssouf Mulumbu (b. 1987) — professional association football player
- Marie-Antoinette Katoto (b. 1998) — Congolese-French professional association football player
Musicians
- Franco Luambo (c. 1938–1989) — singer, guitarist, composer, and bandleader. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Congolese rumba and his contributions to the music industry have earned him a revered status both within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and internationally[8]
- Tabu Ley Rochereau (c. 1940–2013) — vocalist and prolific songwriter. He played a key role in developing and popularizing the Congolese rumba. His iconic songs, energetic performances, and charismatic stage presence made him a treasured figure in African music. He served as a cultural ambassador, promoting Congolese identity, unity, and social consciousness through his music[9]
- Ferré Gola (b. 1976) — singer-songwriter and dancer
- Franglish (b. 1994) — Congolese-French rapper and singer
- Fally Ipupa (b. 1977) — singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, guitarist and producer. His music traverses various genres, including soukous, ndombolo, Congolese rumba, and his energetic performances have garnered him a massive following both in Africa and internationally[10][11]
- Le Grand Kallé (c. 1930–1983) — singer-songwriter, composer, and bandleader. He is regarded as the father of modern Congolese music[12][13]
- Koffi Olomide (b. 1956) — soukus singer, dancer, producer, and composer
- Maître Gims (b. 1986) — Congolese-French singer-songwriter, rapper
- Dr. Nico Kasanda (c. 1939–1985) — guitarist, composer, singer-songwriter. He played a significant role in the development of Congolese rumba and his virtuosic guitar adroitness have left a durable influence on African music[14][15]
- Naza (b. 1993) — Congolese-French rapper, singer-songwriter
- Fabregas (b. 1987) — singer-songwriter, dancer and record producer
- Barbara Kanam (b. 1973) — singer-songwriter
- Yxng Bane (b. 1996) — British-Congolese rapper, singer-songwriter
- Keblack (b. 1992) — Congolese-French rapper, singer-songwriter
- Papa Wemba (c. 1949–2016) — singer-songwriter, sapeur, dancer, and cultural icon
- Pépé Kallé (c. 1951–1998) — singer-songwriter and bandleader
- Damso (b. 1992) — Belgian-Congolese rapper, singer-songwriter
- Papa Wemba (c. 1949–2016) — prominent musician and cultural icon. He was a pioneer of soukous music, fusing traditional Congolese rhythms with modern sounds, and his charismatic performances made him an international sensation[16]
- M'pongo Love (c. 1956–1990) — singer-songwriter known for her soft soprano voice and passionate performances. She contributed significantly to the development of Congolese rumba and played a crucial role in paving the way for female artists in the male-dominated music industry[17]
- Tshala Muana (c. 1958–2022) — singer-songwriter and performer. She was widely recognized as the "Queen of Mutuashi," a traditional dance music genre from Kasai[18]
- Awilo Longomba (b. 1962) — singer-songwriter and drummer. His catchy rhythms and infectious dance moves have made him a celebrated figure and has played a key role in popularizing Congolese music worldwide[19][20][21]
- M'bilia Bel (b. 1959) — soukus vocalist, songwriter and dancer. She's widely considered as the Queen of Congolese rumba due to her powerful and emotive vocals. She rose to fame in the 1980s, collaborating with Tabu Ley Rochereau and creating hits in soukous music genre[22]
- Lokua Kanza (b. 1958) — singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
- Werrason (b. 1965) — singer-songwriter, and bandleader
- Sam Mangwana (b. 1945) — vocalist and songwriter
- Jossart N'Yoka Longo (b. 1953) — singer-songwriter and producer. One of the founding members and leaders of the widely recognized Congolese band Zaïko Langa Langa is known for his pivotal role in shaping the sound of soukous music genre.[23]
- Wendo Kolosoy (c. 1925–2008) — guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer. He played a critical role in popularizing Congolese rumba in the 1940s and 1950s and remains an iconic figure in Congolese music history[24][25]
- Ray Lema (b. 1946) — singer-songwriter, pianist, guitarist
- Cindy Le Coeur (b. 1982) — recording artist, singer, and dancer
