Kékélé - Congo

The Long-Awaited Return of Kékélé

“There were no more songs no more melodies… Our music was becoming decadent. We had to wake it up again.”
— Syran Mbenza

The critically acclaimed ensemble Kékélé reunite in 2026, marking the long-awaited return of one of the most respected ensembles in Congolese rumba history.

Grand Kallé (Joseph Kabasele), the grand master of Congolese rumba, established the foundations of classic Congolese music in the 1940s through his orchestra African Jazz. From this pioneering generation, the baton passed to Franco (Luambo Makiadi) and Tabu Ley Rochereau, whose orchestras OK Jazz, African Fiesta and Afrisa International defined the golden era of Congolese rumba.

Through these historic Congolese music institutions and direct musical lineage and influence from Franco and Tabu Ley, the custodial baton passed to a select group of new generation musicians, including Kanta Nyboma, Wuta Mayi, Loko Massengo and Syran Mbenza, who came together in 2001 as members of Kékélé.

The group gained international recognition with albums such as Rumba Congo and Kinavana, highlighting the historic connections between Congolese and Cuban rumba. Interesting fact: Kékélés recording Conséquence was featured on Barack Obama’s 2021 summer playlist, bringing renewed global attention to the ensemble.

After the success of Kékélé each member continued pursuing their individual career for nearly two decades. They took part in iconic ensembles such as TPOK Jazz, Afrisa International, Orchestre Vévé, Lipua Lipua and Les Quatre Étoiles, collaborating with key figures including Franco Luambo Makiadi, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Papa Wemba, Sam Mangwana and Mbilia Bel. 

This year the members reunite on stage, bringing together over six decades of musical mastery! We are very proud to be part of this new chapter in Hertme with the international relaunch of Kékélé!

Line-up