Lionel Kizaba • Soso

Kizaba returns to the Canadian world music scene with Soso, the first single from upcoming album Congolese Music.

Written and composed by Lionel Kizaba, Soso (chicken in Lingala) is an infectious midtempo summer song dripping with catchy hooks and funky inflections, a modern soundtrack for the ultra-fly Congolese subculture of sapologie. Inspired by the neighborhood in Kinshasa where lead singer Kizaba grew up, in the shadow of the legend of Papa Wemba, the song tells of a quarrel between two neighbours that is finally reconciled over a shared meal; an afrofuturist urban parable on the difficulties and rewards of living together.

Soso will be available on all digital platforms on July 23. Congolese Musique will be out in March 2022 on Les Disques Nuits d’Afrique.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

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

On stage, he is accompanied by musicians (a Congolese guitarist, a rock rhythm guitarist and a DJ). Through its fascinating Afro-electro Congolese music, KIZABA offers a unifying show that will move any crowd! Kizaba has performed his show in major world renowned festivals across Canada, USA, Europe and Africa.

Since July 2021, Kizaba has released 5 singles: Soso, Naturelle, Tu aimes danser, Kituamina and Ingratitude, and is preparing the release of his new album ‘’KIZAVIBE’’, whose international release is scheduled for November 18, 2022 as part of the closing night of M for Montreal.