Ivoirian singer Mula has released a song titled "Le fils de ma belle-mère" from her album Destiny, which was launched on October 16, 2026. The song features lyrics in Lingala, a language commonly associated with Congolese music. This move follows in the footsteps of fellow Ivoirian artist Josey, who had previously sung entirely in Lingala in her song "Jour J-0".
Josey's song "Jour J-0" was produced in collaboration with Congolese guitarist Flamme Kapaya, a former member of Werrason's orchestra. In an interview with Music in Africa, Josey explained that she was drawn to the musicality of the Lingala language and had made a promise to herself to sing in it at least once. Her decision to adopt the language has been seen as a nod to the rich musical heritage of the Congo.
The use of Lingala by non-Congolese artists is not a new phenomenon. The language has been popularized across many African countries, particularly in West Africa, through Congolese music genres such as rumba, soukous, and ndombolo. As a result, many music fans are familiar with Lingala, even if they do not speak it fluently. For the Congolese public, hearing artists from other countries sing in Lingala is seen as a form of recognition and appreciation for their cultural heritage.
The trend of non-Congolese artists singing in Lingala has been observed in recent times. Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage recently paid homage to Congolese music by dancing to "Eloko Oyo" by Fally Ipupa and requesting a Congolese name in Lingala. This demonstrates the growing influence of Congolese music across Africa and the willingness of artists from other countries to engage with and appreciate the culture.
Lingala is widely spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. Its popularity has spread to other West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, thanks to the popularity of Congolese music. The language has become an integral part of the region's musical identity, and its use by non-Congolese artists is seen as a sign of respect for the culture.
Mula's album Destiny, which features the Lingala song "Le fils de ma belle-mère", was released on October 16, 2026. The album is available on music streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Deezer. Josey's song "Jour J-0" and Mula's "Le fils de ma belle-mère" are examples of the growing trend of non-Congolese artists embracing Lingala in their music.
The use of Lingala by Ivoirian artists such as Mula and Josey highlights the cultural exchange and collaboration that exists between countries in the region. It also demonstrates the enduring influence of Congolese music on the African music scene. As African music continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how artists from different countries engage with and adopt each other's languages and musical styles.
Key points
- Ivoirian artists Mula and Josey have released songs featuring lyrics in Lingala, a language associated with Congolese music.
- The use of Lingala by non-Congolese artists is a nod to the rich musical heritage of the Congo and a sign of respect for the culture.
- The trend of non-Congolese artists singing in Lingala reflects the growing influence of Congolese music across Africa.
