Robinio Mundibu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
November 4, 1985
- Singer
- songwriter
- dancer
- record producer
Robinio Mundibu | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | El Généralissimo |
| Born | Mongala Akelembi November 4, 1985 |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments | Guitar, vocal |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Formerly of | Wenge Musica Maison Mère |
Mongala Akelembi (born 4 November 1985), professionally known as Robinio Mundibu, is a Congolese singer, songwriter and dancer. Akelembi began his career as a protégé of Do Akongo and later worked with Tutu Caludji, an ex-singer of Wenge Musica BCBG. In 2009, he joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère before going solo in 2014 with his debut singles "Vantard" and "Mbonzimbonzi".[1][2][3][4][5] The following year, Akelembi debuted four singles "Ye Yo Ok", "Etirette", "Zuwa", and "Compliqué".[2][1][3]
In 2016, he signed a record deal with French labels EPM and Cantos Music and dropped his six-track Extended Play (EP) Chiffre 9, which yielded the hits "4 Lettres" and "Tsha Nanu Boye".[2][1] Akelembi's follow-up hit "Misu Na Misu", released on 6 June 2019, catapulted him to stardom in Africa with over 30 million views on YouTube.[6][7] On 26 May 2021, he premiered his EP Noir et Blanc.[8][9]
Mongala Akelembi was born on 4 November 1985, in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).[2][1] In 2000, he obtained a state diploma in electrical engineering. Although he continued practicing the same job, he became interested in music after being bedazzled by Wenge Musica, Wenge Musica Maison Mère, and Quartier Latin International.[2][4][1]
In 2002, Akelembi encountered Do Akongo, a former member of Quartier Latin International, who was departing from the band to establish his own orchestra.[2] Recalling the encounter in an interview with Pan African Music, Akelembi stated, "I visited his home while he was rehearsing with his musicians, and we had a conversation... Despite my lack of experience, he agreed to take me on."[2] After four years of refining his skills in Congolese rumba, Akelembi left the orchestra in pursuit of a group offering better remuneration and more visibility to its artists.[2][1][10] He then attempted to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère and Quartier Latin International but failed the selection test.[2]
In 2006, Akelembi crossed paths with Tutu Caludji, a former member of Wenge Musica who was establishing his ensemble after departing from the band.[2] During his audition, he sang and danced, earning the nickname "Robinio", a nod to the Brazilian footballer Robinho.[2] He then started working on Caludji's forthcoming record. However, Caludji's departure to Paris for a two-year album finalization left the band bereft of leadership and pecuniary sustenance. Akelembi began his quest to join Wenge Musica Maison Mère.[2] He financed televised and radiated performances to attract attention as an unaffiliated artist seeking a group to join.[2] In 2009, he successfully joined Wenge Musica Maison Mère and made substantial contributions to the band's forthcoming album, Techno Malewa Sans Cesse, Vol. 1. Shortly thereafter, he adopted the stage name "Mundibu," which ultimately culminated in the full name "Robinio Mundibu".[2]