Awilo Longomba

Career

In 1995, he finally quit drumming for singing and released his first album Moto Pamba with help from Shimita, Ballou Canta, Dindo Yogo, Dally Kimoko, Sam Mangwana, Syran Mbenza and Rigo Star. His second Civil Defense, Coupe Bibamba (1998) made him known throughout Africa, Europe and America. This was followed by Kafou Kafou (2001) and an album, Mondongo (2004), which features Japponais, Dally Kimoko, Caen Madoka, Djudjuchet, Josky Kiambukuta and Simaro Lutumba.

He is also credited as an atalaku (animateur) on some soukous records.

Awilo now lives in France and is engaged to musician Barbara Kanam. In 2008, Awilo Longomba released the new album Super-Manitoba which was another success.

Awilo continued his popularity in United States of America/ Canada while on tour with Nabtry International Cultural Dancers, an African dance group founded in 2007 by Grace Haukwa. The Super-Manitoba tour was successful throughout 2008 and 2009.

Achievements

• By popular votes and a historic win at the International Reggae and World Music Awards with over 120 countries voting in, Super-Manitoba won the Best Soukous Entertainer Award 2009. Chief Executive Officer and founder of Nabtry Grace Haukwa, who represents Awilo in the United States, received the award on Awilo"s behalf at the ceremony.

Membership

Awilo"s relatives in the music industry include his father Victor Longomba a founding member of T.P Oklahoma Jazz as well as his late elder brother, Lovy the father to the Longombas who are a popular afro-fusion group based in Kenya. Lovy had a rich tenor voice and was a member of Super Mazembe led by the late Longwa Didos.