Koffi Olomide

Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba, widely known as Koffi Olomidé, was born on July 13, 1956, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Renowned as a singer-songwriter, dancer, and producer, he is the founder of the influential music group Quartier Latin International. Often hailed as the 'King of Ndombolo', Koffi is celebrated for his powerful high notes and distinctive baritone voice, making him a pivotal figure in the landscape of 20th-century Congolese and African popular music.

Koffi's musical journey began as a ghostwriter in the Zairean music scene, but he rose to prominence in 1977 with the hit song 'Princesse ya Synza', featuring notable artists like Papa Wemba. In 1986, he established Quartier Latin International, which has been instrumental in launching the careers of many emerging artists. His innovative approach to music introduced the slower soukous style known as tcha tcho, while his flamboyant fashion sense contributed to the La Sape subculture alongside fellow artist Papa Wemba.

Throughout his illustrious career, Koffi has released thirty-two studio albums and eighteen live albums, showcasing a repertoire of over three hundred songs. His album 'Effrakata' earned him four Kora Awards in 2002, and he has been recognized by Forbes as one of Africa's forty most influential celebrities. In 2013, he founded his own label, Koffi Central, further solidifying his impact on the music industry.

In October 2015, Koffi released '13ième apôtre', a quadruple album that he initially claimed would be his last. However, he continued to create music, releasing 'Nyataquance' in 2017, 'Légende Éd. Diamond' in 2022, and 'Platinium' in 2024. By July 2025, he had achieved the remarkable feat of being the second most-streamed Congolese artist in France, a testament to his enduring legacy and influence.