Fally Ipupa N’simba (born December 14, 1977), better known mononymously by his stage name Fally Ipupa, is a Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, guitarist, producer, and the UNICEF National Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is known for his melancholic soft tenor voice, emphatic and emotive dance moves, as well as his unique blend of contemporary and traditional Congolese music genres, including Congolese rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. Over the course of his two-decade-long career, Fally Ipupa has earned numerous awards and accolades and is regarded as one of Africa’s most celebrated and influential musicians.[6][7] From 1999 to 2006, he was a member of the critically acclaimed Congolese band, Quartier Latin International, led by the prolific musician Koffi Olomide. He rose to prominence after releasing his debut solo album Droit Chemin in 2006, collaborating with Krys, Mokobé, and Benji. The album features songs like “Liputa,” “Orgasy,” and “Sopeka.” It went gold, selling more than 100,000 copies in one month.[9][10] In 2007, Ipupa won the Kora Awards for Best Artist or Group from Central Africa.[11] In the same year, Ipupa became the first Congolese artist to perform to a full house at the legendary Olympia stage in Paris.[12] In 2008, he performed in various countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, the United States, and Cameroon. In April of the same year, he won the Kundé for Best Artist in Central Africa in Burkina Faso.[13] His album Arsenal de Belles Mélodies, released on April 8, 2009, featured successful singles like Chaise électrique and “Sexy Dance,” becoming massive hits and some of Ipupa’s signature songs. The album sold over 100,000 copies in less than a month, including 40,000 sales in a week. He later won the MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 for Best Video for “Sexy Dance” and Best Francophone Artist.[14][15][16][17] In 2011, he performed at several leading European festivals, as well as in Nigeria, and finished off the year with a performance in Ivory Coast. Fally Ipupa was born as Faustin N’simba Ipupa on December 14, 1977, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).[30] His parents, Faustin Ebombo Ipupa and Monique Botuli Mbo, raised him alongside his brother, Bony, and two sisters, Tyna and Niclette Ipupa.[31][4][32][33] Ipupa grew up in the Bandalungwa commune, surrounded by nightclubs and bars and the headquarters of the legendary band Wenge Musica, which sparked his interest in becoming a professional musician.[33] Despite his stuttering and lisping during childhood, Ipupa was drawn to music after observing traditional groups during holidays and public events. He was particularly attracted to the drum and often got into trouble for enthusiastically attempting to play it on his blackboard. Ipupa also sang in church with his mother began performing music in the streets with makeshift instruments and friend like Atele Kunianga, Pitshou Luzolo, and Sankara de Kunta.[33][4][34] Despite his parents’ hopes for him to pursue a medical career due to his aptitude for science, Ipupa remained committed to his musical journey. He engaged with various orchestras and groups, including New City de la Bogania and Kibinda Nkoy, eventually culminating in the formation of Nouvelle Alliance. Ipupa gained a reputation as a talented singer, dancer, and atalaku (a term referencing animators or hype men who enhance the rhythm and interactivity of performances), and his proficiency continued to evolve as he gained more experience with conventional instruments.
