Kizaba is an Afro-Electro Congolese group based in Montreal, Canada. Singing in Lingala, French and Kikongo, the group seeks to infuse contemporary afrobeats, electro, house and music with melodies and rhythms from Congolese traditions, creating a unique Afro-futuristic universe inspired by strongly from the stylistic tradition of “Sapologie”. The Kizaba live show presents personalized visuals produced in partnership with Congolese plastic surgeons.

Growing up in Kinshasa, Lionel began playing drums in church at the age of 5. He was taken with a love for the percussive rhythms and songs of his grandmother Julienne Lusungi and his jazz music teacher uncle, François mantuila Nyomo. He quickly became a sought-after musician with bands such as Jupiter & Okwess, Vodacom Superstar and many more. He studied jazz at the National Institute of the Arts in Kinshasa, while playing soukous in clubs after hours. After moving to Montreal in 2011, he quickly established himself as one of the best drummers in the Canadian world music scene, performing with bands such as AfrotroniX, Mélisande, Vox Sambu [Électro-Trad] and others.

Kizaba released their debut album, Nzela, in 2016. It has won numerous local awards and has led to a cross-Canada tour for the group. Kizaba is currently working on his second album, Congolese Musique. Dancefloor heat for fans of Tony Allen, Chris David and KOKOKO!

After the release of his first four Afrobeat and ultra danceable singles, Soso, Naturelle, Tu aimes danser, featuring the city of Montreal and Kituamina, Lionel Kizaba is preparing the release of his first and expected album Congolese Music on the label DNA in September 2022.