Talabayi

The leading singer of “Mutuashi,” the Afro-Cuban-influenced dance music of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tshala Muana is known for her sensuous stage outfits and extremely sexy dancing. The Baluba folk music tradition has also played an important role in the development of Muana’s sound. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

From: Pan-African News Wire by Abayomi Azikiwe

TSHALA MUANA: A Musical and Political Biography From the Democratic Republic of Congo

Very few Congolese artists have made it from Le Belle Epoche to the present day Congolese music scene with their fan base still intact while also picking up new fans along the way.

Many have passed away, while others simply lost their popularity over the years as the music of the Congo continued to go through changes. Tshala Muana is one such artist who has stood the test of time. Not only has Tshala Muana wowed audiences for years with her music she has been a advocate for political and social change in the Congo and has even had to flea the country because of her views and political work.

She was born Elizabeth Tshala Muana on March 13, 1958, in the Kasai section of the Congo the 2nd of 10 children. As a child she was very much into dance and the music of her native Kasai. Once she completed secondary school her love for music and dance grew and she dreamed of bringing the unique sounds of Kananga (her native village) called MUTUASHI to other parts of the Congo and eventually the world….[MORE]

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