Congolese music icon Awilo Longomba has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nigeria for embracing his music and propelling him to continental fame during the early 2000s.
The Makossa-inspired singer, whose energetic beats transcended language barriers, hailed Nigerians as “free-spirited people” with an unmatched love for good music.
“As an artist from a very small African country, I will always give Nigeria their flowers,” Awilo said. “If Nigerians like your music, you are bound to excel, and I am a beneficiary of that grace.”
Awilo reminisced about his historic concerts in Nigeria, where he sold out massive stadiums despite many in the audience not understanding the French and Lingala lyrics of his songs.
“The funny thing is that the majority of them don’t even understand what I’m saying, but when I watch them dance to ‘Bamukutu mukutu,’ bending their waists like playboys from Kinshasa, I just laugh,” he shared.
The Congolese star’s success in Nigeria was unprecedented. In 2000, he sold out the 45,000-capacity National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos—a record no artist has replicated to date.
He went on to fill the 22,000-capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu and the 30,000-capacity Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Taraba State, in 2003.
At the height of his popularity, Awilo was bigger in Nigeria than in his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His ability to connect with Nigerian audiences cemented his legacy as one of the hottest artists in Nigeria during that era.
“Nigeria welcomes every vibe so long as you have something good to offer,” Awilo concluded, celebrating the country’s openness to diverse music styles.
