As part of Black History Month, Rumbacom invites you to Rumba Divas, a concept by Monique Mbeka Phoba. Under the artistic direction of outstanding bass and contrabass player Philip Kanza, this concert celebrates the rich heritage of the great female voices of Congolese Rumba. This musical style was most recently recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

On stage, talented singers and ‘Rumba Divas’ Yemo Ifefo and Mi Nsingani will offer two unique and complementary representations of the place of women in this musical tradition.

They will be accompanied by a group of seasoned musicians: Alain Makaba and Costa Pinto on lead guitars, Junior Iloko on drums, Tister Ikomo Soyongo on percussion, and Philip Kanza on bass. Back-up singer EM-MA will be on hand to enhance the vocal harmonies on this exceptional evening.

Yemo Ifefo is a rising star full of energy. She mixes classical Rumba with contemporary music while staying true to the traditional rhythms of her Mongala roots. She lives in London but grew up in Brussels, where she came in contact with some of the city’s greatest beatmakers. These days, Yemo travels to Kinshasa regularly in preparation for the release of her debut album, Yemo. On March 16, with one exception, she will be performing her own repertoire.

Mi Nsingani caught the attention of Papa Wemba, Lokua Kanza and many other Congolese Rumba icons. She became a highly sought-after backing singer on their albums, and is famed for her sensitive and moving voice. In AB, Mi Nsingani will pay tribute to the great female voices of Rumba, performing songs by legendary artists like Jolie Detta, Mbilia Bel, Abeti and her mentor Papa Wemba.