- Lutumba Simaro (c. 1938–2019) — singer-songwriter, composer, and bandleader. He played a key role in the influential Congolese band TPOK Jazz, and his poetic lyrics and mellifluous compositions continue to pulsate with audiences[26]
- Nyboma Mwan'dido (b. 1952) — vocalist, songwriter and dancer
- King Kester Emeneya (c. 1956–2014) — singer and bandleader
- L'Or Mbongo (b. 1978) — singer-songwriter and cantor
- Yondo Sister (b. 1958) — singer-songwriter and dancer
- Madilu System (c. 1952–2007) — singer-songwriter. His dulcet tone and emotional delivery made him one of the most celebrated figures in the Congolese music industry
- Bimi Ombale (c. 1952–2011) — singer-songwriter and drummer
- Baloji (b. 1978) — Congolese-Belgian rapper, singer-songwriter and producer
- Bramsito (b. 1996) — Congolese-French singer-songwriter and producer
- Innoss'B (b. 1997) — singer-songwriter, rapper, percussionist, and dancer
- Gaz Mawete (b. 1991) — singer-songwriter, dancer
- Héritier Watanabe (b. 1982) — songwriter-singer, dancer
- Bill Clinton Kalonji (b. 1979) — singer-songwriter, dancer and animator
- Moise Mbiye (b. 1962) — singer-songwriter and pastor
- Mike Kalambay (b. 1978) — singer-songwriter, pastor and dancer
- Dena Mwana (b. 1986) — singer, composer and dancer
- Lu Kala (b. 1995) — Congolese-Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer
- Céline Banza (b. 1997) — singer-songwriter, dancer and guitarist
- Jipson Butukondolo — composer, vocalist and entertainer
- Diblo Dibala (b. 1954) — singer, director, arranger, composer, producer, and guitarist
- Dindo Yogo (c. 1955–2000) — singer-songwriter, and dancer
- Ndombe Opetum (c. 1944–2012) — recording artist, composer and vocalist
- Youssoupha (b. 1979) — Congolese-French rapper and songwriter
- Mose Se Sengo (c. 1945–2019) — guitarist, composer and band-leader
- Mohombi (b. 1986) — Congolese-Swedish musician, singer-songwriter, composer, and dancer
- Josky Kiambukuta (c. 1949–2021) — performing artist, singer-songwriter, and composer
- Kanda Bongo Man (b. 1955) — singer-songwriter, dancer and bandleader
- Abeti Masikini (c. 1954–1994) — singer-songwriter, bandleader, and performer
- Marie Misamu (c. 1974–2016) — cantor, songwriter and composer
- Youlou Mabiala (b. 1947) — recording artist, composer, songwriter, and vocalist
- Bozi Boziana (b. 1951) — singer-songwriter and bandleader
- Kaysha (b. 1974) — singer-songwriter, rapper and producer
- Mayaula Mayoni (b. 2010) — recording artist, composer and vocalist
- Young Paris (b. 1988) — Congolese-American singer-songwriter, rapper and producer
- Evoloko Jocker (b. 1954) — singer-songwriter, dancer
- Jessy Matador (b. 1983) — Congolese-French singer-songwriter
- Jean-Bosco Mwenda (c. 1930–1990) — guitarist and singer. He was a luminary of Congolese fingerstyle acoustic guitar music
- Avelino (b. 1993) — British-Congolese rapper and singer
- Bouro Mpela (b. 1975) — singer, dancer, and performer
- Dadju (b. 1991) — Congolese-French singer-songwriter and composer
- Iyenga — singer-songwriter
- Tiakola (b. 1999) — Congolese-French rapper and singer
- Jimmy Omonga (b. 1976) — singer-songwriter, guitarist
- Kalash Criminel (b. 1995) — Congolese-French rapper and producer
- Kasaloo Kyanga (c. 1957–2011) — singer-songwriter, guitarist, and composer
- Marie Daulne (b. 1964) — Belgian-Congolese singer-songwriter, arranger and choreographer
- Ninho (b. 1996) — Congolese-French rapper and producer
- Gradur (b. 1990) — Congolese-French rapper
- Singuila (b. 1977) — singer-songwriter
- Alicios Theluji (b. 1987) — singer-songwriter and dancer
- Laurette la Perle (b. 1989) — singer-songwriter, model and businesswoman
- Soulé (b. 1995) — Irish-Congolese singer-songwriter
- Philippe Lando Rossignol (c. 1935–2004) — vocalist and recording artist
- Lous and the Yakuza (b. 1996) — Congolese-Belgian singer-songwriter, rapper, model, and artist
- Lucie Eyenga (c. 1934–1987) — vocalist and songwriter
- Nathalie Makoma (b. 1982) — Congolese-Dutch singer-songwriter
- Zola (b. 1999) — Congolese-French rapper and producer
- Syran Mbenza (b. 1950) — guitarist, singer-songwriter
- Lovy Longomba (b. 1986) — songwriter, pastor, prophet, producer, musician, and life coach
- Samba Mapangala (b. 1955) — singer-songwriter, and bandleader
- Patsha Bay — singer-songwriter
- Jaysix Abdalah (b. 1989) — singer-songwriter
- Cor Akim (b. 1992) — singer-songwriter, and pianist
- Pierre Kwenders (b. 1985) — singer and rapper
- Tshanda Sangwa (b. 1996) — singer-songwriter
