Syssi Mananga

My mum is Congolese and my dad is from Belgium. With a cultural identity split between Africa and Europe, my music is a fusion of styles, at the crossroads between Kongo rhythms, folk and pop. After I earned a scholarship to study in the US, I got hooked on jazz which has also infused my compositions. As a singer-songwriter, my songs are in Lingala, French & English. Aside from being a musician, I am a passionate development worker. In my songs, I like to tell stories inspired by my encounters on the job: from the absurdity of war seen through the eyes of a child soldier, through the hope of a village fisherman to provide for his kids, to the importance of protecting our environment. I am married to a wonderful Danish man, and together we have four kids. The ups and downs of our love story have inspired many of my love songs. They say I have a distinct powerful yet sensitive voice (which comes handy both to scold and to soothe my children!). I have been humbled to be the recipient of prestigious music awards (Winner of the 2019 Beyond Music Project, 2017 AFRIMMA Nominee, 2016 Kora Award and AFRIMA Award Nominee for Best Female Artist in Central Africa, 2013 Golden Tam-Tam (Congolese Music Award), Winner of Radio France International Talent Contest (2012)). My first album "Retour aux Sources" was released in 2012. Well, nine years and 4 kids later, I can't wait to share with you my new album "Mopepe Mama" in April 2021. www.syssimananga.com