- Serge Le Griot (b. 1995) — singer-songwriter
- Tresor (b. 1987) — singer-songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Adios Alemba (b. 1962) — singer-songwriter and producer[27]
- Adamo Ekula — singer-songwriter and dancer[28][29]
- Ada Muangisa (b. 1953) — guitarist, singer-songwriter[30][31][32]
- BM (b. 1992) — singer-songwriter[33][34][35]
- Ricardo Lemvo (b. 1957) — singer-songwriter
- Johnny Bokelo (c. 1940–1995) — singer-songwriter, guitarist, and dancer[36][37][38]
- Paul Ebengo Isenge (c. 1934–1990) — singer-songwriter, guitarist, arranger[39][40][41][42]
- Béatrice Beyou Ciel (b. 1967) — singer-songwriter and dancer[43][44][45]
- Antoinette Etisomba Lokindji (c. 1950–2002) — singer-songwriter and dancer[46][47][48][49]
- Anita Mwarabu (b. 1987) — singer, composer and author[50][51][52][53]
- Amanda Malela (b. 1989) — multilingual singer, composer and dancer[54][55][56]
- Déesse Mukangi (b. 1969) — vocalist, songwriter and dancer[57][58]
- Abby Surya — singer-songwriter[59][60]
- Rosny Kayiba — singer-songwriter[61][62]
- Mj30 (b. 1986) — singer-songwriter[63][64][65][66]
- Sista Becky — rapper, singer, dancer, and lyricist[67][68][69][70]
- Sarah Kalume (b. 1990) — singer-songwriter and dancer[71][72][73][74]
- Ya Levis Dalwear (b. 1994) — singer-songwriter and dancer[75][76][77]
- Deborah Lukalu (b. 1994) — singer, composer and dancer[78][79]
- Sandra Mbuyi (b. 1984) — singer-songwriter and dancer[80][81][82]
- JB Mpiana (b. 1967) — singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer[83][84]
- But Na Filet (b. 1986) — singer-songwriter, dancer[85][86][87]
- Félix Wazekwa (b. 1962) — singer-songwriter and dancer[88][89]
- JDT Mulopwe (b. 1972) — singer-songwriter and dancer[90][91]
- Rebo Tchulo (b. 1996) — singer-songwriter, dancer[92][93][94][95]
- Celeo Scram (b. 1978) — rapper, singer-songwriter[96][97]
- Robinio Mundibu (b. 1985) — singer-songwriter, dancer[98][99]
- Bumba Massa (b. 1945) — singer-songwriter[100]
- Faya Tess (b. 1966) — singer and composer[101]
- Debaba Mbaki (c. 1961–2011) — singer-songwriter and composer[102][103]
- Reddy Amisi (b. 1960) — singer-songwriter. He is known for his smooth voice and dynamic performances[104]
Entrepreneur
- Gabriel Zagabe Muzusa (b. 1978) — Congolese businessperson and politician living between Spain and the DRC. Founder of ZAEL Group of companies with Head Office in Madrid in Spain.
Politicians
- Vital Balla[105]
- Mobutu Sese Seko
- Laurent-Désiré Kabila (c. 1939–2001)
- Joseph Kabila (b. 1971) — fourth President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Félix Tshisekedi
- Jean-Pierre Bemba
- Pierre Marini Bodho
- Antoine Gizenga
- Patrice Lumumba (c. 1925–1961) — first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence from Belgian colonial rule, advocating for self-determination and national unity[106]
- Alphonse Maindo — political scientist
- Léon Kengo wa Dondo (b. 1935) — former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo[107]
- Ève Bazaiba (b. 1965) — lawyer, Secretary General, and environmentalist. She has been instrumental in promoting environmental conservation and advocating for sustainable development practices in the DRC[108]
- Christophe Lutundula — Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo[109]
- Célestin Tunda Ya Kasende — former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals in the Ilunga government[110]
- Roger Lumbala (b. 1958) — member of parliament of Democratic Republic of the Congo and former rebel leader
Activists
- Marie Claire Kaberamanzi
- Denis Mukwege (b. 1955) — gynecologist and human rights activist. He founded the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, providing life-saving medical care and support to women who have suffered sexual violence during the long-standing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo[111]
- Annie Matundu Mbambi — journalist and women's rights activist known for her work in promoting press freedom and advocating for the rights of journalists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has been a vocal advocate for media professionalism and the protection of journalists' rights[112]
- Léonnie Kandolo (b. 1960) — consultant and trainer in the context of human rights[113][114]
Academics
Other
- Alphonsine Cheusi (born 1955) — Constitutional Court judge
See also
References
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